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The Rise and Fall of Al-Qaeda
In this concise and fascinating book, Fawaz A. Gerges argues that Al-Qaeda has degenerated into a fractured, marginal body kept alive largely by the self-serving anti-terrorist bureaucracy it helped to spawn.
In The Rise and Fall of Al-Qaeda , Gerges, a public intellectual known widely for his expertise on radical ideologies, including jihadism, argues that the Western powers have become mired in a "terrorism narrative," stemming from the mistaken belief that America is in danger of a devastating attack
by a crippled al-Qaeda. To explain why al-Qaeda is no longer a threat, he provides a briskly written history of the organization, showing its emergence from the disintegrating local jihadist movements of the mid-1990s-not just the Afghan resistance of the 1980s, as many believe-in "a desperate
effort to rescue a sinking ship by altering its course." During this period, Gerges interviewed many jihadis, gaining a first-hand view of the movement that bin Laden tried to reshape by internationalizing it. Gerges reveals that transnational jihad has attracted but a small minority within the Arab
world and possesses no viable social and popular base. Furthermore, he shows that the attacks of September 11, 2001, were a major miscalculation--no "river" of fighters flooded from Arab countries to defend al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, as bin Laden expected. The democratic revolutions that swept the
Middle East in early 2011 show that al-Qaeda today is a non-entity which exercises no influence over Arabs' political life.
Gerges shows that there is a link between the new phenomenon of homegrown extremism in Western societies and the war on terror, particularly in Afghanistan-Pakistan, and that homegrown terror exposes the structural weakness, not strength, of bin Laden's al-Qaeda. Gerges concludes that the movement
has splintered into feuding factions, neutralizing itself more effectively than any Predator drone.
Forceful, incisive, and written with extensive inside knowledge, this book will alter the debate on global terrorism.
In The Rise and Fall of Al-Qaeda , Gerges, a public intellectual known widely for his expertise on radical ideologies, including jihadism, argues that the Western powers have become mired in a "terrorism narrative," stemming from the mistaken belief that America is in danger of a devastating attack
by a crippled al-Qaeda. To explain why al-Qaeda is no longer a threat, he provides a briskly written history of the organization, showing its emergence from the disintegrating local jihadist movements of the mid-1990s-not just the Afghan resistance of the 1980s, as many believe-in "a desperate
effort to rescue a sinking ship by altering its course." During this period, Gerges interviewed many jihadis, gaining a first-hand view of the movement that bin Laden tried to reshape by internationalizing it. Gerges reveals that transnational jihad has attracted but a small minority within the Arab
world and possesses no viable social and popular base. Furthermore, he shows that the attacks of September 11, 2001, were a major miscalculation--no "river" of fighters flooded from Arab countries to defend al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, as bin Laden expected. The democratic revolutions that swept the
Middle East in early 2011 show that al-Qaeda today is a non-entity which exercises no influence over Arabs' political life.
Gerges shows that there is a link between the new phenomenon of homegrown extremism in Western societies and the war on terror, particularly in Afghanistan-Pakistan, and that homegrown terror exposes the structural weakness, not strength, of bin Laden's al-Qaeda. Gerges concludes that the movement
has splintered into feuding factions, neutralizing itself more effectively than any Predator drone.
Forceful, incisive, and written with extensive inside knowledge, this book will alter the debate on global terrorism.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published August 6, 2011
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April 6, 2025* Note, I did this for a class so figured I'd upload that here rather than write a second one.
Book Review: Analyzing the Complexities of Al-Qaeda: Fawaz Gerges’ Examination of Fragmentation and Ideological Resilience
Reviewer: Sarah Jensen
Affiliation: Wright State University
Date: April 6, 2025
Title of Book: The Rise and Fall of Al-Qaeda
Author: Fawaz Gerges
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication Year: September 14, 2011
ISBN: 9780199790654 (ISBN10: 0199790655)
Introduction
Fawaz A. Gerges’ The Rise and Fall of Al-Qaeda offers an in-depth exploration of one of the most impactful terrorist organizations in contemporary history despite its lack of capacity and resources. Gerges, a prominent scholar with expertise in Middle Eastern politics and terrorism, meticulously examines the sociopolitical conditions that facilitated Al-Qaeda’s rise, its ideological foundations, and the factors that led to its decline. This review aims to dissect the central themes, assess Gerges’ arguments, highlight critical critiques, and consider the implications of his findings for present-day counterterrorism strategies.
