Scholars of contemporary Islam in thrall to ideas of globalization are constantly surprised at what Peter Mandaville calls “transnational Muslim politics” and others call “diasporic Islam”: the assumption that a village or tribal society is now truly international. They point to the transformations taking place in society and the consequences therein. Some of the political turbulence is attributed to the rapid changes taking place in these societies. Like Mandaville, they are inclined to cite examples of individuals (like the scholar Mohammed Arkoun) who are born in one part of the traditional Muslim world (North Africa) and live and work in Europe (France, in the case of Arkoun) to show the impact of ideas across borders.

It is difficult to distinguish between art and life in South Asian society; they no longer imitate each other but appear to have merged. Political philosophies, social values, group behaviour, speech and dress in society are reflected in the cinema and, like a true mirror, reflect back in society. Furthermore, film stars cross over from their fantasy world into politics to emerge as powerful figures guiding the destiny of millions. It is thus possible to view the cinema as a legitimate metaphor for society; this perception helps us to understand society better.

The four books reviewed are different in discipline and approach and written for widely different audiences. They are, however, linked in their articulation as a contemporary response to the larger political situation in and around Afghanistan. Certain fundamental issues are raised that relate to the Russian invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, for instance, will the Russians continue their advance to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean (as suggested by the proponents of the Great Game thesis)? An understanding of the current situation in Afghanistan will provide clues to the possible future outcome of the Russian invasion. On that outcome depends the present balance of world power. If the Russians reach the warm waters of the Gulf, they are ideally poised to threaten South Asia and the Middle East. An understanding of the situation in Afghanistan is thus of primary importance.