It is not easy to draw parallels between nations with similar histories or backgrounds. The mosaic of mankind creates variations that are not limited by borders or even categorizations. The three nations discussed share things in common: they all speak Indo-European languages (albeit altered due to Semitic influences); a common religious background (Islam predominates, but Iran is predominantly Shi'i or Shi'a); and historical currents that separate and unite the three nations. Iran, Afghanistan, and western Pakistan all belong to a greater Persian civilization (which expands to include the Kurds in the west) that has adapted to Islamic conversion in different ways. All three nations have had to deal with dismemberment by sea-faring and land-faring expansionist nations from Europe and herein lies the differences. Iran has developed the most literate and socially advanced society of the three, but lacks the social and political freedom found in British-influenced Pakistan. Pakistan has had to adapt as a new nation with an ancient past as a crossroads of civilization (primarily Indo-Iranian) and contentious neighbors (notably India). Afghanistan has been ravaged by wars since ancient times, but remains a strategically vital country. Ethnic politics further confuse the issues both within and without these states. All share cross-border ethnic groups such the Pashtuns (the largest group in Afghanistan and 2nd largest in Pakistan), Farsiwans (Iranian Shi'is found in Afghanistan), Baluchis (living in Iran and Pakistan as well as Afghanistan), and groups that border nations outside the area of this collection of monographs (such as Kurds in Iran, Tajiks and various Turks in Afghanistan, and Panjabis and Kashmiris in Pakistan). The attempts to create monolithic societies in such countries is often futile and difficult to establish. The issue at hand in this work is to analyze the societies, politics, and also the histories of these nations and the divergent paths they have all taken. This is a prodigious task that is tackled with vigor and the result is a one of a kind work on a region of the Near East that is not fully understood by the rest of the world.

A scholarly work that tells the reader more about Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan then any tour book and most encyclopedias. The mosaic tapestry of peoples, cultures, and religious sects is presented clearly and with great detail. Each nation is presented as the heir to a unique civilization, but is torn by ethnic divisions and political instability. As three non-Arab Islamic nations that exist along ancient invasion routes overlapping into Western, Central, and South Asia the common historical bonds are explored, but the differences are also pointed out. Like many countries in the Near East ethnic groups overlap past the modern frontiers, creating concerns about nationalism and secessionist movements. All of these issues are explored as are larger geo-political ones regarding the military, civil unrest, and the role of democracy in three undemocratic societies (although Pakistan has moved towards a more democratic status of late). This is a fascinating and informative look at eastern wing of the broa

This book is definitely designed for clinicians, but in some ways is too basic for professionals who primarily work with dementia patients. However, the chapters on family, legal issues and particularly the chapter on environment are very useful. A good resource for a clinician new to treating dementia.