Summary of Content
The book is methodically organized to chronicle Al-Qaeda’s evolution, starting from its inception in the late 1980s, moving through the significant events of 9/11, and analyzing its present status as a decentralized group. Gerges contextualizes Al-Qaeda against a backdrop of historical and geopolitical developments, arguing that its emergence was spurred by a combination of the Soviet-Afghan War, U.S. foreign policy missteps, and the widespread socio-economic grievances of marginalized Muslim communities.
Ideological Foundations and Recruitment
Gerges delves deeply into the ideological drivers behind Al-Qaeda, particularly Osama bin Laden’s vision for a transnational jihad, despite the reality that there was not support for jihad outside Muslim lands. He elucidates how Al-Qaeda successfully framed its narrative around resistance to Western imperialism and the perceived failures of corrupt Arab regimes. This ideological framing resonated with disenchanted youth in the Arab world, enabling the organization to attract recruits by positioning itself as a voice for justice and change.
The socio-economic landscape played a crucial role in this recruitment process. Many individuals who joined Al-Qaeda hailed from regions plagued by political disenfranchisement and severe economic deprivation. Young men with limited career prospects and oppressive governance structures were especially susceptible to extremist ideologies that provided a sense of purpose and belonging. Through tapping into widespread feelings of alienation, poverty, and injustice, Al-Qaeda was able to cultivate a robust recruitment pipeline.
Key Events and Al-Qaeda’s Decline
Gerges provides a detailed account of significant events that marked Al-Qaeda’s rise to notoriety, including the 1998 U.S. embassy bombings and the devastating attacks on September 11, 2001. However, he posits that this period of notoriety was relatively brief. The U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan and subsequent global counterterrorism efforts severely impaired Al-Qaeda’s operational capabilities, disrupting its infrastructure and eliminating key figures within its leadership.
In the latter sections of the book, Gerges examines the reasons behind Al-Qaeda’s fragmentation. He highlights how the emergence of regional insurgencies and rival jihadist entities diluted Al-Qaeda’s control and influence. Despite remaining a significant ideological force, Gerges contends that Al-Qaeda’s capacity to coordinate large-scale attacks has dramatically diminished.
Themes and Analysis
Several overarching themes permeate Gerges’ analysis:
• Interplay Between Ideology and Politics: Gerges argues that Al-Qaeda’s radical ideology was crucial for mobilizing support, but equally important were the political grievances against authoritarian regimes that fostered discontent among the populace.
• Role of External Actors: Gerges underscores the influence of U.S. foreign policy decisions, particularly military interventions, which inadvertently fueled Al-Qaeda’s recruitment efforts and presented tactical challenges for the group.
• Fragmentation and Competition: The emergence of rival jihadist movements illustrates the need for counterterrorism strategies that are dynamic and adaptable to the evolving landscape of terrorism.
• Complex Nature of Terrorism: Gerges emphasizes the intricate relationships among various jihadist factions, suggesting that a nuanced understanding of these networks is vital for effective counterterrorism.
Critical Evaluation and Notable Critiques
1. Overemphasis on Fragmentation:
It can be argued that Gerges may place too much emphasis on the fragmentation within Al-Qaeda. While acknowledging that the organization has faced internal divisions and challenges, they contend that this perspective risks underestimating Al-Qaeda’s enduring ideological influence. The ability of Al-Qaeda to inspire individual terrorists across the globe, even in the absence of a centralized command structure, suggests that the group’s core narratives remain powerful. By focusing predominantly on fragmentation, the analysis might overlook the persisting relevance of Al-Qaeda’s ideology in motivating jihadist violence worldwide.
