Abstract: "Reaping the Whirlwind provides the first comprehensive profile of the Taliban in the twenty-first century. Drawing on numerous interviews with key protagonists, conducted over a period of several years, Michael Griffin provides a fascinating eyewitness account of the Afghan conflict. He explains the origins and beliefs of the Taliban movement, its religious and political ethos, and the character of its particular brand of so-called Islamic fundamentalism. Crucially, he examines the controversial nature of the Taliban's international links with the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and other vested interests. Griffin also explores the Taliban's connections with Osama bin Laden, drug barons and drug dealers, and the CIA's ambiguous relationship with what is often viewed as an international Islamist conspiracy." "Situated between Asia, the Middle East and the former Soviet states, Afghanistan has historically fulfilled the role of an artifical 'buffer state'. Resource rich and strategically important, it has been of particular interest since the end of the Cold War to Saudi Arabia, Russia, Pakistan and the United States, as well as to drug barons, arms dealers and oil corporations. Afghanistan's unstable and problematic history has been further complicated in recent years by the emergence of the Taliban - perhaps the most conservative and least understood Islamic movement in the world."--Jacket.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 258-277) and index.

Contents: 1. Killing of Najibullah 1 -- 2. City of Night 17 -- 3. Warriors of God 33 -- 4. Mission to Cleanse 53 -- 5. Burning Down the House 69 -- 6. Zahir Option 85 -- 7. River Between 101 -- 8. New Emirates 114 -- 9. Nest of Vipers 128 -- 10. Oblivion's Feast 141 -- 11. Hostages 157 -- 12. Ignoble Grave 174 -- 13. A Fistful of Dollars 194 -- 14. Satellites and Stars 211 -- 15. Bicycle Thieves 225 -- 16. Mr Sam & the Food and Beverage Industry 239 -- Principal Characters 253.

English