Syed Nooruzzaman, a veteran journalist and columnist, has been focusing extensively on the West Asian countries, and also on Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan. In this book, he has put together his features and articles and columns of the last over two decades, focusing on the
situation in Afghanistan. A book review by Humra Quraishi
Title of the book- A Chessboard Called Afghanistan- Moves and Counter-Moves
Author- Syed Nooruzzaman
Publisher – The New Thinker Media Trust
Pages – 81
Price –Rs 250
As you’d grasp by the number of pages to this book that it’s a slim book yet contains a wide range of details to the situation in Afghanistan. It could be termed useful for researchers and students and, of course, readers keen to delve deep into the turmoil the country has been facing because of the international intrusions.
Syed Nooruzzaman, a veteran journalist and columnist, has been focusing extensively on the West Asian countries, and also on Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan. And in this book, he has put together his features and articles and columns of the last over two decades, focusing on the situation in Afghanistan.
This book does provide some very basic facts together with the complex build-ups, in the changing, if not already changed world order. The grim reality is all out there; the impact of the deadly intrusions of the international powers and superpowers, on this country and its people. One of the most telling reality is in the form of casualties. Deaths and more deaths of human lives and livelihoods and aspirations, and also of the traditional-cultural patterns and much more along the strain.
To quote political columnist, A.J.Philips from his foreword to this book, “Nooruzzaman’s writings unveil the struggles faced by the Afghans as they navigate the treacherous waters of a rapidly evolving political landscape. He skillfully highlights the challenges inherent in transplanting a foreign democratic framework onto a society known for its deeply entrenched cultural and tribal dynamics. Through his keen observations, the author reveals the delicate balance between progress and preservation, shedding light on the tensions that arise when ancient traditions collide with modern aspirations. He takes us beyond the headlines, exposing the intricate web of geopolitical interests and regional rivalries that have shaped Afghanistan’s destiny. His writing are a poignant reminder that the Afghan people are not mere pawns on the global chessboard but also the bearers of a rich heritage and vision for their own future.”
Though there’s that heavy overdose of the vested interests playing havoc in Afghanistan, with trickle down aftermath all around, but there seems no way out from the dead end! Yes, it’s a rather dismaying situation for the Afghans. Vulnerable people and their homeland used as a base by the vested powers! Call it a tragedy heaped on the Afghans by the political manipulators on the international level, hell bent on destroying an age old civilization… ruining civilians and an entire civilization with their expansionist policies and plans, with their modern day political intrigues and manipulations and master plans!