2. Limited Engagement with Counter-Narratives:
Class members during graduate discussions have pointed out that Gerges does not sufficiently engage with moderate Muslim voices that actively contest extremist narratives. This oversight is significant because incorporating these perspectives could provide a more nuanced understanding of counter-radicalization efforts. Recognizing and amplifying the voices of moderate Islam can be crucial in undermining extremist recruitment and providing alternative narratives that challenge the ideologies propagated by groups like Al-Qaeda. Consequently, the lack of this engagement may lead to an incomplete portrayal of the dynamics at play in the struggle against extremist ideologies.
3. Debatable Narrative of Decline:
Gerges posits that although Al-Qaeda was never an exceptional threat due to bandwidth, they have experienced a continued significant decline, a narrative that some critics contest. They argue that despite challenges, Al-Qaeda’s ability to inspire and coordinate terrorist acts is still robust. The organization has shown resilience in adapting to changing circumstances, including the rise of rival groups like ISIS. Critics contend that framing Al-Qaeda’s trajectory as one of decline may not fully account for the group’s ongoing capacity to mobilize support and perpetrate violence, thus simplifying the complex reality of contemporary terrorism.
4. Western-Centric Perspectives:
Another critique is that Gerges’s analysis may reflect a predominantly Western viewpoint. This perspective might inadvertently overlook critical local dynamics that shape the persistence and evolution of extremist groups. Understanding the socio-political contexts in which these groups operate is essential for a comprehensive analysis of their actions and ideologies. A more globally inclusive approach would enrich the discourse on terrorism and provide deeper insights into the motivations and resilience of groups like Al-Qaeda.
5. Simplicity in Categorizing Jihadism:
Another point of contention is Gerges’s approach to categorizing contemporary jihadism. It can be asserted that his analysis oversimplifies the diverse and intricate landscape of jihadist movements. Various groups with varying goals, strategies, and ideologies characterize contemporary jihadism. Failing to address the complex relationships and interactions among these organizations risks providing a reductive understanding of the challenges of jihadism today. Acknowledging the multifaceted nature of these relationships is critical for developing effective counter-terrorism strategies.
These realities foster an ongoing dialogue about the complexities of terrorism and the various factors influencing the rise and decline of extremist organizations. Engaging with these criticisms not only enhances the understanding of Gerges’ analysis but also contributes to broader discussions on effectively addressing and countering extremist ideologies in a global context. By considering these points, future research on Al-Qaeda and similar groups can adopt a more comprehensive and nuanced framework reflecting modern jihadism's multifarious realities.
Implications for Current Counterterrorism Strategies
Gerges’ insights in The Rise and Fall of Al-Qaeda carry significant implications for modern counterterrorism approaches:
• Addressing Root Causes: Effective counterterrorism must tackle the sociopolitical grievances that lead to radicalization rather than relying solely on military interventions. Engaging in diplomatic and economic initiatives could help mitigate the underlying issues that foster extremism.
• Adaptability to an Evolving Landscape: As Al-Qaeda wanes and other jihadist factions emerge, counterterrorism strategies must be flexible and responsive to this dynamic environment.
• Decentralization of Terror Networks: The fragmentation of Al-Qaeda highlights the necessity for strategies that can address smaller, independent cells, underscoring the importance of local intelligence and community engagement.
• Integrated Approaches: Effective counterterrorism should combine military, intelligence, law enforcement, and community strategies, ensuring a comprehensive approach to countering extremist narratives.
• Cautious Military Interventions: Gerges stresses that military interventions alone are ineffective; a balanced approach prioritizing persistent political solutions is essential for fostering long-term stability and governance.
Current Trends in Global Terrorism
Gerges’ analysis is a foundational framework for understanding contemporary terrorism trends beyond Al-Qaeda. Key insights include:
• Emergence of New Groups: The decline of Al-Qaeda has led to the rise of new jihadist entities such as ISIS, illustrating the ongoing evolution of extremist movements.
• Decentralization and Cellular Operations: The fragmentation of terrorist networks has resulted in smaller, independent cells executing attacks, complicating counterterrorism efforts.
