Magnificent Delusions

Pakistan, the United States, and an Epic History of Misunderstanding

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

Superb

Would you consider the audio edition of Magnificent Delusions to be better than the print version?

The audio was very well done. Vision problems have made the comparison a moot point.

What did you like best about this story?

It was comprehensive and unbelievably even-handed on an explosively sensitive subject.

Which character – as performed by Ralph Lister – was your favorite?

N.A. It was a first person account by the author.

If you could give Magnificent Delusions a new subtitle, what would it be?

I think the subtitle was quite apt.

Any additional comments?

The book was up to date, absorbing and surprisingly hopeful. Many years ago, I spent two years living in Pakistan as part of a medical research team. I have followed events very closely ever since then with a very skeptical eye. I always worried that the country might implode and drag the neighborhood and possibly the whole world down with it. Of course, Pakistan is not the only flash point; it's just one of the ones I am most familiar with. Additionally, I might add that the United States' involvement in that area of the world has been far from reassuring. The author's allusion to our mutual delusions is very well taken and very courageous.

Book review

A very objective description of relationship between two countries which tried to use each other.

Must read

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

Excellent book on US Pakistan relations

This is an excellent book on US Pakistan relations from the partition of India and the independence of Pakistan to the Cold War and the war on terrorism. India was central to Pakistani thinkers thinking while the Cold War and the war on terror was the priority for the Americans. The military civilian divide in Pakistan is always powerful as well as the personal chemistry between the various stakeholders. An excellent book.

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.