The Black Banners: The Inside Story of 9/11 And The War Against al-Qaeda by Ali Soufan is the best book I’ve read on the events leading up to the attack on 9/11/2001.
Written by Ali Soufan, who prior to 9/1 was one of the very few FBI agents whose first language was Arabic, the book is a must read for anyone interested in al Qaeda and its global operations as well as primary and secondary targets.
Up front. Soufan is a skilled writer and observer. He limits the scope of this book on events leading up to the 9/11 attack (including the bombing of the USS Cole, a destroyer). Unlike most of the books dealing with fighting and investigating al Qaeda, Soufan does not engage in self-aggrandizement. Instead he takes the reader carefully through the often byzantine process of interrogating foreign nationals in their home country. It’s a commendable narrative that’s clearly presented.
I am impressed with the details in this book and Soufan’s incredible narrative skills. Depite a lot of redact by a government agency, Soufan weaves in abundant information from non-classified sources to tell his story.
There are a couple of other points that emerge in Black Banners. The author’s understanding and knowledge of the Koran as well as Arabic traditions were effective interrogation skills.
Soufan broaches the subject of the lakck of cooperation between the FBI and other agencies in this book. His discussion of this is straightforward with little vitriol. But you can connect the dots leading to missed opportunities.
There are some conclusions in Soufan’s book that are critical: Foremost among these are”.. military and interrogation successes (against Al Qaeda) are only half the battle.he other half is in the area of ideas—countering the narratives and recruitment methods extremists use….Understanding your opponents and using that knowledge o undermine them Is the key to ultimate victory.”
If your searching for a great book on current events to read over the holidays, I recommend Ali Soufan’s The Black Banners: The Inside Story of 9/11 And The War Against al-Qaeda—Jim Forbes on 12/13/2011.
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