• Magnificent Delusions

  • Pakistan, the United States, and an Epic History of Misunderstanding
  • By: Husain Haqqani
  • Narrated by: Ralph Lister
  • Length: 14 hrs and 23 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (231 ratings)

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Magnificent Delusions

By: Husain Haqqani
Narrated by: Ralph Lister
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Publisher's summary

A character-driven history that describes the bizarrely ill-suited alliance between America and Pakistan, written by a uniquely insightful participant: Pakistan's former ambassador to the US.

The relationship between America and Pakistan is based on mutual incomprehension, and always has been. Pakistan - to American eyes - has gone from being a stabilizing friend to an essential military ally to a seedbed of terror. America - to Pakistani eyes - has been a guarantee of security, a coldly distant scold, an enthusiastic military supplier and ally, and now a threat to national security and a source of humiliation.

In their sixty-five year relationship, one country has become a global superpower, the other perilously close to a failed state - perhaps one of the most dangerous places in the world.

Husain Haqqani has a unique insight into Pakistan, hishomeland, and America, where he was the Pakistani ambassador and is now a professor at Boston University. His life has mapped the relationship of Pakistan and America, and he has found himself often close to the heart of it - sometimes in very confrontational circumstances, even under house arrest - which has allowed him to write the story of the two countries' turbulent affair, here memorably laid bare.

©2013 Hussani Haqqani (P)2013 Blackstone Audiobooks
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

What listeners say about Magnificent Delusions

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It it Delusions or Sleeping with the Enemy

Any additional comments?

I opted to read this book with some skepticism - bordering prejudice - because of the author's switching sides between the two major polarized political parties of Pakistan. Not just that, he orchestrated his career so well that he enjoyed an ambassadorial position with each of the government in power. His standing was further compromised for his alleged involvement in writing a letter to Admiral Mullen to save Pakistan's democracy. I must hasten to add though that by the time I finished this book I was convinced that Mr. Haqqani wrote this book objectively and did not let his personal political life and ambitions eclipse writing about the thorny subject of US-Pakistan relationship.

I read (rather listened) this book for the very purpose of learning more about this sensitive relationship between the two countries that keeps swinging between the two extremes. Mr. Haqqani did a very good job by narrating this long saga (from 1947 to date) with details, facts and research. It sounds true and accurate and I find no reasons to suspect otherwise.
This comment is not a reflection on the book but I felt deeply embarrassed and belittled reading that Pakistan picked up the begging bowl right from its inception and never made a sincere effort to let go off it. Even the previous President, Mr. Zardari, was singing the same song – this time under the tune of a Marshall Plan. I wonder if the author, then an ambassador in US, had anything to orchestrate its melody. An irony again that after more half a century Pakistan and US relationship remains uncertain as ever, in that, they are neither trustworthy friends nor arch rivals.

This comment is essentially about its audio book version. I am not sure if the audio book version was somewhat flawed in the chronology but a few events narrated seemed out of calendar sequence. Also the narration itself lacked in energy and style, hence provided for rather monotonous listening.

The book however has to be judged for the quality and accuracy of its content and it scores high marks on that score.

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4 people found this helpful

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Great book overall.

Although I personally don't like the author but this is a well-researched book and lays out history of delusions from both sides in a very interesting manner, explaining the basis of many conspiracy theories rampant in Pakistan.
It is well-written and well-narrated.

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Engaging but biased

Would you listen to Magnificent Delusions again? Why?

Provides a brief overview of the relationship between India and Pakistan over the years.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The story gets more engaging when the author becomes a first hand witness to events.

What about Ralph Lister’s performance did you like?

Overall good with some minor issues with pronouncing Pakistani names correctly

Any additional comments?

The book has a lot of substance and devotes adequate amount time to each phase in the history. It would've been better if the author laid emphasis on the dates a tad more.

The author however clearly has an American bias. He portrays them as innocent and sometimes even naive in dealing with the Pakistani deception. One can't give clean chit to the US for its involvement in the affairs of other countries.

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Informative but perhaps a bit biased

Pakistan is made the villain in this book. Interpretation is quite biased. Book tells a story of US being naive and constantly being fooled by the Pakistanis. Writer's biases come out given his personal experiences with the Pakistani government and military.

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PAKISTAN AND U.S. RELATIONS

Husain Haqqani, in “Magnificent Delusions”, recounts the history of Pakistan and its troubled relationship with the United States and India. Haqqani explains how nations act with delusion and misunderstanding. Ethnic diversity within nations makes speaking with one voice impossible. Consequent delusions and misunderstandings between nations foment arms escalation and international conflict.

Diplomatic policy and action are a reflection of what leaders can do within the framework of their respective governments and cultures. Haqqani infers that delusion and misunderstanding correlate with cultural ignorance; an ignorance that is endemic in nation-to-nation communication.

Haqqani was imprisoned for his efforts to remove the veil of obfuscation between the United States and Pakistan. He was eventually released by the Pakistani court system and allowed to leave Pakistan. “Magnificent Delusions” is a sad tale of a hard road Pakistan travels. It is a frightening explanation of growing terrorist potential of a country riven by social, economic, and ethnic conflict.

An ambassador that understands the culture of a country he/she is sent to is the greatest protection from delusion and misunderstanding between host and sponsor countries. “Magnificent Delusions” is an excellent primer for aspiring ambassadors.

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Excellent review of past and current state

Yes an excellent review,very engaging and informative book.Highly recommend it for every one. Thank you!

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Euphemism city

The author tends to excuse the abuses of militant Islam in the name of "misunderstanding". He does seem experienced and knowledgeable. But the approach seems overly biased, and not completely genuine.

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Showing a mirror

Mr. Haqqani’s book is an eye opener for any true Pakistani patriot. Forget all the lies you have been told and push for representative government that reflects the will of the common people, not the mullah or the generals.

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A must read!

Ambassador Haqqani has written one of the most candid books on Pakistan’s foreign policy. A must read!

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Must read

An eye opener that challenges various myths surrounding the US-Pak relationship over the years. Enjoy.

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