Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Nonfiction • A New York Times bestseller
“The CIA itself would be hard put to beat his grasp of global events . . . Deeply satisfying.” —The New York Review of Books
From the award-winning and bestselling author Steve Coll, Ghost Wars offers a groundbreaking and explosive firsthand account of America's secret history in Afghanistan. With meticulous research and compelling storytelling, this book investigates the complex interplay of intelligence, military operations, and global politics that unfolded from the Soviet invasion to the events leading up to September 11, 2001.
In exploring critical questions such as the extent to which America’s best intelligence analysts understood the rising thread of Islamist radicalism, Coll assesses not only the actions taken against bin Laden but also the systemic failures that allowed his dangerous rise. Through an extensive examination of covert operations that fueled Islamic militancy, this account renders a detailed and nuanced portrayal of the CIA’s involvement in Afghanistan from 1979 to 1989.
Key themes: The rise of the Taliban, the emergence of bin Laden, and the failed attempts by U.S. forces to capture or eliminate him are all examined in depth. Coll's revealing narrative sheds light on the strategic missteps and the intricate web of geopolitical maneuvers that have left a lasting impact on global security.
The experiences shared by key government, intelligence, and military personnel, both American and foreign, enrich the narrative and serve to unveil the labyrinth of decisions made in the shadows of war. Ghost Wars confronts the reader with hard truths and opens up discussions about the very fabric of American foreign policy and its repercussions worldwide.
This book is essential for anyone looking to understand the roots of contemporary issues in the Middle East and the broader implications of America's actions on the global stage.
