The American War in Afghanistan by Carter Malkasian Summary
Overview of The American War in Afghanistan
Carter Malkasian's definitive chronicle of America's longest war reveals how domestic politics trumped military strategy in Afghanistan. Drawing from his experience as General Dunford's advisor, Malkasian exposes how the Taliban's religious narrative ultimately outmaneuvered America's trillion-dollar might.
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The Graveyard of Empires: Afghanistan's Defiant Legacy
Afghanistan's identity was forged through centuries of resistance to foreign invaders. From Alexander the Great to the British Empire and Soviet forces, Afghans have fiercely protected their independence. The celebrated epic "Hotaknama" commemorates victories against "infidels," while Ahmed Shah Durrani, who founded modern Afghanistan in 1747, explicitly warned his son never to give foreigners "any rights and way" in Afghan territory - advice that would prove prophetic. This resistance identity became intertwined with Islam, particularly the concepts of unity under God and defensive jihad against nonbelievers. Unlike Western perceptions of jihad as terrorism, Afghans historically viewed it as legitimate defense of their territory and way of life. These twin pillars - resistance to foreign domination and Islamic devotion - helped unite Afghanistan's diverse ethnic groups during times of external threat. Beneath this unifying framework, tribal identity remained powerful. Pashtuns organized around complex tribal structures and codes like Pashtunwali, while Tajiks and Hazaras identified more with regional communities. The Ghilzai-Durrani rivalry shaped centuries of Afghan politics, with Durranis maintaining royal authority until 1978 before Ghilzai leaders emerged dominant in both communist and Taliban regimes. Imagine a land where history isn't just studied but lived - where every mountain pass and village square holds stories of resistance against outsiders. This is the Afghanistan that America would encounter after 9/11, a place where foreign powers are eventually humbled, regardless of their military might or noble intentions.
From Civil War to America's War: The Taliban Era and 9/11 Response
Missed Opportunities: The Critical Early Years
The Taliban Resurgence: Phoenix from the Ashes
The Surge and Its Aftermath: America's Last Big Push
America's Longest War Ends: The Inevitable Conclusion
The Lessons We Failed to Learn
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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