More books: Eastward to Tartary and Balkan Ghosts by Robert D Kaplan
Since its raining outside I'll continue with a few more book-recommendations from my parents book-collection.
Robert D Kaplan has written two of my favorite books that explain, using history and own experiences, how thing came to be. He expertly describes, without going into too much details, the history of a certain region and how it came to shape the area politically but also its people. However, not content at being simple history books, the current situation and possible future of the region is also discussed. Reading these two books was a big revelation and immensely interesting.
"Eastward to Tartary" starts from the area of Turkey, Syria, Lebanon and parts of Israel, before moving eastward towards the almost forgotten mid-asian countries left on their own after the soviet union collapsed. Its part travel-guide, part history-book and informative all the way.
"Balkan Ghosts" does the same kind of insightful analysis of the balkan countries around former Yugoslavia and its neighbouring countries. It gives a face to each country and describes why they all have a different future ahead and are not just the grey mass off ex-communist east-european countries. Kaplan is hopeful of some, more skeptical about others. Very healthy book to read with lots of good information!
Warmly recommending both of the books to anyone who feel like expanding their knowledge about these oft-forgotten areas of the world. In fact, I should probably re-read them soon!
