Descent into Chaos: The Worlds Most Unstable Region and the Threat to Global Security

Compulsively readable Justin Marozzi, Evening StandardProfound and lively . . . it reads like a thriller . . . graphic, detailed and worrying Michael Fathers, New StatemanThe war on terror is being lost - but not just in Iraq. As this devastating book shows, the real crisis zone now lies in central Asia. Veteran reporter Ahmed Rashid has unparalleled access to the region and knows its leading players, from presidents to warlords. Here he documents how closely Pakistans US-backed regime is linked with extremists; how broken promises in Afghanistan have led to a resurgent Taliban fed by drugs money; and how the largest landmass in the world is now a breeding ground for terrorism. In this story of squandered opportunities, misguided alliances and double-dealing, Rashid pinpoints with chilling accuracy where the true threat to our global security comes from.- Gripping . . . a major contribution to understanding the region and the events of recent years . . . thought-provoking and important- Jason Burke, Observer Pakistans best and bravest reporter- Christopher Hitchens His knowledge of events and people there is second to none and the information he has gathered, often at great personal risk, makes alarming reading- Kim Sengupta, Independent A superbly researched account of post-9/11 Asia . . . outstanding- Sameer Rahim, Daily Telegraph