Rating: 
Summary: A decent book on Pakistan
Review: It is interesting to see the reviews of this book on this site, especially by the Indian from Santa Clara entitled 'Hell on Earth'. People like him must try to understand that to market her book, Mary Anne Weaver has to create as much hype as possible and relate everything in Pakistan to Islamic extremism and militant activities because that is what sells in a post 9/11 world. People are concerned about militant activities by radical muslims, and they want to learn as much as they can about the fundamentalism phenomenon. Take a look at the editorial review on www.Amazon.com and you will understand my point.
This book does deal in detail about Pakistan's militant activities, but it also deals with other issues like democracy, Kashmir, and other domestic issues.
Lastly, the Indian from Santa Clara must understand that anyone can portray any country in a number of different ways.Just like Pakistan can be portrayed as Hell on Earth, India or any other country can be portrayed as Hell. For example, I can portray India as a country that aspires to become a regional bully.India's meddling in Pakistan's affairs,ranging from East Pakistan's secession to anti-Pakistan activities in Sind and Baluchistan, add to that numerous terrorist acts within Pakistan by agents of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), India's bullying of Bangladesh on the demarcation of the Indo-Bangla border, India's meddling in the civil war of Sri Lanka, for which Rajiv Gandhi paid the price with his life, are all examples of this. India's human rights record is nothing to be proud of. The recent Gujarat riots speak for themselves. It is a well established fact that it was the Hindu Kar Sevaks who started the fight on Godhra, and what followed was a massacre of Indian Muslim citizens by crazed Hindu fanatics led by the Chief Minister Modi. We all know about the much publicized attack in January of 1999 in which an Australian missionary and his children were burnt alive by Hindu radicals. The list can go on and on. But that is not the point. I did not intend this to be an anti-India ranting. My point is that the people of India and Pakistan should learn from each other's experiences and mistakes.Poverty is widespread in both India and Pakistan, and together with Bangladesh, we are home to the poorest of humanity. The poor in both India and Pakistan will favor peace if it guarantees them food and housing.The millions that India and Pakistan waste in the snow-clad peaks of Siachen can be used to do much good in both countries. Finally, the people of both countries must understand that their destinies are inter-twined, and with nuclear weapons now in the equation, there is no way both countries can win a military conflict, a war in the sub-continent will mean a nuclear holocaust. Unfortunately, the hawks in both countries( and there are many of them) hate each other very much, and the voices of reason are stifled by their rants.
Both India and Pakistan can learn from each other.Instead of criticizing each other at all times, we must help each other with our problems and work for the common people in both countries. I favor peace between both countries and realize that painful compromises have to be made by both countries. But for the sake of the poor of our countries, we must make these compromises and have the courage to admit our mistakes. The borders of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh are stained with blood.These people who all died for our countries died for something they believed in.They gave their today for our tomorrow. So that we can build a better future for ourselves. They died in the belief that one day, no more Indians and Pakistanis would have to fight each other, they died in the belief that one day, we will realize the futility of war and conflict.We have yet to realize this futility.Indians and Pakistanis have to forgive each other for their mistakes, even though they may not forget them. It is time that we, the people of India and Pakistan stop living in our tragic past and move on to build a better future.
Rating: 
Summary: Wonderful Introduction based on experience
Review: Much has been written about Pakistan since September 11th. But as Ms. Weaver points out in her wonderful book about the only Islamic Republic in the world, much harm could have been avoided if only we were more aware of this country and its problems BEFORE the terrorist attacks. Weaver's experiences as a journalist in this country form the basis and the strength of this book. Having covered this country for two decades, she provides a depth of experience in tracing the recent social and political ills of this nation. Her basic thesis is simple and seems chillingly accurate given current events. She convincingly states the case that U.S. foreign policy set up the country for much of its woes by at first supporting Islamic violent jihad in Afghanistan in the 80's, then abandoning the country completely after the Soviets withdrew and the Cold War ended. While it would be unfair not to assign some responsibility for their current predicament on the Pakistanis themselves, especially their failure to achieve economic growth and political stability, Ms. Weaver's writings on how the situation in Afghanistan destabilized Pakistan to the point where it is now practically as ungovernable as its neighbor is well taken. Of course, other nations in the region can share the blame for this as well. The chapters on rich Gulf Arab states and the conflict with India in Kashmir are particularly revealing to see how this country has been neglected by other muslim nations and neglected by the United Nations which has been horribly inept in dealing with Kashmir problem. (One can make a convincing argument that Kashmir is the U.N's greatest failure, but that's for another book). Also, the chapter on the Saudi Bird Hunting parties should be read by anyone with an interest in the Middle East. I heartily recommend this book for anyone traveling to Pakistan, and wishes to learn a bit about this country prior to their visit. It's very well written and succinct. Overall an excellent read.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Introduction based on experience
Review: Much has been written about Pakistan since September 11th. But as Ms. Weaver points out in her wonderful book about the only Islamic Republic in the world, much harm could have been avoided if only we were more aware of this country and its problems BEFORE the terrorist attacks. Weaver's experiences as a journalist in this country form the basis and the strength of this book. Having covered this country for two decades, she provides a depth of experience in tracing the recent social and political ills of this nation. Her basic thesis is simple and seems chillingly accurate given current events. She convincingly states the case that U.S. foreign policy set up the country for much of its woes by at first supporting Islamic violent jihad in Afghanistan in the 80's, then abandoning the country completely after the Soviets withdrew and the Cold War ended. While it would be unfair not to assign some responsibility for their current predicament on the Pakistanis themselves, especially their failure to achieve economic growth and political stability, Ms. Weaver's writings on how the situation in Afghanistan destabilized Pakistan to the point where it is now practically as ungovernable as its neighbor is well taken. Of course, other nations in the region can share the blame for this as well. The chapters on rich Gulf Arab states and the conflict with India in Kashmir are particularly revealing to see how this country has been neglected by other muslim nations and neglected by the United Nations which has been horribly inept in dealing with Kashmir problem. (One can make a convincing argument that Kashmir is the U.N's greatest failure, but that's for another book). Also, the chapter on the Saudi Bird Hunting parties should be read by anyone with an interest in the Middle East. I heartily recommend this book for anyone traveling to Pakistan, and wishes to learn a bit about this country prior to their visit. It's very well written and succinct. Overall an excellent read.
