Visit War-Torn Afghanistan

I Is for Infidel: From Holy War to Holy Terror: 18 Years Inside Afghanistan by Kathy Gannon

Kathy Gannon's I Is for Infidel: From Holy War to Holy Terror: 18 Years Inside Afghanistan, is the product of nearly 20 years of experience as the Associated Press correspondent in the remote, mountainous country that has played such a central role in the world dramas of that time. From the last days of the Soviet occupation and the victory of the mujahedeen in the '80s to the rise of the Taliban and the American invasion following 9/11, Gannon tells her eyewitness story of Afghanistan's turbule...

Ghost Wars: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden, from the Soviet Invasion to September 10, 2001 by Steve Coll

Steve's book is a rarity because it is the first book to pull all the threads together that help us understand the roots of the current anti-terror war. It is a gentle collection of fact and anecdotes, written in great, critical detail. Currently with the New Yorker and formerly of the Washington Post, Steve has a credibility that comes from years of experience in South Asia and Washington.

The Black Tulip: A Novel of War in Afghanistan by Milt Bearden

Milt Bearden spent 30 years in the CIA and ran the CIA operations in Afghanistan. He has the inside story of the CIA's involvement in Afghanistan, but even more, Milt has an understanding of the complicated mix that reflects this region. He knows the Afghan Pashtuns. He knows the warlords. He knows the Pakistan military. He knows who did what during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. He can tell the reality from the myth. It's a good read, good story and good details.

Bush at War by Bob Woodward

What is particularly important about this book is that it reveals the thought process that went into U.S. administration decisions after Sept. 11, 2001. Woodward's quotations from 50 National Security Council meetings give insight into the thinking that led up to the attacks on Afghanistan, but more importantly they show the relationship between the U.S. administration and Afghan President Hamid Karzai at the time. (There was no relationship.) Here's an interesting look at the "mission" the U.S....

Charlie Wilson's War: The Extraordinary Story of How the Wildest Man in Congress and a Rogue CIA Agent Changed the History of Our Times by George Crile

George Crile has a real handle on the genesis of the U.S. involvement in Afghanistan following the invasion of the country by the former Soviet Union. Crile's brilliant portrait of Charlie Wilson's maverick personality has us oscillating between love and hate. Crile shows us how Wilson managed to get millions of dollars to support the mujahedeen of the 1980s, many of whom are causing the trouble today.

The Lion's Grave: Dispatches from Afghanistan by Jon Lee Anderson

Jon Lee writes with a style and grace that captivates the reader, breathing life into a region and people that we too often profile as backward tribespeople and fail to get to know. Jon Lee Anderson gets to know them.

The Afghanistan Wars by William Maley

For a historical perspective, this is the book. William Maley looks at Afghanistan's troubled history and violent past and tries to make sense of it. Maley has the perspective of someone who understands war, and its military consequences.

Under a Sickle Moon: A Journey Through Afghanistan by Peregrine Hodson

The joy of Peregrine Hodson's writing is his depth of feeling for the people of Afghanistan. He has great perspective on the recent history since he first crossed from Pakistan to Afghanistan in 1984. His book, written in 2002, tries to make sense of a complicated country, but more, it reflects an understanding of the people that few other books have.

The Media and the War on Terrorism

This book isn't exclusively about Afghanistan but itis important because it gives us a thoughtful look at what the media is reporting post-Sept. 11, 2001. This is critical for us to think about because the media creates the collective consciousness that allows us to or prevents us from moving forward in a difficult and complicated world. You might not agree with what is said in this book, but it will provoke your own thinking about the news, images, and points of view we receive from the media.

Imperial Hubris: Why the West Is Losing the War on Terror by Michael Scheuer

While I have trouble when a writer chooses to remain anonymous, because it is then impossible to hold him or her accountable, this particular book, which was originally credited to 'Anonymous', provides such insight that I'll make an exception to the rule. This book dissects attempts of U.S. leaders to convince the world of the success in fighting al Qaeda, showing how the war is being lost and how the information that is coming out is suspect at best, outright lies at worst. It is a vital addit...

Before Taliban: Genealogies of the Afghan Jihad by David B. Edwards

Sad to say, too many people now have the confused impression that all the wrong that has befallen Afghans and their nation is the fault of the Taliban, that they somehow embodied the worst of the country. Through profiling three Afghan individuals, David Edwards attempts to explain how the vibrant nation that was Afghanistan in the 1960s crumpled into the present tragedy it is today.

Afghanistan and Surrounding Territory Map by GiziMap

At a scale of 1:3,000,000 (1" to 47 miles) this map shows all of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan and other border regions. Hysometric color shading depicts elevation. Fully indexed, the map shows roadways, and tracks, railways, distances, airports, cities and natural features.

Believe it or not, good maps seem to be in short supply.

U.S. Army Special Forces Handbook by Department of the Army

Afghanistan needs thousands more SOF troops than are available. Just having the manual is no substitute for the actual training, of course, but it couldn't hurt.

Pashto Dictionary & Phrasebook: Pashto-English English-Pashto (Hippocrene Dictionary & Phrasebooks) (Hindi Edition) by Nicholas Awde, Asmatullah Sarwan

Pashto, also known as Pakhto, Pakhtu, or Pushto, is one of the official languages of Afghanistan and is also spoken in the neighboring Northwest Frontier Province of Pakistan. This two-way dictionary and travel-oriented phrasebook is an essential communication tool, particularly in the more remote Pashto-speaking regions.

• Romanized for English speakers
• 5,000 total entires
• Basic Pashto grammar
• Practical cultural information
• Perfect for travelers, businesspersons, and foreign aid workers

Jack Link's Beef Jerky, Original, 1.8-Ounce Bags (Pack of 8)

I'm not sure why jerky is so popular, maybe it's more for the friendly Pashtun.

adidas Men's 6-Pack Crew Athletic Socks

If you've ever had to endure cold, wet feet for any length of time, you understand this one.

Party String 3.5oz can 500 feet! Silly String

3.5 oz can various colors shoots over 500feet of silly string!

Detects trip wires.