'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
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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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