On the Grand Trunk Road: A Journey into South Asia

Steve Coll's book "On the Grand Trunk Road" reads like a Robert Ludlum novel interlaced with intrigue, deception and brute force. His investigative reporting and personal interviews with military generals, politicians and clerics, amid the violence, corruption and backstabbing were vividly described. He recounted the internecine wars that were being fought in villages and towns along the "Grand Trunk Road" where innocent people were its victims.India's multifaceted culture, including dialects, religion and ethnicities, was damaged by British colonialism and, in 1947, by the partitioning and its aftermath. The physical grouping of Hindus and Muslims, into two separate countries, continues to fester with religious and ethnic hatred spewing across borders, in all directions, which accounts for much of the animosity and venom depicted in his book.The book also describes the history of the Taliban and its relationship with the ISI and the Pakistani military, as well as the involvement of the CIA. Tribal sentiments account for the kindredness between groups in northern Pakistan and Afghanistan. Tribal laws were established in north Pakistan, where Afghan fundamentalist groups reside, conducting raids against other tribes with impunity, notwithstanding the sovereignty of the state and its military presence. In an effort to support the war in Afghanistan, Pakistan was used as a "staging area" for US military weapons, which were being moved secretly over the Peshawar trail.Steve Coll's biographical and historical report of India and Pakistan political leaders was very enlightening. He cited other events taking place in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal, which provided pertinent information on the condition of life in these South Asian countries. He also presented detailed descriptions of child soldiers and separatist groups, who conducted insurgent plots against the Sri Lankan government. Readers will gain insight into the precarious and volatile political environment that exists in South Asia and its impact on the economy and the domestic life. The picture he "paints" is not pretty. The average citizen in South Asia faces a world of poverty, uncertainty, violence and a political system that has run amuck.The scope and magnitude of the demographic and geopolitical spectrum of South Asian countries makes it an interesting and exciting book to read. However, at times, it was difficult to comprehend the complex issues involving deep-seated emotions and the mind-set of those with political and tribal connections. I was also disappointed that maps were not included for easy reference--even with this updated edition. To follow the story better,I retrieved a detailed map from a National Geographic Magazine article, issued in May 1990, entitled "Searching for India: Along the Grand Trunk Road" which, after reading it, was the basis for my interest in purchasing his book.

As a long-time New Yorker reader, I was familiar with Steve Coll which was why I gravitated toward this book. I chose it for book club when it was my turn to pick. Because I knew it would be hard to read and I probably wouldn't get through it by my self.Still didn't quite manage to finish it -- maybe 25 pages to go. I think it was educational, but people complained that it was depressing, not current, and it was a bit of a drudge to read. It just felt long and repetitive. Not that there are repetitions, but once you've read the first 50 pages you get a feeling for the book that doesn't change.Nonfiction fans might have an easier time with this book. Our book club is a bunch of educated, fairly well-read women who like to read historical fiction. I think learning about how terrorism got to be what it is today is an important subject, and this book goes a long way toward filling us in, but it's no fun.

This book is a hidden gem and a must read for anyone interested in South Asia. What makes this book remarkable is the ease in which the author, Steve Coll, is able to blend broad macro-political trends with antidotal data gleaned from conversations with an array of businessmen, government bureaucrats, economists, and members of the local population. He is able to capture the trend lines of India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka and successfully brings the reader as close to the changing dynamics of the region as possible.What is also important to note is that this book was written in the early 1990's. The fall of communism, rise of islamic terrorism, civil unrest, and globalization were all sweeping the region, creating a tremendous amount of political and economic volatility. The author accurately forecasts the trajectories of the countries in South Asia, which in hindsight is no easy feat."On the Grand Trunk Toad" is a fantastic journey into South Asia.

Having read Ghost Wars by Steve Coll I gained an appreciation for his research abilities and eye for a good story. This book adds to that an interesting level of insight into South Asia. The loosely interconnected series of stories take you from Afghanistan to Sri Lanka, providing an illustrative view of the various levels of unrest in the region, past and present.Another interesting thing is that this book was written in the mid nineties, so it predates September 11th and the rise of the Taliban, giving it a unique view of the region and a few interesting quotes given that context.

As usual Coll's insights are astute and informative. I found this book entertaining and great reading. How did we ever get involved with Pakistan to begin with? They are worse than the Russians we were trying to protect against.

as described, and on time.

Lot of markings

I expected this book to be a travelog of the author travelling in South Asia. Instead it turned out to be a biased ramblings of author's vire with few select interviews. I expected a journalist or a reporter's view of all countries of South Asia. Author seems to have devoted more energy and time on Shri Lanka and Pakistan and not given due attention to the elephant in the room - India except criticism of "Nehruvian State ".

A great read into South Asia. Coll develops teh political history of the areas that he describes that enables this book to be more than just casual observances. This is a must for anyone with an interest in South Asian development and politics.

Hello,I got the book from directly from the publisher mr Steve coll from new york it was great book not my story is publish on the page no 145 to 148 but other materials also great.Mr Amir Ali Ibrahim Shroff.