This book offers the advantage of being short and introducing the general reader to recent events in Kashmir. However, I think the book is less of a rigorous history than an advocacy piece. Newberg is right to emphasize the human rights abuses and political repression of Kashmir by the Indian central (federal) government; however, this does not bring out the complexity of the problem, which is also influenced by economic conditions, military assistance from Pakistan, and the inevitable problem with all guerrilla movements, which is that they need popular support, but can quickly turn into oppressors themselves. And the writer seems to have interviewed a lot of militant group members, but not that many local people or government officials for their side of the story. For a more detailed, recent historical analysis, see Sumit Ganguly's book on the Crisis in Kashmir.

As an American of Kashmiri and Pakistani origin, i found this book to be very intriguing. It explains Indian attrocities that have been dismissed by the rest of the world. I just wish more was written about militants as well. This book could also do with some more pictures. All in all, a good book, if youre willing to forget that it is 6 years old, and in that 6 years is where the Kashmir movement evolved from a mere shoot-and-run rebellion, to a deadly and daring guerilla war.

The authors have presented an informative and objective analysis of one of the least known and understood of freedom struggles to the American people. Kashmir, a region in South Asia bordered by India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China is in a state of siege similar to Bosnia. Since the creation of India and Pakistan in August of 1947 by Great Britain, the people of Kashmir have been in a struggle to exercise their right to self-determination, as guaranteed by UN Security Council Resolutions. Thousands of young Kashmiris have lost their lives, as documented by the authors in a very revealing and understandable text.(p)

I highly encourage Westerners who value freedom and civil liberties for all peoples to read this relevant and well documented book. It is one of the finest books on modern Kashmir I have read and a moving tribute to the tragedy of a noble people who are victims of the greed and whims of corrupt politicians.