In the course of a few years, Pakistan has assumed strategic importance on the world stage, acting as both a linchpin in the global war on terrorism and a swing state in the ideological conflict between democracy and dictatorship, and between Islamic and secular rule. How did this poor country come to occupy such a position in little more than half a century of existence? What are the historical precedents for its present course? And what can we learn from its past that can help us evaluate the prospects for its future? This book presents a concise yet thorough account of this land whose past as a birthplace of civilization is as important to world history as is its pivotal place in contemporary geopolitics. Coverage includes the dramatic events, notable people, and special customs and traditions that have shaped this country. By illuminating the nation’s past, this book gives students a detailed perspective of Pakistan today and enables them to intelligently consider how it might change in the future.