This fine volume by the author of No Logo goes into details of why tragedies like tsunamis, Katrina or even violence aren't always so bad for every one. In fact whenever times are tough for many people it is just a sign of progress for the disciples of Milton Friedman, too many of whom have the ear of the idiot in the White House. Reagan and Poppy Bush were "with" the program as well. Things that would be unacceptable normally can often be imposed on survivors of tragic events.

This novel is about three decades of turmoil in Afghanistan, from the invasion of the Soviets to the Taliban and post-Taliban rebuilding. The author very effectively imparts how peoples lives are swept up and away by these events which are often triggered by forces beyond their control, and by powers often far from Afghanistan. It doesn't matter what side you are on, or which kind of Muslim one is, everybody blows up when hit by a rocket and I'm sure most people would prefer to live and raise a family.