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The Looming Tower
540 pages, 2007
In a gripping narrative that spans five decades, Lawrence Wright re-creates firsthand the transformation of Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri from incompetent and idealistic soldiers in Afghanistan to leaders of the most successful terrorist group in history.
He follows FBI counterterrorism chief John O’Neill as he uncovers the emerging danger from al-Qaeda in the 1990s and struggles to track this new threat. Packed with new information and a deep historical perspective, The Looming Tower is a sweeping, unprecedented history of the long road to September 11.
The Looming Tower by Lawrence Wright offers a deep exploration into the origins of Al-Qaeda. It's a great read if you want to understand the historical and ideological roots of modern terrorism.
The book provides a detailed look into the lives of key figures in the formation of Al-Qaeda, including Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri. Wright's research gives us a unique perspective into their motivations and actions.
The Looming Tower also sheds light on the role of intelligence agencies like the CIA and FBI. It shows how their internal rivalries and lack of cooperation may have contributed to the success of the 9/11 attacks.
Wright's book helps us see how political and social factors in the Middle East have contributed to the rise of extremist groups. It's a great resource for anyone looking to dig deeper into the complexities of global terrorism.
Despite its heavy subject matter, The Looming Tower is a page-turner. Wright's storytelling skills make the book as engaging as it is informative. It's a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the world we live in today.
Quotes 5
The Looming Tower is a masterful work of investigative journalism, providing a chilling and unparalleled insight into the rise of Al-Qaeda.
Thomas E. Ricks - Military WriterLawrence Wright's The Looming Tower is a riveting, deeply engrossing book about the rise of Al-Qaeda. It's a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the roots of modern terrorism.
Michiko Kakutani - Literary CriticThe Looming Tower is a powerful, shocking narrative that sheds light on the origins of the 9/11 attacks. It's a book that everyone should read.
James Bamford - Investigative JournalistThe Looming Tower is a monumental work of investigative journalism. It's a definitive account of Al-Qaeda's rise to power.
Peter Bergen - Security AnalystThe Looming Tower is a compelling, meticulously researched account of the events leading up to 9/11. It's a book that everyone should read.
Steve Coll - Pulitzer WinnerRecommendations
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