Afghanistan

Afghanistan is one of the least economically developed countries in the world. The economy is based on agriculture, but much of the land suitable for farming has been damaged by drought, deforestation, and war. Many farmers resort to the illegal growing of poppies to produce heroin for export. After Soviet troops invaded Afghanistan in 1979, the country endured many years of civil war. An extreme Islamic organization called the Taliban took control in 1996, but was defeated in 2001 by a US-led force. Fighting has continued between the new government, along with its international allies, and Taliban groups. It will be hard for Afghanistan to develop economically until peace is achieved.

Children's Literature

Surrounded by six different countries and dominated by rugged, mountainous landscapes, Afghanistan is a country whose history is plagued by conflict. From the ancient empires of Persia and Alexander the Great, through the Mongols led by Genghis Khan, the territory now known as Afghanistan has seen centuries of battle. Modern times are no exception, as warfare has beleaguered Afghanistan even in the 21st century. This title, part of the "Changing World" series, is a traditional study of a country in that it includes information about the geography, history, people, products and social customs of the people. Yet the thread of devastation that runs through this book makes it a difficult book to read. Nicola Barber shares information about the rise and fall of the Taliban in an even tone while providing an unflinching look at the bleak realities of life in a country where decades of conflict decimated the infrastructure; ultra-conservative Islamic religious customs prevent many girls and women from being educated or participating in public life. Drought, deforestation, pollution, continued violence and an economy fueled by the drug trade make Afghanistan extremely unstable. Bright illustrations, historical and modern photographs, maps, charts and sidebars convey a wealth of information. A table of contents, historical timeline, glossary, additional resources and an index make this book easy to use and ideal for student projects. Considering the long-standing involvement the United States has with Afghanistan and the fact that most students have heard of this country regularly, this particular title is a critically important purchase for schools libraries. Reviewer: Keri Collins Lewis