The Western Fiasco: Failure in Afghanistan, Syria and Ukraine

The Western Fiasco: Failure in Afghanistan, Syria and Ukraine

This book is unequalled in terms of its topicality

Hang Nguyen, Jamal Qaiser, 148 pages, paperback, ISBN 978-3-98674-001-6

Frankfurt/Germany, February 16, 2022 – This book is unequalled in terms of its topicality. “The Western Fiasco: Failure in Afghanistan, Syria and Ukraine” by Hang Nguyen and Jamal Qaiser paints an unvarnished picture of the conflicts in the three countries. Above all, the 148-page work analyses the global mechanisms of the underlying power play. The thesis of the two authors: All three countries exemplify the callous principle of proxy wars. Here, the power games of the superpowers enfold in regions that happen to serve as „venues“.

Hang Nguyen and Jamal Qaiser trace the central theme from the founding of the United Nations after the Second World War to the wars in Vietnam and Korea, the „War on Terror“ in Afghanistan, the „small world war“ in Syria and the „Cold War 2.0“ over Ukraine, thereby highlighting the impotence of the United Nations as well as the paralysis of the European Union. The missions of the Blue Helmets are scrutinised just as critically as the idea of a separate European army. 

With deep compassion for the victims, the two authors analyse migration to Europe as a direct consequence of the current proxy wars. In the process, although they themselves are refugees from Vietnam and Pakistan, they resist the temptation to demand a „blanket right to asylum“. However, they clearly do not shrink from making accusations – not of the people driven from their homeland, but of the superpowers and their ruthless power play at ever new „venues“.

Beyond analysis and accusation, Hang Nguyen and Jamal Qaiser outline concrete ways in which peace processes can be initiated and steered towards success. Not only, but also in Afghanistan, Syria and Ukraine.

About the authors
Hang Nguyen experienced the horrors of war first-hand. She came to Germany as a child seeking refuge from the Vietnam War. Compelled by this experience, she co-founded the Diplomatic Council, a global think tank in consultative status with the United Nations that works for global peace.

Jamal Qaiser had to flee Pakistan with his family as a child because of political and religious persecution. In his capacity as a committed peace activist and Commissioner for UN Affairs at the Diplomatic Council, he advises governments, NGOs, and humanitarian institutions on peace negotiations around the world.