Bergen, Peter L.

"A...look at "homegrown" Islamist terrorism from 9/11 to the present"--Dust jacket.

CNN's terrorism analyst examines Osama bin Laden's global terrorist network, al-Queda, discussing its operations and mission, the planning and execution of specific terrorist acts, and future threats from militant Islamic movements.

Traces the life and true nature of Osama bin Laden through interviews with over fifty people who have known bin Laden personally, including his brother-in-law, high school English teacher, and former members of al Qaeda.

Explores the decade-long war being waged by America against al-Qaeda forces begun in Iran and continuing into Afghanistan and Pakistan. Highlights the conflict's successes and failures and spotlights the major events that have shaped this war and the impact it has had on international politics. Includes chapter notes, maps, black-and-white photos, and an index.

Presents the account of the ten-year pursuit of bin Laden and the twilight of al-Qaeda, based on research and access to White House officials, CIA analysts, Pakistani intelligence, and the military.

The author, a terrorism analyst for the CNN network, profiles the mastermind of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, discussing how Bin Laden lives, how earlier attacks in Africa were planned, and how his terrorist group blends twenty-first century technology with a radical brand of Islam.