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  al-Qaeda

  Hope you are all well.
  
  Given the latest NIE, it doesn't seem entirely unlikely that al-Qaeda will commit another terrorist attack on US soil. Given Musharaf's increasing weakness, what are the likely outcomes if Musharaf falls? Also, what are some of the likely second-order consequences of another attack on US soil? I feel the consequences of all orders are far beyond serious and would like to read much more than I have in this particular area. Does anyone have some recommendations that I could seek out that relate specifically to these issues (and any others similar to it)?
  
  Thank you in advance if any of you have suggestions or thoughts.

  D started this discussion 1 year ago. ( reply )

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  saguaro 

  D. "Charlie Wilson's War" will provide you with a great deal of background info related to the U.S.'s efforts back in the 80s to oust the Russians from Afghanistan. This involved surreptitiously providing the mujuhadeen - and what would become al-Qaeda - with Stinger missiles and other weaponry - even MULES to carry equipment through the rugged terrain.
  
  "Blowback" is a term used to describe the unintended negative consequences of U.S. foreign policy. Chalmers Johnson has written a book which he entitled with that nomenclature. It's the first book in his series of three (highly recommended) regarding the blunders that have brought us to this juncture, but is primarily focused on Asia. The other two are of a more general nature. I'm writing this on the fly, while traveling. Will post more when I get home.
  
  

  posted 1 year ago. ( reply )

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    Ma Titwonky 

    I thought the book Charlie Wilson's War was excellent. I find it appalling, though, that when the movie was nominated for a Golden Globe award it was listed as a comedy or musical. Frankly I did not find anything funny about a Congressman deliberately channeling money to finance all that weaponry that later has been used against us.

    posted 9 months ago. ( reply )

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  Max J. 

  The amount of control Musharraf currently exerts in those al Qaeda-infested border area is pretty minimal to begin with, if he does at all; that's exactly why they operate freely there. He's also pretty unlikely to fall outright so much as finally step down in favor of the more democratic options (Bhutto, etc.) that have been hounding him for years to relinquish control. I think you'd find that al-Qaeda's ability to launch another attack depends very little on what happens to Musharraf.
  
  Charlie Wilson's War is good, as is Steve Coll's "Ghost Wars." Also try "The Far Enemy" by Fawaz Gerges, which is an outstanding book about the evolution of al-Qaeda's doctrinal evolution. And I guess for practical issues the starting point would be The 9/11 Commission Report.
  
  Without trying to start a political fight, Chalmers Johnson is not where you want to go for a strictly balanced look. Blowback is a pretty serious polemic, and should be treated as such.

  posted 1 year ago. ( reply )

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    saguaro 

    Keeping in mind Max. J's cautionary note, I would also highly recommend "Nemesis: The Last Days Of The American Empire" by Chalmers Johnson, with its insights about the immensely powerful military industrial complex..

    posted 1 year ago. ( reply )

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    saguaro 

    
    Another insightful account of the U.S.'s clandestine support of the mujahideen (multiple spelling options) in Afghanistan during the Russian occupation is "Ghost Wars" by Steve Coll.

    posted 1 year ago. ( reply )

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    deactivated member 

    All these books sound great. I focus mostly on Bible prophecy books and I know I need to read more diverse books.

    posted 10 months ago. ( reply )

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  tlptulip 

  For a big picture, overview, I recommend you check out books written by Bernard Lewis. He's considered the "dean" of the Middle East. I've read parts of "What Went Wrong: Western Impact and Middle Eastern Response". It's a very dense read, but extremely informative and interesting.

  posted 9 months ago. ( reply )

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  Allisunni 

  You may have read it, but I'd recommend The Looming Tower. It doesn't focus so much on predicting the future, but I thought its account of the history and ideology of Al-Quaeda was helpful. It also presents a comprehensive view of the personalities of the leadership in Al Quaeda, and the workings of the FBI and CIA leading up to 9/11.

  posted 9 months ago. ( reply )

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    saguaro 

    Did anyone here happen to watch "Return Of The Taliban" on PBS Frontline last evening (Jamuary 29th)?
    
    Summary and videos are available here: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/taliban/view/
    
    Highly recommended.

    posted 9 months ago. ( reply )

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  Marcus 

  I've read Ghost Wars but not Charlie Wilson, the book. Also there is a Rand Corps study of Afghanistan which is very thorough.
  I like the Asian News online for information on the region and on the Middle East:
  http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Front_Page.html
  
  this article is very clear about the currently dangerous situation in Afghanistan:
  "I recent weeks, Pakistani, Arab and Western journalists have reported that non-Afghan Muslims - including Muslims from Europe and North America - were "flocking" to Afghanistan, in part because some were relocating from Iraq, but mostly because there is a widespread perception among Islamists that the West is on the ropes in Afghanistan.
  http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/JH01Df01.html
  

  posted 2 months ago. ( reply )

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