• Socio-Political Grievances as Catalysts: Current trends mirror Gerges’s observations on how political disenfranchisement and socio-economic issues fuel radicalization, necessitating a focus on addressing these underlying causes.
• Evolving Counterterrorism Strategies: As the nature of terrorism changes, there is a growing recognition of the need to adapt counterterrorism strategies to address not only established organizations but also emergent and localized threats.
• Broader Global Trends: The increasing lethality of remaining terrorist groups underscores the necessity for innovative and responsive strategies that can adequately address the complexities of modern terrorism.
Conclusion
In closing, The Rise and Fall of Al-Qaeda presents a compelling and detailed examination of Al-Qaeda’s significance in global terrorism. Gerges skillfully intertwines historical context, ideological analysis, and geopolitical dynamics to illuminate Al-Qaeda’s trajectory. While some of his conclusions are debatable, the book’s contributions to our understanding of terrorism and counterterrorism strategies are invaluable.
Gerges’s work serves as an essential reminder of the complexities involved in countering extremism and the critical need to address the root causes of radicalization. The socio-economic factors that propelled Al-Qaeda’s rise highlight the importance of developing strategies that engage with the grievances of affected populations. As the landscape of global terrorism continues to evolve, the lessons derived from Al-Qaeda’s rise and fall remain crucial for shaping effective counterterrorism strategies. Gerges’s analysis thus acts as a vital resource for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers navigating the intricate realities of contemporary terrorism in an increasingly unpredictable world.
Book Review: Analyzing the Complexities of Al-Qaeda: Fawaz Gerges’ Examination of Fragmentation and Ideological Resilience
Reviewer: Sarah Jensen
Affiliation: Wright State University
Date: April 6, 2025
Title of Book: The Rise and Fall of Al-Qaeda
Author: Fawaz Gerges
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication Year: September 14, 2011
ISBN: 9780199790654 (ISBN10: 0199790655)
Introduction
Fawaz A. Gerges’ The Rise and Fall of Al-Qaeda offers an in-depth exploration of one of the most impactful terrorist organizations in contemporary history despite its lack of capacity and resources. Gerges, a prominent scholar with expertise in Middle Eastern politics and terrorism, meticulously examines the sociopolitical conditions that facilitated Al-Qaeda’s rise, its ideological foundations, and the factors that led to its decline. This review aims to dissect the central themes, assess Gerges’ arguments, highlight critical critiques, and consider the implications of his findings for present-day counterterrorism strategies.
Summary of Content
The book is methodically organized to chronicle Al-Qaeda’s evolution, starting from its inception in the late 1980s, moving through the significant events of 9/11, and analyzing its present status as a decentralized group. Gerges contextualizes Al-Qaeda against a backdrop of historical and geopolitical developments, arguing that its emergence was spurred by a combination of the Soviet-Afghan War, U.S. foreign policy missteps, and the widespread socio-economic grievances of marginalized Muslim communities.
Ideological Foundations and Recruitment
Gerges delves deeply into the ideological drivers behind Al-Qaeda, particularly Osama bin Laden’s vision for a transnational jihad, despite the reality that there was not support for jihad outside Muslim lands. He elucidates how Al-Qaeda successfully framed its narrative around resistance to Western imperialism and the perceived failures of corrupt Arab regimes. This ideological framing resonated with disenchanted youth in the Arab world, enabling the organization to attract recruits by positioning itself as a voice for justice and change.
The socio-economic landscape played a crucial role in this recruitment process. Many individuals who joined Al-Qaeda hailed from regions plagued by political disenfranchisement and severe economic deprivation. Young men with limited career prospects and oppressive governance structures were especially susceptible to extremist ideologies that provided a sense of purpose and belonging. Through tapping into widespread feelings of alienation, poverty, and injustice, Al-Qaeda was able to cultivate a robust recruitment pipeline.
