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He wrote: "The problem with arming and training people to launch clandestine attacks in a neighboring country is that they always come back home." in this book under review. Many many years ago Mr. Robert Young Pelton predicted so correctly about the effect of Pakistan arming militants and terrorists against India as a "fourth line of defence". The situation in Pakistan is what Mr. Pelton referred to long years ago.
An overall thorough book about hot spots in the world that our nightly news rarely mentions. I feel that this really adds to the book's authenticity. I like Pelton's writing style because it is written in easily understood language splashed with a sarcastic sense of humor. Pelton seems to have a lot of connections with the warlords, governors and militiamen he writes about, adding his own personal experiences to the book. Overall, this is a great book to have by the side of the TV while watching BBC. :)
I bought this book as a gift for a friend who owns an older copy, a copy printed before 09-11-2001. He loves the new edition, my friend has not put the book down since I gave it to him on Christmas. I look forward to reading "The World's Most Dangerous Places" myself.
I dare you to read a single page without laughing.On another level, this make really makes you think about the huge percentage of the world's population that doesn't have electricity, considers pain to be a second language, and considers a good day one in which you eat. On one level, this book is a crackup. It mercilessly skewers the worst places on earth, places that combine poverty, fear, and oppression. It's incredible.On the day I wrote this review, this edition is being offered for sale for one cent. An amazing bargain, in terms of entertainment per penny.
The advice he gives is usually generally applicable to any travel to any place. If your entering a "bad" country on short notice, there is nothing better than this book to give an overview of the situation, the players and the basics of whats going on.
The political coverage is smart and honest. though now slightly dated, this is still a very useful book in terms of information about the less stable parts of the world.
And its often better than the professional or governmental analysis. Nothing is dumbed down or put through the filters that newspapers/magazines apply.
The analysis is also short and to the point. But it is getting rather dated from the lack of a new edition.The tone of the writing makes the book interesting as a "read' as well.However, as a "travel book" to dangerous places its not all that great.
Anywhere can be dangerous and its possible to get into trouble in what seems like safe places.
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