Al-Qaeda: The Terror Network that Threatens the World (Nation Books)

By Jane Corbin

Jane Corbin, Emmy nominee and the BBC's award-winning senior correspondent specializing in the Middle East, has broken many stories on the growth of Al Qaeda over the past decade. Here she explores... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1560254262
• ISBN13: 9781560254263
• Release Date: August 2002
• Publisher: Nation Books
• Length: 296 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 1.0" x 5.8"

Customer Reviews

Spot On

It is so hard to find information that is not skewed one way or another. This book told that facts and kept the personal commentary to a minimum. It reads like a thriller. Highly recommended for anyone trying to understand UBL.

Very good read. Very informative.

This is a must read to help understand the people that destroyed our Nations Symbols of Power and tried to destroy our will and strength but only proved to Strengthen our Nations and make us eve more powerful. If you are unsure of who or why these people do what they do this is the book to get an idea.

Corbin's "Al-Qeada" is a must read for the educated citizen.

In "Al-Qaeda: The Terror Network that Threatens the World", Jane Corbin provides the reader with an extremely vivid, and thorough account of the evolution of Al-Qeada, and the events that led to the 11 September 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center towers. Corbin introduces the cast of characters in an orderly, and easy-to-follow fashion. What makes the accounts particularly interesting are the personal details that follow the growth, and transformation of the attackers from seemingly unremarkable Islamic adolescense, to an eventual jihadi adult "martyr". Corbin reveals the terrorists' use of Western education as a tool in their plot to murder Americans "infidels". Accounts are supported by numerous interviews with the likes of western agents, military personnel, educators, Islamic fundamentalists, and peaceful Muslims. Discussion with westerners who had become aquainted with the "martyrs" reveal how effectively they had assimilated themselves into western life so as not to appear suspicious. Corbin reveals that even today, some of the westerners that crossed paths with the terrorists are still in denial regarding thier role in killing thousands. The book provides the essential background knowledge on the history of Al-Qeada, and its development from Afghan patriot fighters, to multinational terrorist "corporation". After the 11 September 2001 attack, Corbin analyzes the effectiveness of the military and diplomatic response of the western coalition. By the books end, it is clear that Corbin feels that western response has been futile, if not a complete failure. Corbin's provocative book leaves the reader well educated and intrigued, yet, uncertain about future vulnerability to attack.

A Fantastic Read

This is a great book. Like most other authors, Ms. Corbin examines the big picture of the organization. However, she tells the reader the "behind the scenes" look at some of the organizations main players. She dives into the personal life of Osama Bin Laden, Muhammed Atta, and the other 11 Sept 01 highjackers--fascinating. It is a great sources for someone who wants to see how the other side thinks. Moreover she examines the "hows" and "whys" of the attack, and how these men where able to complete a mission of great scale. I would, and have, recommend this book to anyone. She really did her research! Thank you.

Great Book, One of the Most Up to Date

Like many people I have read a number of books and articles about Osama Bin Laden and al-Qaeda since September 11th and I must say that this has been the best one to date. The author is a reporter from the BBC and her book is very much like the high quality reports one expects from the BBC. There is not a lot of unnecessary emotional descriptions of the events, it is a "just the facts" type of book that is very interesting. The author takes us through a description on how the al-Qaeda group was formed, the terrorist attacks the group performed in the 90s, and the September 11th event. The detail she gives us for the planning, set up, and actual attack on the 11th is wonderful. You really get a good understanding of the events the terrorists went through leading up to them getting on the planes. She also takes us through the many different items that have come out in the press talking about what the different U.S. law enforcement and intelligence agencies knew and when they knew it. ... Overall the book is very good. She does not take sides in the issue of if the U.S. could have stopped the attacks, but she does point out some mistakes that could have prevented some of the attackers from entering the U.S. She also takes a hard look at the military operations in Afghanistan and does not come out of it with a glowing report of the American forces. It is a well written and easy to read book that you will find difficult to put down.