ISLAMABAD: The Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) and Pakistan House hosted the launch of Brigadier Ishaq Ahmed Khattak’s (Retd) book, “The Lost War: Why the Taliban Re-emerged to Claim Victory in Afghanistan.” The event provided insights into the author’s experiences and the broader implications of his work.
Brigadier Khattak discussed his challenging journey in writing the book, which focuses on the complexities of the Taliban’s resurgence following the US invasion. His interest in Afghan affairs began in 1998 during his posting in Peshawar, where interactions with Afghans deepened his understanding of Afghan culture and history.
Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, President of IRS, emphasized the ongoing challenge of achieving peace in Afghanistan post-US withdrawal. He highlighted that “The Lost War” not only provides a historical narrative but also offers lessons for promoting lasting peace in the region, crucial for both regional and global security.
Muhammad Athar Javed, Director General of Pakistan House, lamented the lack of recognition for Pakistan’s sacrifices in the global war on terrorism. He praised the book for presenting events without oversimplification and for its comprehensive portrayal of the NATO mission’s peak period.
Ambassador Asif Durrani, Pakistan’s special envoy to Afghanistan, commended Khattak’s realistic assessment of the factors that led to the Taliban’s resurgence. He pointed out the governance issues under the Karzai and Ghani administrations and the US’s failure to promote reconciliation as key factors in the protracted Afghan crisis.
Lt. Gen (R) Asif Yasin Malik, former Secretary of Defence, praised Khattak for leveraging his extensive experience to analyse events and their repercussions for Pakistan and the region. He noted that the book provides valuable insights for a diverse audience, from the general public to policymakers and historians.
Abdullah Gul, Chairman TJP, highlighted the book’s practical suggestions for addressing ongoing Afghan security issues. Hassan Khan, a journalist, stated that the book is a significant contribution to the literature on the Afghan wars, accurately depicting events during the US invasion and addressing NATO’s mission shortcomings.
The event drew a diverse audience of diplomats, researchers, students, and journalists, reflecting the broad interest in the subject and the book’s potential impact on understanding and addressing the complexities of the Afghan conflict.
