Through Our Enemies' Eyes: Osama bin Laden, Radical Islam, and the Future of America

by Michael Scheuer

All Americans must read this book in order to truly understand the reasons why radical Muslims like Osama bin Laden and his followers have declared war on America and the West. Furthermore, only this book accurately describes the severity of the threat they will continue to pose, with or without bin Laden’s leadership, to our national security.

To win the war against terrorism, the author argues that we must first stop dismissing militant Muslims as “extremists” or “religious fanatics.” Formulating a successful military strategy requires that we must see the enemy as they perceive themselves―highly trained and motivated soldiers who fervently believe their cause is righteous. The author describes how militants throughout the Islamic world are enraged by what they believe is Western aggression against their people, religion, and culture. Though bin Laden declared war on America years ago―not once but twice―the author argues that American complacence in the face of such violent threats stems from the increasing secularization and moral relativism of American society and culture. Even if bin Laden is brought to justice, the author warns, the dangers posed by radical Islamic militants will not disappear, and we must be prepared for a protracted war against terrorism. This important book will make a major impact on how America thinks about its enemy and itself.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Politics, Terrorism, Middle East, Islam, Military Fiction

408 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 2002

About the author

Michael F. Scheuer is a former CIA employee. In his 22-year career, he served as the Chief of the Bin Laden Issue Station (aka "Alec Station"), from 1996 to 1999, the Osama bin Laden tracking unit at the Counterterrorist Center. He then worked again as Special Advisor to the Chief of the bin Laden unit from September 2001 to November 2004.

Scheuer resigned in 2004. He is currently a news analyst for CBS News and a terrorism analyst for The Jamestown Foundation's online publication Global Terrorism Analysis. He also makes radio and television appearances and teaches a graduate-level course on Al-Qaeda at Georgetown University. He also participates in conferences on terrorism and national security issues, such as the New America Foundation's December 2004 conference, "Al Qaeda 2.0: Transnational Terrorism After 9/11."

Source: Wikipedia

Reviews

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most detailed account of its time on al-Qa'ida, written by a former chief of the CIA's Bin Laden Station. Scattershot writing, but well documented. Must read, along with Lawrence Wright's The Looming Tower and the author's other books, to gain a detailed understanding of al-Qa'ida.

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite Scheuer's... how shall we say unique viewpoint these days, at one point in time he was a brilliant analyst working on counter-terrorism issues... this book proves it considering he wrote it all using nothing but open source materials.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for understanding the rise to power of Osama Bin Laden. Although his intelligence, credibility with Islamists, force of personality and military acumen cannot be easily replaced, I have no doubts America has heard the last from Islamic insurgents.

[Nate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scheuer addresses the difficult questions regarding bin Laden and why he is actually focused on attacking America. He addresses the issues of America's foreign policy being the primary reason behind Al-Qaeda's attacks and provides a context for understanding why bin Laden does what he does in a way that is clear and unmistakable. This is a necessary reading for anybody attempting to understand extremism, Al-Qaeda, militant Islam, and terrorism. It provides an insight into bin Laden and his history, background, beliefs, and ideology. If you want to know more, read it and see the issues from a different perspective.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

An informative and well-organized history of Bin Laden and the development of the war he is fighting against the West. Marred a bit by rough editing and the author's at times angry and somewhat bitter tone, but as a historian who has watched America's government and media consistently blow it, through an apparent preference for wishful thinking, cultural narcissism, and at times simple analytical laziness.

Anyone who wants to understand Al Qaeda and the roots of its implacable enmity toward America, "Christendom", and the "Crusaders" would do well to read this book.

[Nate Cooley]

I read abouot half this book and had a hard time finishing it. I did read "Imperial Hubris" though which is written by the same author.

When "Imperial Hubris" was published it was greatly criticized because of its tone regarding the War on Terror. It was viewed as somewhat unpatriotic by the Right. Being a Conservative myself, the book contained some hard truths that those in the current administration ought to adopt (i.e., energy independence).

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone running forpublic office and screaming about how they are "strong on terrorism". The book puts the angers of our enemy into a nice concise book and then leads us through history to show us how they got there. A great book for understanding, a bad book if you want to think our leaders understand who we are facing.

Scheuer tells who we are facing and why they are mad. Our government is not doing either.

[Ehren · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book that looks at Usama Bin Laden prior to, and following the 9/11 attacks. The book was actually written (the first edition) prior to 9/11 and there are many discussions - extensively cited - regarding the mission, ideals, and development of Al Qaeda to the organization that it has become. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive intelligent discussion of the terrorist group.

[Arild · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book begins very clever by comparing Osama bin Laden with some quite interesting people which we now call freedomfighters and not just terrorists. It is also a book that sums up every little an big terrorist act which in some way or another is linked too Osama bin Laden.

How much he really is involved in is though difficult to know but it was an interesting book that i am glad that i have read.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing. I read this when he first published as "Anonymous".
If you've ever wondered why al-Qaeda declared war on America, or how the whole mess seemed to start, this is a great book to read. I've reccomended it dozens of times. It's not scholarly or stuffy, it's intelligent, engaging and extremely well done.
Sadly, it's the only good book he's written. The rest get pretty heavy on the 'bitter bureaucrat with an axe to grind against those nancy-boy politicans'.

[Glenkes · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a former intelligence officer on Middle Eastern affairs during the period covered, I am amazed both at how much detailed truth Scheurer was able to put into this book and by how easily it was ignored by public and government officials alike. Perhaps if it was written in better story-telling form, it would have had a greater impact. But everything is there that should have saved the United States a whole hell of a lot of grief.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for every american. The books answers alot of "why" questions and explains the motive behind Osama-Bin-Laden and gives alot of insight about his organization. Very well written but the author seems to be a little bitter as if almost supporting the reasons behind Osama's intentions. I dont think that is the intention of the author but too much credit is given to him.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although it is fashionable these days to think that Al-Qaeda is not longer a threat. Al-Qaeda has not forgotten about us. If you want to get a thorough understanding of the roots of Al-Qaeda and radical Islam, this book is must read. This is the most thoughtful and informed look at the phenomenon that is available.

[Tom Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A through history of the current war on terror, back through its roots with American support to Afghan mujahaddin during the Soviet-Afghan war of the 1970's. Enlightening, especially when read in concert with some of bin Laden's statements, including his 1998 fatwah. Highly recommended.

[Lucas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Argued in a strangely sympathetic way, Scheuer delivers the best summary of al Qa'ida's program in the English language. Supposedly, this book is actually used as a ideological manual by non-Arabic speaking Islamists.

[Aleksandra]

Understanding Islam and the Middle East's perception of America, even Bin Laden was quoted as respecting Scheuer's writings. (Along with those of Noam Chomsky)

[Lance · Rating 4 out of 5]

After 9/11, so many Americans were asking "How?" when they should have been asking "Why?". This book helps explain why.

[Nadir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mandatory reading if you wish to render an opinion on our War on Terror.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breakthrough work on the nature of radical Islam and the US view of it, from the former head of the CIA's Bin Laden unit.

[Nadine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The original version published 2002 with the author listed as Anonymous.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Generally a boring book to read. But it gives very good insights on Bi Laden's ideological reasons why he declared war on the USA. Changed my perspective from a terrorist to an insurgent.