k ramesh,
I love your mind. You are, bar none the most brilliant great game strategist on the board. My hat's off to you. I feel like a mere knave of a tactician in your presence. Of course, I've only been obsessed by this region for a few weeks, so maybe I can catch up. Need somebody to carry your water over here, bwana? I'm you man, Kim.
The really funny thing to me is that Afghanistan has held its borders more or less intact since 1747. That is an extraordinary accomplishment, in view of the rampant efforts of outsiders to meddle and interfere. I'm quite impressed by the resiliency of the country, no matter how dysfunctional our Western press portrays it today. I guess the hashish and opium trade help. But what I've never quite been able to figure out is why the country was formed in its disparate tribal parts to begin with. Perhaps you can help me to understand. We have Pashtus, Hazaras, Uzbeks and Tajiks. How did they all get together in 1747, or were there migrations subsequent to the founding of the nation that overtook national boundaries as tribes spread their growing populations? Anyway, you seem to be the best person to address these questions to, since I know of not a single American who has a clue, save Karl Meyer and his wife who wrote "Tournament of Champions", a book I highly recommend to those who would like to get a flavor for the history of the Great Game. Anahoo, comments welcomed. And your plan really is brilliant. That is exactly why it will never be adopted.
Salaams, Ray |
