Night Letters

'A riveting read with new revelations about Afghanistan's torturous past, which has changed the course of history. This is history at its best, with compelling storytelling and, at times, chilling detail.' -- Lyse Doucet, Chief International Correspondent and Senior Presenter for BBC World News television and BBC World Service Radio 'In addition to presenting an extraordinarily detailed, comprehensive biography of Afghan Islamist and politician Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, British journalist Sands and Afghan journalist Qazizai have constructed the most thorough and compelling account available on more than 50 years of domestic political struggle in Afghanistan.' -- CHOICE 'An important addition to the literature on Afghan studies, global jihad and the relationship between religion and resistance ... The authors deserve appreciation for their well-written, painstaking and meticulous research.' -- Muslim World Book Review 'An immensely impressive piece of research [combining] Sand's literary skills and nearly a decade of journalism in Afghanistan with Qazizai's in-depth knowledge of Afghanistan, connections and understanding of Islamic law.' -- Al-Araby 'With the novelist's eye for dramatic detail and the journalist's unrelenting pursuit of facts, Night Letters is completely gripping from start to finish. This thrilling page-turner chronicles the life and impact of a key figure in modern Afghanistan and global jihadism. Essential reading for understanding today's great game.' -- Zia Haider Rahman, award-winning author of 'In the Light of What We Know' 'A critically important biography of one of the most iconic--and brutal--figures of the decades-old Afghan conflict. Piercingly relevant today, as Afghanistan once again confronts an uncertain chance for peace--or renewed civil war.' -- Patricia Gossman, Associate Asia Director, Human Rights Watch 'Night Letters is a fascinating and deeply researched account of one of the least understood figures of modern jihadist militancy, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar.' -- Peter Bergen, CNN, Vice-President of New America and author of 'The Man-Hunt: The Ten Year Search for bin Laden from 9/11 to Abbottabad' 'Night Letters is a treasure trove of political and military detail. For those involved with Afghanistan it is a must read. ... Sands and Qazizai have produced one of the most thorough histories of modern Afghanistan.' -- Asian Affairs