Key Events and Al-Qaeda’s Decline
Gerges provides a detailed account of significant events that marked Al-Qaeda’s rise to notoriety, including the 1998 U.S. embassy bombings and the devastating attacks on September 11, 2001. However, he posits that this period of notoriety was relatively brief. The U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan and subsequent global counterterrorism efforts severely impaired Al-Qaeda’s operational capabilities, disrupting its infrastructure and eliminating key figures within its leadership.
In the latter sections of the book, Gerges examines the reasons behind Al-Qaeda’s fragmentation. He highlights how the emergence of regional insurgencies and rival jihadist entities diluted Al-Qaeda’s control and influence. Despite remaining a significant ideological force, Gerges contends that Al-Qaeda’s capacity to coordinate large-scale attacks has dramatically diminished.
Themes and Analysis
Several overarching themes permeate Gerges’ analysis:
• Interplay Between Ideology and Politics: Gerges argues that Al-Qaeda’s radical ideology was crucial for mobilizing support, but equally important were the political grievances against authoritarian regimes that fostered discontent among the populace.
• Role of External Actors: Gerges underscores the influence of U.S. foreign policy decisions, particularly military interventions, which inadvertently fueled Al-Qaeda’s recruitment efforts and presented tactical challenges for the group.
• Fragmentation and Competition: The emergence of rival jihadist movements illustrates the need for counterterrorism strategies that are dynamic and adaptable to the evolving landscape of terrorism.
• Complex Nature of Terrorism: Gerges emphasizes the intricate relationships among various jihadist factions, suggesting that a nuanced understanding of these networks is vital for effective counterterrorism.
Critical Evaluation and Notable Critiques
1. Overemphasis on Fragmentation:
It can be argued that Gerges may place too much emphasis on the fragmentation within Al-Qaeda. While acknowledging that the organization has faced internal divisions and challenges, they contend that this perspective risks underestimating Al-Qaeda’s enduring ideological influence. The ability of Al-Qaeda to inspire individual terrorists across the globe, even in the absence of a centralized command structure, suggests that the group’s core narratives remain powerful. By focusing predominantly on fragmentation, the analysis might overlook the persisting relevance of Al-Qaeda’s ideology in motivating jihadist violence worldwide.
2. Limited Engagement with Counter-Narratives:
Class members during graduate discussions have pointed out that Gerges does not sufficiently engage with moderate Muslim voices that actively contest extremist narratives. This oversight is significant because incorporating these perspectives could provide a more nuanced understanding of counter-radicalization efforts. Recognizing and amplifying the voices of moderate Islam can be crucial in undermining extremist recruitment and providing alternative narratives that challenge the ideologies propagated by groups like Al-Qaeda. Consequently, the lack of this engagement may lead to an incomplete portrayal of the dynamics at play in the struggle against extremist ideologies.
3. Debatable Narrative of Decline:
Gerges posits that although Al-Qaeda was never an exceptional threat due to bandwidth, they have experienced a continued significant decline, a narrative that some critics contest. They argue that despite challenges, Al-Qaeda’s ability to inspire and coordinate terrorist acts is still robust. The organization has shown resilience in adapting to changing circumstances, including the rise of rival groups like ISIS. Critics contend that framing Al-Qaeda’s trajectory as one of decline may not fully account for the group’s ongoing capacity to mobilize support and perpetrate violence, thus simplifying the complex reality of contemporary terrorism.
4. Western-Centric Perspectives:
Another critique is that Gerges’s analysis may reflect a predominantly Western viewpoint. This perspective might inadvertently overlook critical local dynamics that shape the persistence and evolution of extremist groups. Understanding the socio-political contexts in which these groups operate is essential for a comprehensive analysis of their actions and ideologies. A more globally inclusive approach would enrich the discourse on terrorism and provide deeper insights into the motivations and resilience of groups like Al-Qaeda.
5. Simplicity in Categorizing Jihadism:
Another point of contention is Gerges’s approach to categorizing contemporary jihadism. It can be asserted that his analysis oversimplifies the diverse and intricate landscape of jihadist movements. Various groups with varying goals, strategies, and ideologies characterize contemporary jihadism. Failing to address the complex relationships and interactions among these organizations risks providing a reductive understanding of the challenges of jihadism today. Acknowledging the multifaceted nature of these relationships is critical for developing effective counter-terrorism strategies.
