It it Delusions or Sleeping with the Enemy

Any additional comments?

I opted to read this book with some skepticism - bordering prejudice - because of the author's switching sides between the two major polarized political parties of Pakistan. Not just that, he orchestrated his career so well that he enjoyed an ambassadorial position with each of the government in power. His standing was further compromised for his alleged involvement in writing a letter to Admiral Mullen to save Pakistan's democracy. I must hasten to add though that by the time I finished this book I was convinced that Mr. Haqqani wrote this book objectively and did not let his personal political life and ambitions eclipse writing about the thorny subject of US-Pakistan relationship.

I read (rather listened) this book for the very purpose of learning more about this sensitive relationship between the two countries that keeps swinging between the two extremes. Mr. Haqqani did a very good job by narrating this long saga (from 1947 to date) with details, facts and research. It sounds true and accurate and I find no reasons to suspect otherwise.
This comment is not a reflection on the book but I felt deeply embarrassed and belittled reading that Pakistan picked up the begging bowl right from its inception and never made a sincere effort to let go off it. Even the previous President, Mr. Zardari, was singing the same song – this time under the tune of a Marshall Plan. I wonder if the author, then an ambassador in US, had anything to orchestrate its melody. An irony again that after more half a century Pakistan and US relationship remains uncertain as ever, in that, they are neither trustworthy friends nor arch rivals.

This comment is essentially about its audio book version. I am not sure if the audio book version was somewhat flawed in the chronology but a few events narrated seemed out of calendar sequence. Also the narration itself lacked in energy and style, hence provided for rather monotonous listening.

The book however has to be judged for the quality and accuracy of its content and it scores high marks on that score.

4 people found this helpful

Great book overall.

Although I personally don't like the author but this is a well-researched book and lays out history of delusions from both sides in a very interesting manner, explaining the basis of many conspiracy theories rampant in Pakistan.
It is well-written and well-narrated.

3 people found this helpful

Engaging but biased

Would you listen to Magnificent Delusions again? Why?

Provides a brief overview of the relationship between India and Pakistan over the years.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The story gets more engaging when the author becomes a first hand witness to events.

What about Ralph Lister’s performance did you like?

Overall good with some minor issues with pronouncing Pakistani names correctly

Any additional comments?

The book has a lot of substance and devotes adequate amount time to each phase in the history. It would've been better if the author laid emphasis on the dates a tad more.

The author however clearly has an American bias. He portrays them as innocent and sometimes even naive in dealing with the Pakistani deception. One can't give clean chit to the US for its involvement in the affairs of other countries.

2 people found this helpful

PAKISTAN AND U.S. RELATIONS

Husain Haqqani, in “Magnificent Delusions”, recounts the history of Pakistan and its troubled relationship with the United States and India. Haqqani explains how nations act with delusion and misunderstanding. Ethnic diversity within nations makes speaking with one voice impossible. Consequent delusions and misunderstandings between nations foment arms escalation and international conflict.

Diplomatic policy and action are a reflection of what leaders can do within the framework of their respective governments and cultures. Haqqani infers that delusion and misunderstanding correlate with cultural ignorance; an ignorance that is endemic in nation-to-nation communication.

Haqqani was imprisoned for his efforts to remove the veil of obfuscation between the United States and Pakistan. He was eventually released by the Pakistani court system and allowed to leave Pakistan. “Magnificent Delusions” is a sad tale of a hard road Pakistan travels. It is a frightening explanation of growing terrorist potential of a country riven by social, economic, and ethnic conflict.

An ambassador that understands the culture of a country he/she is sent to is the greatest protection from delusion and misunderstanding between host and sponsor countries. “Magnificent Delusions” is an excellent primer for aspiring ambassadors.

1 person found this helpful

Must read

An eye opener that challenges various myths surrounding the US-Pak relationship over the years. Enjoy.

Mumbling, stumbling, & bumbling foreign relations

70 years of stumbling, grumbling, bumbling, and mumbling. No permanent allies, only permanent interests.

This 2013 history of US/Pakistani relations by former Pakistani Ambassdor to the US Husain Haqqani is darkly comedic because nearly every exchange between US or Pakistani leaders follows this basic script.

"You should give us aid. We can help you fight the communists/terrorists."
"We're willing to give you military aid to help us fight the communists/terrorists."
"Thank you, finally we'll be able to take on India."
"India? No, we said the communists/terrorists."
"Wha? Sorry, can't hear you. Can we have more aid please?"
"Fiiiiiiine...."

Repeat.

Replacing "communists" with "terrorists" gives us the last 20 years or so of US/Pakistani relations. Haqqani comes to the subject with a little too much technocrat baggage insofar as we get far more excerpts from NYT and WaPo editorials than are really useful or insightful. But where he provides direct records of diplomatic exchanges and notes, "Magnificent Delusions" is a compelling, if not terribly encouraging, history of relations between a superpower and a wannabe regional power - each with wildly divergent interests and intentions.

Tour de Force Pakistan Diplomatic History

Excellent history of US relations with the US, India, Afghanistan since before there was a Pakistan. Sorry to say my knowledge about Pakistan was sketchy. This book clearly and succinctly explains why stirred-up religious fervor mattered and matters, how terrorism (both against the Russians and against India, the US, and Pakistani people) has been a way of life, how the military and intelligence service have used propaganda, conspiracy theories, controlled media, and dictatorships to keep the country in a forever-war mindset, with India and Afghanistan as forever-enemies. Bright spots: did not appreciate how central Pakistan was in brokering US-China rapprochement, or how central Pakistan was in bringing about Soviet defeat in Afghanistan (and end of the Cold War). Thankfully the author has done his research and presents his proof convincingly. This should be required reading for US diplomats, as well as Russian, Chinese, Afghan, and Indian diplomats who need to be able to keep peace (or at least avoid nuclear war) in the areas heavily influenced by Pakistan.

Not authentic

I was so excited to listen but this author has no historical proof of what he has claimed. Most of them have been lies for a personal agenda.

Interesting but not in-depth

Probably not supposed to be indepth, it is a fast paced, rational, and unbiased summary of US-PAKISTAN relations since laters coming into existence in 1947.

Awesome

Pakistan is mislead by Mullahs and politician all know that. It is nice to know the details from the separation to now. I am very impressed by the author.