Afghanistan: Lifting the Veil

After decades of bloodshed and turmoil, the scarred nation of Afghanistan is facing up to the colossal task of rebuilding. In a compelling narrative with vivid images and words from Reuters journalists, this book charts the Afghan struggle through the Soviet occupation, during the harsh rule of the Taliban, and into what President George W. Bush called "the first war of the 21st century." The book describes the "Great Game" that the big powers played with Afghanistan and includes a section of previously unpublished war photography from the Soviet era. Award-winning Reuters photographers capture images ranging from soldiers in the heat of battle and the misery of the refugee camps to the joy of children returning to school and flying kites in life after the Taliban. With unmatched insight and balance, seasoned Reuters correspondents look at why Osama bin Laden chose Afghanistan for his al Qaeda training camps and why the Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar chose to shelter him. In other sections, the book looks at the fresh start that the fall of the Taliban gave to Afghan women and the challenges and the hope that lie ahead for the impoverished nation. For Afghanistan, it is an uncertain awakening. About ReutersReuters operates the largest news agency network in the world and is recognized as one of the leading providers of text, video, graphics, and news pictures. With some 2,500 journalists, photographers, and TV professionals based in 190 cities all over the world, Reuters covers the news as it breaks. Relying on a 150-year-old reputation for accuracy, speed, and freedom from bias, Reuters transmits between two- and two-and-a-half-million words daily in 23 languages. This book is a collection of the best Reuters images and writings on Afghanistan, ranging from the Soviet occupation to the U.S.-led war against the Taliban and Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda network.Reuters Staff is the author of 'Afghanistan: Lifting the Veil' with ISBN 9780130479518 and ISBN 0130479519.