'Black Flags' by Joby Warrick explores the rise of ISIS, unveiling the complex interplay of politics, religion, and terror that shaped this formidable group. Through gripping narratives and in-depth research, Warrick reveals the lives of key figures who fueled its ascent and the global response to its brutality. This compelling account goes beyond the headlines, offering a window into the motivations and ideologies of those involved. As secrets unravel and alliances shift, readers are drawn into a world where power and fear collide. Discover the unexpected truths behind the black flags that once waved ominously over the battlegrounds of the Middle East.
By Joby Warrick
Published: 2016
"Terrorism is not born in a vacuum; it thrives in the shadows of negligence, where ideologies blossom and the disenfranchised seek solace."
WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE • In a thrilling dramatic narrative, the award-winning reporter traces how the strain of militant Islam behind ISIS first arose in a remote Jordanian prison and spread with the unwitting aid of two American presidents. With a new Afterword Drawing on unique high-level access to CIA and Jordanian sources, Warrick weaves gripping, moment-by-moment operational details with the perspectives of diplomats and spies, generals and heads of state, many of whom foresaw a menace worse than al Qaeda and tried desperately to stop it. Black Flags is a brilliant and definitive history that reveals the long arc of today’s most dangerous extremist threat.
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“Terrorism is not born in a vacuum; it thrives in the shadows of negligence, where ideologies blossom and the disenfranchised seek solace.”
Black Flags
By Joby Warrick
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Joby Warrick is an acclaimed American journalist and author known for his compelling narrative nonfiction that explores themes of war, terrorism, and the complexities of the modern world. He is a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, recognized for his insightful reporting on terrorism and the intelligence community. Warrick's notable works include 'Black Flags: The Rise of ISIS,' which examines the origins and evolution of the Islamic State, and 'The Triple Agent,' a gripping account of a CIA agent's murder by al-Qaida for which he provides a detailed analysis of the motivations behind such acts. His writing is characterized by meticulous research, engaging storytelling, and a keen ability to distill complex subjects into accessible narratives.
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