SAQI BOOKS

The Secret History of Al-Qaida

by Abdel-Bari Atwan

Over the last ten years, journalist and al-Qa'ida expert Abdel Bari Atwan has cultivated uniquely well-placed sources and amassed a wealth of information about al-Qa'ida's origins, masterminds and plans for the future. Atwan reveals how al-Qa'ida's radical departure from the classic terrorist/guerrilla blueprint has enabled it to outpace less adaptable efforts to neutralise it. The fanaticism of its fighters, and their willingness to kill and be killed, are matched by the leadership's opportunistic recruitment strategies and sophisticated understanding of psychology, media and new technology - including the use of the Internet for training, support and communications. Atwan shows that far from committing acts of violence randomly and indiscriminately, al-Qa'ida attacks targets according to a decisive design underwritten by unwavering patience. He also argues that events in Iraq and Saudi Arabia are watershed moments in the group's evolution that are making it more dangerous by the day, as it refines and appropriates the concept of jihad and makes the suicide bomber a permanent feature of a global holy war. While Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri remain al-Qa'ida's figureheads, Atwan introduces a new kind of leader made possible by its horizontal chain of command, epitomised by the brutal Abu Mus'ab al-Zarqawi in Iraq and the anonymous bombers of London, Madrid, Amman, Bali and elsewhere.

REVIEWS:
'Deeply researched, well reported and full of interesting and surprising analyses. It demands to be read.' Peter Bergen, author of Holy War, Inc. 'Atwan is not afraid of controversy and by sharing his insights he is sending the message that unless we wise up al-Qa'ida will be the winner.' Dr Rosemary Hollis, Director of Research, Chatham House 'This is a must-read book for anyone interested in understanding our increasingly scary world.' Gavin Esler 'Scholarly, analytical, objective, it is also intensely readable, being by far the best book on the subject.' Rt Hon Tony Benn 'Compelling in every way. It is the clearest account we have so far, told with a lightness of touch which belongs to the truly knowledgeable.' Said K Aburish, author of Saddam Hussein: The Politics of Revenge 'This readable and well-informed book is essential reading for those who wish to understand where al-Qa'ida has come from and what is really happening in Iraq.' Clare Short MP 'A remarkable description of the personality of bin Laden.' The Middle East in London March 2006 'What shines out...is a profound desire to investigate and reveal the truth...intelligent and informative.' Jason Burk, The Guardian

AUTHOR BIO:
'Atwan offers his analysis of al-Qa'ida's evolution, motives, strengths, strategies and capabilities in this interesting little volume.'
Commonwealth Lawyer

'An excellent, very personal book.'
Washington Post