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While not underestimating the oft-cited “ethnic factor” in Afghan politics, especially Pashtun dominance, Dorronsoro argues that class and the competition for employment and education are key factors in explaining the country’s past. The 1990s saw a confrontation between the educated and the religious authorities (the ulema) and the marginalisation of the traditional elites. Contrary to the glib optimism of world politicians, this conflict may periodically go into quite phases, but it has not ended. With coalition intervention and the subsequent deposition of the ulema-dominated Taliban government, the educated elites are back in power. However, as Dorronsoro argues, patching up the country by means of short-term ethnic alliances and a new division of the spoils will only perpetuate the schisms in society. He believes, on a very sounbd factual and analytical basis, that the Afghan civil war is set to continue and perhaps worsen over time, despite Western intervention since 9/11.
ISBN - 9781850657033
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