FROM AMAZON: To what extent did America’s best intelligence analysts grasp the rising thread of Islamist radicalism? Who tried to stop bin Laden and why did they fail? Comprehensively and for the first time, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Steve Coll recounts the history of the covert wars in Afghanistan that fueled Islamic militancy and sowed the seeds of the September 11 attacks. Based on scrupulous research and firsthand accounts by key government, intelligence, and military personnel both foreign and American, Ghost Wars details the secret history of the CIA’s role in Afghanistan (including its covert operations against Soviet troops from 1979 to 1989), the rise of the Taliban, the emergence of bin Laden, and the failed efforts by U.S. forces to find and assassinate bin Laden in Afghanistan.
Ghost Wars
Steve Coll’s “Ghost Wars: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden, from the Soviet Invasion to September 10, 2001” presents a detailed account of the covert operations, political maneuvers, and unintended consequences that shaped Afghanistan’s history leading up to the 9/11 attacks. The book explores the CIA’s involvement in Afghanistan during the Soviet-Afghan War. The book unravels the complex relationships between the United States, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia in supporting the mujahideen against the Soviet occupation.
As the narrative unfolds, Coll delves into the intricate dynamics among Afghan factions, the roles played by key figures like Osama bin Laden, and the geopolitical influences shaping U.S. policy. The book underscores how unintended consequences and internal power struggles in Afghanistan contributed to the rise of the Taliban and the emergence of Al-Qaeda.
Moving beyond the Soviet withdrawal, Coll examines the post-Cold War period, detailing the challenges faced by the United States in navigating the evolving political landscape in Afghanistan. The book reaches its climax with the events leading up to September 11, 2001, shedding light on intelligence failures and missed opportunities that allowed the 9/11 attacks to occur.
In “Ghost Wars,” Steve Coll skillfully weaves together historical events, intelligence operations, and personal narratives. The result is a compelling and enlightening perspective on the hidden aspects of U.S. involvement in Afghanistan and its profound impact on the broader geopolitical dynamics of the region.
My Goodreads Review:
Ghost Wars: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden from the Soviet Invasion to September 10, 2001 by Steve CollMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
The book is a narrative that delves into the hidden corners of international politics and intelligence. The author’s research and storytelling provide invaluable insights into the origins of modern-day terrorism, making it an essential read for anyone interested in recent history.
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