The Struggle for Pakistan: A Muslim Homeland and Global Politics Hardcover – September 16, 2014

A great and timely book by the MaCarthur genius awards winner, and one of the most knowledgeable historians of South Asian and especially Pakistani history. This is the latest in her series of books on Pakistani history. She has been working hard to correct the distortions and outright lies taught in educational institutions, propagated through the media and supported by the Pakistani elites including the military. Her books, including this one, are scholarly but written with a style and powerful passion about her subject, that make them hard to put down. This book covers Pakistan's struggle to acquire an identity, and nationhood, from its inception as an idea, through partition, up to the present. I strongly recommend this book as required reading for anyone seriously interested in Pakistani and South Asian history.

The author has explained the fiasco of Pakistan. The country does not have political and economic stability. Even the moral and ethical vale’s are very low.

Told from Pakistan point of view, perfect complement to Magnificent Delusions, same period covered from perspective of us diplomacy. Recognizes the many failings of all participants, it also credits courageous people who stood for principle and , almost, ends with optimism. Clarifies many moderns issues, especially Iranian nuclear capacity. Will improve any readers ability to understand and evaluate current issues.

A scholarly survey of the issues that led to the creation of Pakistan. Sheds new lights on why it was created, what obstacles had to be overcome, who played what role, and what happened once it was created.

An incredible journey through the complex history of Pakistan. A must read for anyone trying to understand Pakistan's current challenges and identity.

The book well written but biased

Excellent. A must read!

Dispassionate and helpful.

Great Quality.

The package was delivered right on time and intact. Wonderful work on Pakistan's post partition history by Ayesha Jalal. Absolutely worth reading.

Good for those who want to know more about Pakistan

Good read to understand the state of Pakistan other than it's seeming instability

It is depressing to see a prominent historian Ayesha Jalal make a weak case for liberalism in Pakistan. Her key argument is that Pakistan will not radicalise due to two factors: (a) the state and political class never meant the country to be theocratic and thus their repeated use of religion aught to be taken as utilitarianism, and (b) there are other things happening in Pakistan like art, music and literature which means that it will contest radical space. Wonder which world she lives in because liberal space has shrunk considerably over the past 67 years. There are many a times in the book one begins to wonder if the entire thing could be said in fewer words.