Afghanistan : a modern history : monarchy, despotism or democracy? : the problems of governance in the Muslim tradition / Angelo Rasanayagam.

Pt. 1. The building of the state. The 'Iron Amir': Abdur Rahman Khan (1880-1901) -- The Afghan monarchy -- Daoud's modernization programme and the Pashtunistan issue (1953-63) -- The democratic experiment (1963-1973) -- The abolition of the monarchy and the Daoud presidency (1973-78) -- part 2. The descent into civil war and anarchy. The 'Saur Revolution' (1978-79) -- Prelude to the Soviet invasion -- The Sovietization of Afghanistan (1979-89) -- Pakistan, the United States and the Afghan Resistance -- The Geneva Accords and the Soviet withdrawl -- part 3. The disintegration of the state. The fragmentation of Afghanistan -- Afghan Buzkashi: the players and the stakes (1989-98) -- Regional and international reactions and repercussions -- Pakistan and the Taliban -- The withered state (1996-2001) -- part 4. The rude awakening. Holy war, unholy terror -- Winning a war, building the peace.