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From Indus to Oxus: A Memoir: Experiences, Observations and Travels in the Melting Pot of History
A memoir of the author's time in Afghanistan as part of the mujahideen resistance against the Soviet Union from 1986. The author is now a well-known Pakistani defence analyst.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
About the author
Zaid Hamid
13 books22 followersSyed Zaiduzzaman Hamid, better known as Zaid Hamid, is a Pakistani political commentator. His byline in newspaper articles has been Zaid Zaman.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 16, 2021
Zaid Hamid,the author is known for his unconventional and controversial,far-right views on Pakistani news channels,where anything goes.His red cap is distinctive,he is always in it,on TV.
This book is an account of his war experiences as a volunteer Pakistani fighter during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan during the 1980s.
He was an unpaid fighter,risking his neck as the war dragged on and on.He does take himself way too seriously,as if his presence there was making a huge difference !
He acknowledges that the Pakistani towns bordering Afghanistan were teeming with foreign,mostly Arab, fighters at the time.
These fighters were the darlings of the West at the time,particularly of the US,as they fought the Soviets.Many of them are buried on Afghanistan.
Their impact on Pakistan,in the years after 9/11 would be destructive as well.Many of them would be involved in terrorist attacks in Pakistan.Many would make the tribal areas their base of operations,no longer going back to their home countries.Now,they would no longer be the blue eyed boys of the US.
It was certainly a more interesting account than I expected,the author's controversial views and his exaggerated sense of his own importance notwithstanding.His vivid description of the battle scenes during the Soviet Afghan war is worth reading.
This book is an account of his war experiences as a volunteer Pakistani fighter during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan during the 1980s.
He was an unpaid fighter,risking his neck as the war dragged on and on.He does take himself way too seriously,as if his presence there was making a huge difference !
He acknowledges that the Pakistani towns bordering Afghanistan were teeming with foreign,mostly Arab, fighters at the time.
These fighters were the darlings of the West at the time,particularly of the US,as they fought the Soviets.Many of them are buried on Afghanistan.
Their impact on Pakistan,in the years after 9/11 would be destructive as well.Many of them would be involved in terrorist attacks in Pakistan.Many would make the tribal areas their base of operations,no longer going back to their home countries.Now,they would no longer be the blue eyed boys of the US.
It was certainly a more interesting account than I expected,the author's controversial views and his exaggerated sense of his own importance notwithstanding.His vivid description of the battle scenes during the Soviet Afghan war is worth reading.
June 10, 2019
Rubbish worth a dustbin, he didn't master English language when he was there in Afghanistan back in 80s. The goof authored when the material was sponsored to him in 2011.oh definitely its a book to be kept in a propaganda shelf.
June 15, 2015
Marvellous!
A very well written memoir that accurately depicts the life and struggles of the Afghan Mujahideen during Afghan-Soviet War. It is not only entertaining but also educational. After reading this book, you can understand the Afghanistan of today and the struggles that we are still going through. Common but grave misconceptions are cleared and one can truly appreciate the sacrifices of civilians and the fighters, that they gave to remain free.
This book made me realise that very heavy price is to be paid if the wrong decisions are made by the people with authority. Pakistan made mistakes after mistakes then, and we are still paying the price. And now again we are facing similar crisis and still mistakes are being made.
We can just hope for the best and do what we can in our meager capacities.
A very well written memoir that accurately depicts the life and struggles of the Afghan Mujahideen during Afghan-Soviet War. It is not only entertaining but also educational. After reading this book, you can understand the Afghanistan of today and the struggles that we are still going through. Common but grave misconceptions are cleared and one can truly appreciate the sacrifices of civilians and the fighters, that they gave to remain free.
This book made me realise that very heavy price is to be paid if the wrong decisions are made by the people with authority. Pakistan made mistakes after mistakes then, and we are still paying the price. And now again we are facing similar crisis and still mistakes are being made.
We can just hope for the best and do what we can in our meager capacities.
February 15, 2012
I would love to read this book
July 26, 2012
i am stunned. This book is a must read for everyone who wants to understand Afghanistan, the current war, and Global super powers at play. i am short of words. i just finished this book. i may write a proper and detailed review later on, and yeah this book also showed me way to one of the greatest warriors of current time. Ahmed Shah Masood.
must read.
must read.
June 7, 2013
interesting in parts...
April 16, 2017
The most amazing and authentic book regarding Afghan Jihad and the agenda of western powers in Muslim Lands. The emotional and nostalgic memories from a nostalgic era.
November 9, 2020
I must say this book is a must read. Honorable Syed Zaid Hamid Sayyadi has written his memoirs with sheer passion and honesty. Very gripping. Dint exaggerated at all.
People in authority both in Govt and Armed Forces Pakistan should learn some serious lessons from this book. The loss of brave Mujahid who crushed Soviets Ahmed Shah Masood Sb is so big that we can see our region is bleeding. Baba Iqbal very rightly said Afghanistan is the heart of Asia, Fasad in Afg would be ultimate destruction of entire region. Now we are witnessing this with our own eyes! Yet some liberals who doesn’t know the difference between puppet regime of Kabul Govt, RAW backed Khuwarijs of TTP and most passionate Mujahids of TTA.. they utter nonsense and say it was historic blunder for Pakistan to fight a war with freedom fighters of TTA against Soviets. Anyone with vision, faith and patriotism in their heart can understand that it was victorious event.. tale of selfless passion and unprecedented courage of all those young heros who took the revenge of 1971 from Soviets.
Stay blessed Syed Zaid Hamid Sayyadi and all Mujahideens. We are indebted. With Allah (SWT)’s grace we will not let sacrifice of you all go in vain. InshAllah khair!
People in authority both in Govt and Armed Forces Pakistan should learn some serious lessons from this book. The loss of brave Mujahid who crushed Soviets Ahmed Shah Masood Sb is so big that we can see our region is bleeding. Baba Iqbal very rightly said Afghanistan is the heart of Asia, Fasad in Afg would be ultimate destruction of entire region. Now we are witnessing this with our own eyes! Yet some liberals who doesn’t know the difference between puppet regime of Kabul Govt, RAW backed Khuwarijs of TTP and most passionate Mujahids of TTA.. they utter nonsense and say it was historic blunder for Pakistan to fight a war with freedom fighters of TTA against Soviets. Anyone with vision, faith and patriotism in their heart can understand that it was victorious event.. tale of selfless passion and unprecedented courage of all those young heros who took the revenge of 1971 from Soviets.
Stay blessed Syed Zaid Hamid Sayyadi and all Mujahideens. We are indebted. With Allah (SWT)’s grace we will not let sacrifice of you all go in vain. InshAllah khair!
September 19, 2020
very book book if you are interested in Afghan Jihad and what happened to it. This book will help you to understand current situation and politics of Afghanistan.
Some first hand information that you may not get from any other book.
Some first hand information that you may not get from any other book.
November 26, 2020
Too many exaggerations.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews