4.25

5

Feb 01, 2013

Although it is fashionable these days to think that Al-Qaeda is not longer a threat. Al-Qaeda has not forgotten about us. If you want to get a thorough understanding of the roots of Al-Qaeda and radical Islam, this book is must read. This is the most thoughtful and informed look at the phenomenon that is available.

4

Oct 02, 2007

After 9/11, so many Americans were asking "How?" when they should have been asking "Why?". This book helps explain why.

3

Mar 07, 2009

Says what many need to hear - even years after it was written. That people still don't know or understand this is a shame.

5

May 22, 2008

Mandatory reading if you wish to render an opinion on our War on Terror.

4

Aug 16, 2008

Breakthrough work on the nature of radical Islam and the US view of it, from the former head of the CIA's Bin Laden unit.

0

Sep 16, 2007

Understanding Islam and the Middle East's perception of America, even Bin Laden was quoted as respecting Scheuer's writings. (Along with those of Noam Chomsky)

4

May 12, 2015

The original version published 2002 with the author listed as Anonymous.

5

Jan 23, 2014

Most detailed account of its time on al-Qa'ida, written by a former chief of the CIA's Bin Laden Station. Scattershot writing, but well documented. Must read, along with Lawrence Wright's The Looming Tower and the author's other books, to gain a detailed understanding of al-Qa'ida.

4

Jan 22, 2016

Argued in a strangely sympathetic way, Scheuer delivers the best summary of al Qa'ida's program in the English language. Supposedly, this book is actually used as a ideological manual by non-Arabic speaking Islamists.

5

Apr 15, 2007

A through history of the current war on terror, back through its roots with American support to Afghan mujahaddin during the Soviet-Afghan war of the 1970's. Enlightening, especially when read in concert with some of bin Laden's statements, including his 1998 fatwah. Highly recommended.

4

Jul 25, 2018

Despite Scheuer's... how shall we say unique viewpoint these days, at one point in time he was a brilliant analyst working on counter-terrorism issues... this book proves it considering he wrote it all using nothing but open source materials.

4

Dec 03, 2008

A must read for every american. The books answers alot of "why" questions and explains the motive behind Osama-Bin-Laden and gives alot of insight about his organization. Very well written but the author seems to be a little bitter as if almost supporting the reasons behind Osama's intentions. I dont think that is the intention of the author but too much credit is given to him.

4

Aug 10, 2012

As a former intelligence officer on Middle Eastern affairs during the period covered, I am amazed both at how much detailed truth Scheurer was able to put into this book and by how easily it was ignored by public and government officials alike. Perhaps if it was written in better story-telling form, it would have had a greater impact. But everything is there that should have saved the United States a whole hell of a lot of grief.

4

Sep 03, 2010

Amazing. I read this when he first published as "Anonymous".
If you've ever wondered why al-Qaeda declared war on America, or how the whole mess seemed to start, this is a great book to read. I've reccomended it dozens of times. It's not scholarly or stuffy, it's intelligent, engaging and extremely well done.
Sadly, it's the only good book he's written. The rest get pretty heavy on the 'bitter bureaucrat with an axe to grind against those nancy-boy politicans'.

0

Feb 08, 2008

I read abouot half this book and had a hard time finishing it. I did read "Imperial Hubris" though which is written by the same author.

When "Imperial Hubris" was published it was greatly criticized because of its tone regarding the War on Terror. It was viewed as somewhat unpatriotic by the Right. Being a Conservative myself, the book contained some hard truths that those in the current administration ought to adopt (i.e., energy independence).

5

Jun 29, 2008

A must read for anyone running forpublic office and screaming about how they are "strong on terrorism". The book puts the angers of our enemy into a nice concise book and then leads us through history to show us how they got there. A great book for understanding, a bad book if you want to think our leaders understand who we are facing.

Scheuer tells who we are facing and why they are mad. Our government is not doing either.

5

Nov 11, 2008

An excellent book that looks at Usama Bin Laden prior to, and following the 9/11 attacks. The book was actually written (the first edition) prior to 9/11 and there are many discussions - extensively cited - regarding the mission, ideals, and development of Al Qaeda to the organization that it has become. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive intelligent discussion of the terrorist group.

3

Sep 06, 2009

This book begins very clever by comparing Osama bin Laden with some quite interesting people which we now call freedomfighters and not just terrorists. It is also a book that sums up every little an big terrorist act which in some way or another is linked too Osama bin Laden.

How much he really is involved in is though difficult to know but it was an interesting book that i am glad that i have read.

4

Oct 27, 2008

An informative and well-organized history of Bin Laden and the development of the war he is fighting against the West. Marred a bit by rough editing and the author's at times angry and somewhat bitter tone, but as a historian who has watched America's government and media consistently blow it, through an apparent preference for wishful thinking, cultural narcissism, and at times simple analytical laziness.

Anyone who wants to understand Al Qaeda and the roots of its implacable enmity toward An informative and well-organized history of Bin Laden and the development of the war he is fighting against the West. Marred a bit by rough editing and the author's at times angry and somewhat bitter tone, but as a historian who has watched America's government and media consistently blow it, through an apparent preference for wishful thinking, cultural narcissism, and at times simple analytical laziness.

Anyone who wants to understand Al Qaeda and the roots of its implacable enmity toward America, "Christendom", and the "Crusaders" would do well to read this book. ...more

3

Feb 24, 2010

Scheuer addresses the difficult questions regarding bin Laden and why he is actually focused on attacking America. He addresses the issues of America's foreign policy being the primary reason behind Al-Qaeda's attacks and provides a context for understanding why bin Laden does what he does in a way that is clear and unmistakable. This is a necessary reading for anybody attempting to understand extremism, Al-Qaeda, militant Islam, and terrorism. It provides an insight into bin Laden and his Scheuer addresses the difficult questions regarding bin Laden and why he is actually focused on attacking America. He addresses the issues of America's foreign policy being the primary reason behind Al-Qaeda's attacks and provides a context for understanding why bin Laden does what he does in a way that is clear and unmistakable. This is a necessary reading for anybody attempting to understand extremism, Al-Qaeda, militant Islam, and terrorism. It provides an insight into bin Laden and his history, background, beliefs, and ideology. If you want to know more, read it and see the issues from a different perspective. ...more