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The Looming Tower

Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11

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The Looming Tower

By: Lawrence Wright
Narrated by: Lawrence Wright
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Summary

 NATIONAL BESTSELLER • PULITZER PRIZE WINNER • A “heart-stopping account of the events leading up to 9/11” (The New York Times Book Review), this definitive history explains in gripping detail the growth of Islamic fundamentalism, the rise of al-Qaeda, and the intelligence failures that culminated in the attacks on the World Trade Center.

One of the New York Times’s 100 Best Books of the 21st Century • A Kirkus Reviews Best Nonfiction Book of the Century • A Los Angeles Times Best Nonfiction Book of the Last 30 Years

In gripping narrative that spans five decades, Lawrence Wright re-creates firsthand the transformation of Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri from incompetent and idealistic soldiers in Afghanistan to leaders of the most successful terrorist group in history. He follows FBI counterterrorism chief John O’Neill as he uncovers the emerging danger from al-Qaeda in the 1990s and struggles to track this new threat.

Packed with new information and a deep historical perspective, The Looming Tower is a sweeping, unprecedented history of the long road to September 11. 20th Century Americas Freedom & Security Modern Politics & Government United States War & Crisis Espionage Africa Middle East Royalty Iran Saudi Arabia War Middle Ages Thought-Provoking Scary Refugee Crusade
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I am a Muslim. I was left speechless once again at the extent one person's drive and hatred can change the course of history. That, and the arrogance and hubris of those we have elected to keep us safe.

Astounding

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An excellent insight to the history of al qaeda, the horrific violence of a minority of fanatics and the mistakes that allowed the terrorist pilots to carry out the awful crimes. Brilliantly narrated by the author.

A must listen

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Tracks the rise of OBL; explaining his family background, religious beliefs and military experience. It highlights some of the internal agency bureaucracy which prevented authorities from recognising the threat.

Very interesting and in depth

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Well researched and presented, many people can remember exactly were they where and what they were doing when the Twin towers were struck. The events that led to this have been reported upon many times; The Looming Tower chronicle the history and events that led to this atrocity, an excellent read and listen. There is so much information to take in I had to play it at 0.75 of the normal speed, a fascinating story.

Interesting Overview of an incident that shocked the Western world.

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great book , I found it after watching the Looming Towed mini series.

Well structured and paced with great insight without becoming over complicated.

fantastic insight into Intell failings 9/11

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