Incredible
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This has become my favourite book of all time. Each page is packed with information, the whole book is extensively referenced too. It also puts to bed many misconceptions and myths (a common one is that the CIA funded bin Laden, which is not true).
Coll also describes the feelings of those who worked in the CIA and State Dept. and he shows their many conflicts and competing ideologies. The split feelings and decisions within the U.S. policy makers with respect to Massoud, bin Laden and the Taliban are very well told.
Recommended.
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You could not want for a better history
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This is by far the clearest and most complete account I have yet read about the roots of al-Qaeda. The style of writing is exemplary: this is a big book on a tricky subject and could have turned out very dull and difficult indeed in the hands of a poorer writer, but Steve Coll deserves all the prizes and acolades that he has received for his work.
The book clearly traces the foundations of radical islam from the years before the Soviet invasion of Afgaistan, through the rise of the Taliban and up to the eve of 11th September 2001.
A must-read for anyone struggling to understand where why the world has got to today.
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Brilliant
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A brilliantly written book which goes into a great deal of detail. I found it interesting that the writing style almost perfectly matched that of Daniel Yergin's, who was also a recepient of a pulitzer prize
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Brilliant
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I read this book whilst travelling last year and found it absolutely gripping. It gives a great insight into Afghanistan and the rise of Bin Laden within the taliban. You get to see how close the CIA were to stopping this guy and the reasons why they didn't. the amount of near misses are heartbreaking as you of course know what the end outcome is.
Recommended to casual readers and also to those wanting a further understanding of the region and its history.
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Afghan Insights
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This is truely the most well documented and insightful book I have read on the current and recent political history of Afghanistan and the US's involvement in the region. Coll's access to sorce material as well as politicians is remarkable and he displays a thorough understanding of political and religious currents nuances.
Even more importantly, the book comes across as unbiased and objective yet still throughly analytical. Coll casts so much light on issues important to the region that I would recommend it to anybody intersted in understanding one of today's centres of conflict...not least politicians and government officials.
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