Publisher Description
A character-driven history that describes the bizarrely ill-suited alliance between America and Pakistan, written by a uniquely insightful participant: Pakistan’s former ambassador to the US
The relationship between America and Pakistan is based on mutual incomprehension, and always has been. Pakistan—to American eyes—has gone from being a stabilizing friend to an essential military ally to a seedbed of terror. America—to Pakistani eyes—has been a guarantee of security, a coldly distant scold, an enthusiastic military supplier and ally, and now a threat to national security and a source of humiliation. In their sixty-five year relationship, one country has become a global superpower, the other perilously close to a failed state—perhaps one of the most dangerous places in the world.
Husain Haqqani has a unique insight into Pakistan, his homeland, and America, where he was the Pakistani ambassador and is now a professor at Boston University. His life has mapped the relationship of Pakistan and America, and he has found himself often close to the heart of it—sometimes in very confrontational circumstances, even under house arrest—which has allowed him to write the story of the two countries’ turbulent affair, here memorably laid bare.
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“Magnificent
Delusions provides a fascinating insider’s account of America’s important
but troubled relationship with Pakistan. Ambassador Haqqani’s purpose is not to
fix blame but to explain how two countries that have for sixty years described
themselves as allies can nevertheless misunderstand each other thoroughly and
repeatedly. Richly detailed, this skillfully written narrative will enlighten
scholars, entrance average readers, and give future diplomats much to
contemplate. It is a timely, valuable, and objective book.”—
Madeleine Albright
