The Essential Field Guide to Afghanistan
Pre-order the 4th edition of the EFG to Afghanistan published in 2012 now
 
| The original reason for producing the Essential Field Guide to Afghanistan (EFG) in the late 1990s was to provide a highly practical handbook of analysis, contacts, tips and background resources critical for a better understanding of this country. At the time, there was little interest in Afghanistan. Alfredo Witschi-Cestari, head of the UN office in Islamabad, contacted Edward Girardet for advice on how to bring more attention to the worsening situation. Then director of the Geneva-based International Centre for Humanitarian Reporting (later Media Action International), Girardet proposed an "out-of-the-box" brainstorming with leading hands-on experts. The two-day meeting in the Swiss town of Morges came up with a host of new ideas, including the creation of a field guide aimed at aid workers, journalists, diplomats, academics and general readers. It was immediately funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Edited by Girardet and Jonathan Walter, the EFG quickly became a hit with the international community as an indispensable companion resource.
Why do you need itUpdated to reflect recent events, this guidebook provides a unique and indispensable tool for anyone working and travelling in Afghanistan. Specially-commissioned articles from leading experts in the field examine Afghanistan’s historical legacy and contemporary milieu, covering everything from the current security situation and international recovery efforts to health, agriculture, environment, human rights, culture and the plight of women, detailed information and statistics on key political and humanitarian sectors.
Street maps for all major cities, practical advice on daily survival, crucial contacts, a list of key dari and pashto phrases, tips for travel, make this an essential practical resource for anyone, whether expert or first-time visitor, involved with Afghanistan. See the contents of the third Essential Field Guide to Afghanistan for more practical resource. Previous editionsThe Essential Field Guide aims to serve as a crucial information companion to understanding the roots of this ongoing conflict and what is happening in Afghanistan today. The first edition published in 1998, widely known as "the Taliban" edition, remains a critical handbook reflecting international humanitarian involvement and the on-the-ground situation in Afghanistan during the pre-2001 Taliban period. The second edition was released in 2004 and provided a panoramic snapshot of the country during initial international recovery operations coupled with the buildup of the military presence of NATO and US forces and the revival of armed insurgency. The third edition came out in 2006 and received even greater success, compiled by some of the region's most experienced journalists as Ahmed Rashid, Chris Johnson, Ali Wardak and Peter Marsden. To read an exerpt of the third edition click here!
Here is a preview of the fourth edition published in 2012. "An excellent guide for a new arrival in Afghanistan [...] very useful to have cross-sectoral information." -- UK's Department for International Development, Kabul representative "An excellent information resource that anyone dealing with Afghanistan should have." -- Anders Fange, director, Swedish Committee for Afghanistan "Every single soldier should be issued with a copy before they go out . . . [it] could even save lives." -- German army officer with ISAF "It's a good design, I love the format, and it's easy to find information." -- Gabriel Tuan, head of training, UN Assistance Mission to Afghanistan "The history essays and contact details are very useful." -- Paul Barker, director of CARE International, Afghanistan "If you are traveling there, Girardet and Walter and their contributors are the people to guide you. And if you're not, an armchair journey yields an intriguing look at a mosaic of cultures and a harsh history that is still being shaped today." -- Maryanne Bird for Times magazine Purchase previous editions of the Essential Field Guide to Afghanistan (electronic version) here |