Rating:
Summary: Scary premise
Review: PAKISTAN IN THE SHADOW OF JIHAD AND AFGHANISTAN is a frightening series of essays written by New Yorker foreign corespondent Mary Anne Weaver over a country that she has covered for the past two decades. Ms. Weaver makes a power case that the United States and the world need to pay attention to this nation that the author says could easily disintegrate into Yugoslavia with nuclear weapons. Though some of the writings seem to ramble, for the most part readers obtain an in-depth look at a potentially troubled country including the American role in building up the region's Jihad philosophy in the 1980s and now. The writings also provide a deep look at past leaders and the recently headlined president (that is the most interesting inclusions). Bottom line is that Ms. Weaver shouts the alarms as she concludes that if the Islamic extremists defeat General Musharraf, President Bush's war on terrorism turns nearly impossible to win. This easy to read pick up and put down glimpse of a nation that could push the world one step beyond the brink. Harriet Klausner
Rating: 
Summary: Considers its pivotal role in world politics
Review: Pakistan is both a terrorist haven, a den of corruption, and the probable battlefront of Islamic terrorists. This report considers its pivotal role in world politics, blending a history of the country through two decades of eyewitness reporting with portraits of its leaders. Pakistan In The Shadow Of Jihad And Afghanistan is an excellent source for any seeking an understanding of the history and politics of modern Pakistan.
Rating:
Summary: Sparkling essays give human face to Pakistan's decline
Review: The sparkling essays that comprise this wonderful book seem unrelated yet all are intimately connected. This eyewitness account does more to explain the hell that bred al-Qaeda and other Islamist terrorists than do ponderous works by historians, theologians, and other outsiders. Beautifully written, Mary Anne Weaver's narrative is part Paul Theroux travelogue, part Truman Capote celebfest, and part Bernard Lewis study of the Middle East. Weaver enlightens and informs the reader on a human level that is sorely missing elsewhere. Pakistan: In the Shadow of Jihad and Afghanistan is subtle and powerful at the same time. A territorial leader fears his isolated province may erupt into violence. "The price of a bullet is one rupee; the price of an egg is two rupees," he explains to Weaver. Newly elected Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto asks to join Pakistan's president at prayers. He declines because she is a woman. The relationship between the two soon-to-be-ex-leaders couldn't be better explained. Pakistani wildlife authorities assist wealthy Arab sheihks in the decimation of the local houbarb bustard population. In an essay obstensibly about billionaires who roam the desert with falcons in Mercedes in search of their prey, it becomes apparent Saudi Arabia has gladly financed many unseemly aspects of Pakistani society. Kashmiris find themselves flooded with ISI-inspired Islamic nationalists although the people in that troubled province only want a multi-ethnic state, a native explains. The CIA supplies Osama bin Laden and the other mujahideen against the Soviets although there is a 30 to 50 percent "slippage" in arms. The word "slippage" seems more appropriate to clothing lost to shoplifters than to shoulder-held surface to air missiles that now menace commercial airlines. Weaver covers the jihad against the Soviets in Afghanistan and chronicles the present day war against al-Qaeda. Both conflicts originated in Pakistan, fueled by indigenous Islamist hatred and funded by Saudi money (which raises the question, "with friends like these...."). Along the way Weaver meets the territorial leaders, mullahs, prime ministers, and everyday citizens who transform Pakistan from a bastion of nationalistic fervor into a state sponsor of religious terrorism (and perhaps the most dangerous nuclear power on the planet). How any American, let alone a woman, bagged as many interviews as Weaver did, and how she navigated some of the most dangerous territory in this misogynistic land, remains a mystery. Weaver acts as if her adventures in the darkest reaches of Pakistan were the most natural travels imaginable, and perhaps for her they were. Her journeys certainly serve the reader well. I highly recommend this book whether you want to enjoy some brilliant writing or learn more about Pakistan and terrorism. As Weaver demonstrates, the two don't have to be mutually exclusive.
Rating:
Summary: UGLIEST TRUTHS about Pakistan
Review: This book is the boldest attempt by Mary Anne to warn the world of the perils of ignoring the present situation in Pakistan.
The pakistani economy is in shambles and Islamic extremism is on rise. MMA is in power in 2 states close to Afganistan and helping the residual Taliban agents. They are also trying to enforce Shariah which will push us back. We in Pakistan are being offended everyday by every country and its representatives who come here. This is fueling the extremism and I am afraid that within a few years Pakistan will become afganistan. I was realy offended when I read about the way Anthony Zinni gave Gen. Karamat a 10 minutes notice of the in-coming missiles fired by US warships. The story of Musharaff pushing Pakistan into Kargil war and subsequent defeat of Pakistan is something every Pakistani will be ashamed of. It is also frustrating to know that Mary anne found no positive points such as Pakistan's REMARKABLE ROLE as US ally in War on Terror. Without Pakistani help it would have been very difficult to fight it out.
Rating:
Summary: up close and personal
Review: Up close and personal -- terrific intro to the country.
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