JASON BURKE

'Based on careful on-the-ground investigation and penetrating inquiry, this fine study, the most illuminating I know, gives remarkable insight into Islamic militacy, its root causes, its evolution and likely future. It is essential reading for anyone who hopes to understand the "network of networks" loosely termed al-Qaeda, and its complex interactions both with the West and with the societies it intends to reshape' Noam Chomsky

Award-winning reporter Jason Burke shows how the threat from Islamic terrorism comes not from a single criminal mastermind, or even from one group. In this revealing account, he characterizes it is a broad movement with profound roots in the politics, societies and history of the Islamic world. Using hundreds of interviews and thousands of documents, Burke shows how "Al-Qaeda" is a convenient label applied misleadingly to a diverse, disorganized global movement dedicated to fighting a "cosmic battle" with the West. This is the definitive account of the mysterious organization, retelling its story from scratch and challenging many myths that threaten the very foundations of the "War on Terror."

Jason Burke has produced an account of Islamic militancy - revolutionising our understanding of Al-Qaeda, retelling its history from scratch and critically exploding the myths that form the very foundations of the 'War on Terror'. Fully updated with new material on Iraq and Afghanistan.Jason Burke has produced the definitive account of Islamic militancy - revolutionising our understanding of Al-Qaeda, retelling its history from scratch and critically exploding the myths that form the very foundations of the 'War on Terror'.; Fully updated with new material on Iraq and Afghanistan.

Un tórrido día del verano de 1996, el avión en el que viajaban Osama bin Laden y algunos amigos y familiares, aterrizó en una pista muy cerca de la ciudad afgana de Jalalabad, situada en la región oriental del pais. El activista de origen saudi contaba entonces con escaso equipo, pocos seguidores y minimo apoyo local. Pero conseguiria crear en cinco años una organizacion que llevaria a cabo el ataque terrorista mas espantoso y devastador de la historia