Matthew Leeming

Ahmad Shah Massoud was Afghanistan’s best hope

The military commander had the power and vision to create a democratic structure for the country, says Sandy Gall, making his murder in 2001 all the more tragic

Ahmad Shah Massoud was the one man who could have ensured Afghanistan’s democratic future, according to Sandy Gall. [Getty Images] 
issue 11 September 2021

Ahmed Shah Massoud was described as ‘the Afghan who won the Cold War’. While famous in France (he was educated at the Kabul lycée, and the French saw him as the ultimate maquisard who drove a super-power out of his country), he is not a familiar figure in Britain. This book, a rich and detailed account of the travails and tragedy of Afghanistan between 1976 and Massoud’s murder in 2001, will correct that.

GIF Image

Disagree with half of it, enjoy reading all of it

TRY 3 MONTHS FOR $5
Our magazine articles are for subscribers only. Start your 3-month trial today for just $5 and subscribe to more than one view

Comments

Join the debate for just £1 a month

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for £3.

Already a subscriber? Log in