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mubeenirfan's review against another edition
4.0
John Pilger is a name seldom heard by an average news follower like myself so when his name was brought up by a colleague as someone with an exemplary reporting of troubled regions in the past few decades, I had to look him up. To my surprise, Mr. Pilger has reported extensively across the globe and has produced numerous documentaries. He is in the same league of pacifists as Robert Fisk, whom I greatly admire.
In this book, Pilger has taken example of 5 countries/states who have achieved (read: granted) their freedom (save one) but are still not independent. Colonialism, capitalism and neo-liberalism agendas are not letting these countries break free from their shackles. Each chapter goes into detail of how growth of their people is hindered because their governments are in cahoots with the capitalist agendas. There is a chapter each for Diego Garcia (I had to look up these islands in google maps to see where they lie so you can easily understand the number of people knowing their plight), India, Palestine, South Africa & Afghanistan. Since I consider myself well versed in Middle eastern history and affairs therefore personally I was more interested in DG & South Africa and why their freedom is still awaited per Pilger. It was interesting to read in detail about the Truth & Reconciliation Commission so commonly cited by politicians of my country whenever there is talk of looking forward and building the country. South Africans I know, from my single visit to SA, are very critical of their government on matters of infrastructure, growth, equality and land distribution. This book greatly increased my understanding as to why.
Many parts of this book are conversations/interviews and thus would serve better in a documentary than a book. Recommended for someone wanting a refresher on what is wrong with today's world and not just terrorism aspect of the problem. Overall 4 stars.
In this book, Pilger has taken example of 5 countries/states who have achieved (read: granted) their freedom (save one) but are still not independent. Colonialism, capitalism and neo-liberalism agendas are not letting these countries break free from their shackles. Each chapter goes into detail of how growth of their people is hindered because their governments are in cahoots with the capitalist agendas. There is a chapter each for Diego Garcia (I had to look up these islands in google maps to see where they lie so you can easily understand the number of people knowing their plight), India, Palestine, South Africa & Afghanistan. Since I consider myself well versed in Middle eastern history and affairs therefore personally I was more interested in DG & South Africa and why their freedom is still awaited per Pilger. It was interesting to read in detail about the Truth & Reconciliation Commission so commonly cited by politicians of my country whenever there is talk of looking forward and building the country. South Africans I know, from my single visit to SA, are very critical of their government on matters of infrastructure, growth, equality and land distribution. This book greatly increased my understanding as to why.
Many parts of this book are conversations/interviews and thus would serve better in a documentary than a book. Recommended for someone wanting a refresher on what is wrong with today's world and not just terrorism aspect of the problem. Overall 4 stars.
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