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The Longest War: A History Of The War On Terror And The Battles With Al Qaeda Since 9/11 (2011)

by Peter L. Bergen(Favorite Author)

3.91 of 5 Votes: 2

ISBN

0743278933 (ISBN13: 9780743278935)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Free Press

review 1: A reflection on the war on terror since it started in 9/11. I thought it was useful to examine the various strategic missteps made by both the US and Al-Qaeda with the benefit of hindsight, though the book does tend to examine the US more critically, naturally because of the amount of information available as compared to the more shadowy counterpart. The book is a bit dated as it does not cover the raid that killed Osama, but still provides a good insight to the thought processes and angst of the Bush and Obama administrations in dealing with Iraq and Afghanistan after 9/11.
review 2: Fantastic, thorough, well-researched and organized, immensely readable. Honestly, I expected to tire of this book quickly and/or skim through much of it but found myself reading ... moreevery word. Bergen's skilled use of quotes, irony, sarcasm and even humor turn what could have been dense information and research into something of a story. So many blanks have been filled in for me about 9/11, Al Qaeda and the US response to each. Bergen doesn't hide his political leanings but backs up every point he makes with fact, educated opinion and direct quotes. My only disappointment was that the book was completed before the assassination of Osama bin Laden. Bergen speculates about what bin Laden's death would mean for Al-Qaeda and the world but I would have loved to read his thoughts on how things have actually turned out. I'll be looking for his next book! less

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