War at the top of the world by Eric Margolis

Great book, especially if you are a Pakistani apologist. Actually, I think this book should be on the textbook list in Pakistan. This is the second book I have read by a Canadian author and presents an interesting angle for readers of the English language who are looking for a different perspective form the normal stereotyping dominant Anglo-Saxon American-British-Australian nexus narrative. Canadian's seem to challenge the Anglo-saxon narrative and present a much more balanced perspective on the world. Eric has presented a very balanced and concise view on the history of the many conflicts between China, India and Pakistan laced with tales of his many travels across the region.  Starting from the last days of the Afghan jihad to the latest conflict in Siachin and Tibet, Eric has for me done a great job about outlining these conflicts by explaining the context, history and the nature of hatred between people involved. The best chapter was where he explains the hatred between Indians and Pakistanis.

Is the Indian paranoia with Muslims defined by a collective sense of inferiority complex coming out into the open after independence in 1947? Its a very interesting theory which for me explains the continued romance of the Indian media with every Pakistani 'threat', while at the same time choosing to completely gloss over huge liberties taken by China across the border repeatedly. Even as I write, Indian media seems to be fascinated by a story of a dead falcon with a spy cam attached supposedly launched by Pakistani ISI agents dubbing it as a drone while choosing to ignore Chinese Army's forward camps set up in the Ladakh region well inside the Indian territory.

Also why is Pakistan blamed for starting the Kargil escalation while India is left scot free for instigating war in the Siachin region?

Similarly China's psychology is very nicely explained by the notion that a powerful centre is absolutely vital for a peaceful China to develop. A weak centre on the other hand is an open invitation for foreign powers to starts chipping away pushing the country into chaos and dissent.

I loved the read as it read like a specialist travelogue.