Dive into Jason Burke's 'Al-Qaeda,' a riveting exploration of the origins and evolution of one of the world's most notorious terrorist organizations. Burke peels back the layers of myth and reality, revealing the intricate web of political, social, and ideological factors that shaped Al-Qaeda's rise. With firsthand accounts and deep analysis, he takes readers on a journey through the heart of the global jihadist movement. This book challenges perceptions and delivers a thought-provoking narrative that is both enlightening and chilling. Are you ready to confront the complex truths behind the headlines?
By Jason Burke
Published: 2004
"Terrorism is not just an act of violence; it is also a profoundly complex social phenomenon that reflects the deepest currents of our time."
On a hot summer's day in 1996 a plane carrying Osama bin Laden and a few friends and family landed at a runway just outside the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad. The Saudi-born Islamic activist had little equipment, few followers and minimal local support. Yet within five years he had built an organisation that was to carry out the most shocking and devastating terrorist attack in history. 'Al-Qaeda' is now the most over-used and misunderstood term in the media. In Arabic, it is simply an abstract noun, meaning 'resource', 'network' or 'base'. In the West, it symbolises the greatest threat to global security: though its Afghan training camps have now been reduced to dust, no one believes that al-Qaeda was destroyed with them. But what is al-Qaeda? Is it a disciplined, motivated, structured terrorist organisation led by a single criminal mastermind or no more than an idea, a language in which angry young Muslim men can articulate their rage? Bin Laden's aim to provoke conflict between militant Islam and the West appears closer to fulfilment than ever. But is al-Qaeda the catalyst of this conflict, or merely a symbol of it? Drawing on his unparalleled experience Jason Burke provides
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“Terrorism is not just an act of violence; it is also a profoundly complex social phenomenon that reflects the deepest currents of our time.”
Al-Qaeda
By Jason Burke
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Jason Burke is a British journalist and author, renowned for his insightful explorations of global conflicts and cultural dynamics. With a career spanning over two decades, he has contributed significantly to prominent publications, including The Guardian and The Observer. Burke's notable works include 'Al-Qaeda: Casting a Shadow of Terror' and 'The 9/11 Wars,' where he combines thorough research with engaging narratives to illuminate complex themes of terrorism and geopolitics. His writing is characterized by its depth, clarity, and empathy, offering readers a nuanced perspective on some of the most pressing issues of our time.
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