The Duel: Pakistan on the Flight Path of American Power Book

An excellent overview of the history of political power in Pakistan - from pre-Partition through to Musharraf. (That's the one caveat: the book was published before Musharraf stepped down, so it isn't quite up to date with current events.) Ali obviously has a history and vested interest in Pakistan - that's what makes The Duel incredibly engaging, with its anecdotes and awareness of political culture & society, and indeed Ali's personal relationships with many of the people in power. It does also mean that it isn't quite an objective analysis - though Ali never hides his political and ideological biases. In many ways, it's a book that would be impossible to write without this level of entanglement. A very readable and engaging insight into not only the ways in which American politics, resources and money have influenced Pakistan - but also the intellectual response of some in the subcontinent to this influence. The Duel is cynical and opinionated, but never hectoring - well worth a read. (Obviously, personally fascinating to read about the partition and various Indo-Pak wars from a Pakistani perspective as well!)