These realities foster an ongoing dialogue about the complexities of terrorism and the various factors influencing the rise and decline of extremist organizations. Engaging with these criticisms not only enhances the understanding of Gerges’ analysis but also contributes to broader discussions on effectively addressing and countering extremist ideologies in a global context. By considering these points, future research on Al-Qaeda and similar groups can adopt a more comprehensive and nuanced framework reflecting modern jihadism's multifarious realities.
Implications for Current Counterterrorism Strategies
Gerges’ insights in The Rise and Fall of Al-Qaeda carry significant implications for modern counterterrorism approaches:
• Addressing Root Causes: Effective counterterrorism must tackle the sociopolitical grievances that lead to radicalization rather than relying solely on military interventions. Engaging in diplomatic and economic initiatives could help mitigate the underlying issues that foster extremism.
• Adaptability to an Evolving Landscape: As Al-Qaeda wanes and other jihadist factions emerge, counterterrorism strategies must be flexible and responsive to this dynamic environment.
• Decentralization of Terror Networks: The fragmentation of Al-Qaeda highlights the necessity for strategies that can address smaller, independent cells, underscoring the importance of local intelligence and community engagement.
• Integrated Approaches: Effective counterterrorism should combine military, intelligence, law enforcement, and community strategies, ensuring a comprehensive approach to countering extremist narratives.
• Cautious Military Interventions: Gerges stresses that military interventions alone are ineffective; a balanced approach prioritizing persistent political solutions is essential for fostering long-term stability and governance.
Current Trends in Global Terrorism
Gerges’ analysis is a foundational framework for understanding contemporary terrorism trends beyond Al-Qaeda. Key insights include:
• Emergence of New Groups: The decline of Al-Qaeda has led to the rise of new jihadist entities such as ISIS, illustrating the ongoing evolution of extremist movements.
• Decentralization and Cellular Operations: The fragmentation of terrorist networks has resulted in smaller, independent cells executing attacks, complicating counterterrorism efforts.
• Socio-Political Grievances as Catalysts: Current trends mirror Gerges’s observations on how political disenfranchisement and socio-economic issues fuel radicalization, necessitating a focus on addressing these underlying causes.
• Evolving Counterterrorism Strategies: As the nature of terrorism changes, there is a growing recognition of the need to adapt counterterrorism strategies to address not only established organizations but also emergent and localized threats.
• Broader Global Trends: The increasing lethality of remaining terrorist groups underscores the necessity for innovative and responsive strategies that can adequately address the complexities of modern terrorism.
Conclusion
In closing, The Rise and Fall of Al-Qaeda presents a compelling and detailed examination of Al-Qaeda’s significance in global terrorism. Gerges skillfully intertwines historical context, ideological analysis, and geopolitical dynamics to illuminate Al-Qaeda’s trajectory. While some of his conclusions are debatable, the book’s contributions to our understanding of terrorism and counterterrorism strategies are invaluable.
Gerges’s work serves as an essential reminder of the complexities involved in countering extremism and the critical need to address the root causes of radicalization. The socio-economic factors that propelled Al-Qaeda’s rise highlight the importance of developing strategies that engage with the grievances of affected populations. As the landscape of global terrorism continues to evolve, the lessons derived from Al-Qaeda’s rise and fall remain crucial for shaping effective counterterrorism strategies. Gerges’s analysis thus acts as a vital resource for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers navigating the intricate realities of contemporary terrorism in an increasingly unpredictable world.
September 6, 2015
It would be easy to criticise this book given everything that has happened since publication (i.e. the much-vaunted "failure" of the Arab Spring) but there's a lot in this book that makes sense. In some ways, it's a nice partner to the book I wrote with my colleague, Felix Kuehn, on the relationship between the Taliban and al-Qaida: An Enemy We Created: The Myth of the Taliban-Al Qaeda Merger in Afghanistan, 1970-2010. Specifically, Gerges is more interested in the debates and discussions within US/European policy circles whereas we looked at what was happening on the ground in Afghanistan. It's a quick read. Specialists or those who have been following these things for years will find little that is new, however, so this book is probably not recommended for them.
