Pakistan on the Brink

The Future of America, Pakistan, and Afghanistan

De: Ahmed Rashid

Narrado por: Arthur Morey

What are the possibilities—and hazards—facing America as it withdraws from Afghanistan and reviews its long engagement in Pakistan? Where is the Taliban now in both of these countries? What does the immediate future hold, and what are America’s choices going forward? These are some of the crucial questions that Ahmed Rashid—Pakistan’s preeminent journalist—takes on in this follow-up to his acclaimed Descent into Chaos.

The escalation of the war in Afghanistan has deepened a long-standing crisis in its neighbor to the east. Pakistan’s political and military leadership has exhibited neither the courage nor the will to carry out major reforms in the country’s foreign and economic policies. The Pakistani state still fosters many extremist jihadi fighters, even as the Pakistani Taliban directly threaten that very state. Social services are near collapse, law enforcement is abysmal, economic hardship is widespread, natural disasters occur with little government assistance, and the majority of the population has no security. During the first years of the Obama administration, the critical U.S.-Pakistan relationship has been in a state of virtual meltdown. American strategy has reflected contradictory policies, intense political infighting, and uncertainty about U.S. aims in the region.

All parties to the conflict in Afghanistan and to the deterioration in Pakistan have made terrible mistakes, acting with arrogance, hubris, rigidity, and stubbornness. While struggles for democracy are occurring in countries that have hitherto known nothing but dictatorship, South and Central Asia, the birthplace of Al Qaeda, remains beset by extremist groups and nuclear weapons. Yet Afghanistan and Pakistan have a greater impact on global stability than anywhere else, and the decisions made by America and the West in the coming years about Pakistan will affect the security and safety of the world.

For three decades, Ahmed Rashid has reported, written, and spoken about the wars and political events he has witnessed and has been lauded internationally for his levelheaded, informed insights. As an up-to-date briefing from one of the world’s leading experts, and as an exhortation toward peace and understanding, Pakistan on the Brink is Rashid’s most urgent book.

©2012 Ahmed Rashid (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Great foundational book to understand Pakistan

Rashid's Pakistan is excellent for those seeking general political and social context of Pakistan. A few details won't convey the overall impressions that reading the book will. If you want to understand both the historical and modern tensions and forces that created Pakistan and it's collective public opinions, read this book.

Rashid's realist turn.

Where does Pakistan on the Brink rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

A good listen and mostly confirms what has been reported from various American and Pakistani sources. Rashid's dramatic advocacy of dealing with the Taliban is new and is in lieu of his recognition that the NATO alliance cannot remain in the region in its present from, it is too expensive and deeply unpopular at home. Furthermore, Afghans and Pakistanis have to lead the way for development, reconciliation, and political formation of their democracies to emerge in an evolutionary process that takes generations. It cannot be imposed from distant powers however powerful they may be.

Insightful & Truthful Book

Highly researched and deep.insight into
AF-PAK Region . Author presents some
Hard hitting "realities" not many people
are aware of. Surprisingly it has equal number
facts on US GOVT and its functioning in
the US Longest War of 20 years.

it first informs the readers with deep knowledge
then -it makes them think.

its a. Book which cannot be missed by anyone who
wishes to learn or educate himself/herself -or- function in South Asia -or- Central Asia.

Great Insight

What made the experience of listening to Pakistan on the Brink the most enjoyable?

The current assessment from somebody in the know.

What did you like best about this story?

The facts.

Have you listened to any of Arthur Morey’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No.

Any additional comments?

Had to read this after having read Ahmed Rashid“s

A Very Long NPR-like Interview and History Lesson

Would you try another book from Ahmed Rashid and/or Arthur Morey?

Maybe. I bought this audio book based on Ahmed Rashid being interviewed on NPR. The book is strong from a US point of view but weak (in terms of real insight) from a Pakistan point of view.

Would you recommend Pakistan on the Brink to your friends? Why or why not?

It is worthwhile listening to this audio book if you want a very good history lesson.

Which character – as performed by Arthur Morey – was your favorite?

None.

Could you see Pakistan on the Brink being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No not really. Maybe a PBS Frontline episode.