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The Rise and Fall of Osama bin Laden

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The Rise and Fall of Osama bin Laden

By: Peter L. Bergen
Narrated by: James Langton
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About this listen

 The world’s leading expert on Osama bin Laden delivers for the first time the “riveting” (The New York Times) definitive biography of a man who set the course of American foreign policy for the 21st century and whose ideological heirs we continue to battle today.

In The Rise and Fall of Osama bin Laden, Peter Bergan provides the first reevaluation of the man responsible for precipitating America’s long war with al-Qaeda and its decedents, capturing bin Laden in all the dimensions of his life: as a family man, as a zealot, as a battlefield commander, as a terrorist leader, and as a fugitive. The book sheds light on his many contradictions: he was the son of a billionaire yet insisted his family live like paupers. He adored his wives and children, depending on his two wives, both of whom had PhDs, to make critical strategic decisions. Yet, he also brought ruin to his family. He was fanatically religious but willing to kill thousands of civilians in the name of Islam. He inspired deep loyalty, yet, in the end, his bodyguards turned against him. And while he inflicted the most lethal act of mass murder in United States history, he failed to achieve any of his strategic goals.

In his final years, the lasting image we have of bin Laden is of an aging man with a graying beard watching old footage of himself, just as another dad flipping through the channels with his remote. In the end, bin Laden died in a squalid suburban compound, far from the front lines of his holy war. And yet, despite that unheroic denouement, his ideology lives on. Thanks to exclusive interviews with family members and associates, and documents unearthed only recently, Bergen’s “comprehensive, authoritative, and compelling” (H.R. McMaster, author of Dereliction of Duty and Battlegrounds: The Fight to Defend the Free World) portrait of Osama bin Laden reveals for the first time who he really was and why he continues to inspire a new generation of jihadists. Freedom & Security Historical Politicians Politics & Activism Politics & Government War & Crisis Middle East War Iran Africa Royalty Military
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A gripping narrative that avoids being judgemental while setting out the shocking details of Bin Laden’s ideology and actions. Ties so many strands together to set out what has unfolded globally, not necessarily because of Bin Laden, but certainly around him and his legacy. Engrossing, enlightening and dare I say it very enjoyable.

Superbly written

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Probably the first point of reference for a fuller understanding of the man, so no issues there.

The reading is pretty bad. Not, I suspect the actor's fault, but he doesn't sound like he has an understanding of the text and it shows all the way through. The emphasis is also often wrong, so the producer has a bit to answer for here! Basically bit of a poor effort, which is not great for the author who, I think, deserved more. Probably a budget issue, in which case fair play, we can all relate.

Good book, reading isn't great

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Along with 'The Looming Tower' (Lawrence Wright) the best book I've read on Bin Laden and Al Qaeda. The hinted at US administration tactic having cornered UBL in Tora Bora was so elegantly done. Superb book.

Exceptional piece of work

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An excellent account of Bin Laden, and the factors leading up to his assassination, and beyond.

Very good book

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Definitely have a better understanding of the war on terror especially on OBL. Thank you.

Brilliant work

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