June 11, 2012
Very informative and objective
July 20, 2018
Huonosti kirjoitettu ja argumentoitu kirja Al-Qaedasta, joka tuntuu argumentoinnissaan lähinnä toistavan itseään ja kiertävän kehää. Kirjasta olisi hyvin voinut leikata pois puolet, ehkä enemmänkin, sillä asiat sanotaan todella moneen kertaan ihan samalla tavalla, mutta ei kuitenkaan niin että argumentointi johtaisi mihinkään, vaan lähinnä katkaisten kirjan "suuren väitteen". Ajatuksellisesti kirja on kuitenkin ihan järkevissä kantimissa, etenkin todetessaan että terrorin vastainen sota lähinnä saa aikaan lisää terroria. Kirja on julkaistu jo 2010-luvun alussa, joten siinä ei käsitellä ISIS:tä ollenkaan, vaan lähinnä hekumoidaan arabikevään demokratiatoiveilla (jotka eivät nekään tainneet konnkretisoitua) ja tehdään jonkin verran lähilukua vuodetuista Panama-kirjeistä, tai pikemminkin diplomaattikirjeistä...
June 4, 2021
How can I download this book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2015
This is an important book, especially for Western audiences, when talking about the War on Terror and the rather immense overreaction the West has had towards militant Islam. As Gerges objectively points out, there seems to have been a case of tarring every single Muslim with the same brush - and that we are all terrorists or supportive of terrorists.
Yet the nature of terrorism as it is now is completely alien to the vast majority of Muslims (who are, SURPRISE, perfectly normal every day people -sorry folks we're just as boring as the rest of you). It is good that Gerges takes a more sanguine approach to what makes terrorism what it is amongst the silly few who think it makes sense.
Although this gets a little repetitive at times (I think I see the point there, in that Gerges is highlighting the same point to drive it home), but I would strongly recommend this book to those who think that Al-Qaeda has a lot of traction in the Middle East (it simply doesn't) or that all Muslims are intent on burning all Westerners (sorry to be boring again folks, but we're not!)
Yet the nature of terrorism as it is now is completely alien to the vast majority of Muslims (who are, SURPRISE, perfectly normal every day people -sorry folks we're just as boring as the rest of you). It is good that Gerges takes a more sanguine approach to what makes terrorism what it is amongst the silly few who think it makes sense.
Although this gets a little repetitive at times (I think I see the point there, in that Gerges is highlighting the same point to drive it home), but I would strongly recommend this book to those who think that Al-Qaeda has a lot of traction in the Middle East (it simply doesn't) or that all Muslims are intent on burning all Westerners (sorry to be boring again folks, but we're not!)
December 16, 2012
Good read. Gerges presents a compelling argument against the dominant terrorism narrative in, not only the US, but the West. He displays evidence that the threat posed by al-Qaeda is overblown and that the organization is in tatters. He also provides solid recommendations to promote better relations between the US and Muslim societies.
Disagree with some of his assessments, but overall he presents a good case. Great read and highly recommended for anyone interested in al-Qaeda, terrorism, or the Middle East.
Disagree with some of his assessments, but overall he presents a good case. Great read and highly recommended for anyone interested in al-Qaeda, terrorism, or the Middle East.
March 27, 2014
This book was incredibly well researched and thought provoking. It truly erases what you think you know about al-Qaeda. I do take issue with some of the author's assertions about the true nature of its existential threat, or our response to it, especially in light of events in the intervening years since its publication, but it is still a solid volume.
August 26, 2014
This book is accessible and makes a compelling case challenging the dominant narrative of the war on terror. I would recommend this book to anyone living in the United States after 2001.
September 9, 2015
A very interesting book but the analysis can be very reptitive.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews