America's Secret War: Inside the Hidden Worldwide Struggle Between the United States and Its Enemies

Book Description

Dubbed by Barron’s as “The Shadow CIA,” George Friedman’s global intelligence company, Stratfor, has provided analysis to Fortune 500 companies, news outlets, and even the U.S. government. Now Friedman delivers the geopolitical story that the mainstream media has been unable to uncover — the startling truth behind America’s foreign policy and war effort in Afghanistan, Iraq, and beyond .

Stratfor, one of the world’s most respected private global intelligence firms, has an unmatched ability to provide clear perspective on the current geopolitical map. In America's Secret War, George Friedman identifies the United States’ most dangerous enemies, delves into presidential strategies of the last quarter century, and reveals the real reasons behind the attack of 9/11—and the Bush administration’s motivation for the war in Iraq. It describes in eye-opening detail America’s covert and overt efforts in the global war against terrorism: Not only are U.S. armies in combat on every continent, but since 9/11 the intelligence services of dozens of nations have been operating in close partnership with the CIA.

Drawing on Stratfor’s vast information-gathering network, Friedman presents an insightful picture of today’s world that goes far beyond what is reported on television and in other news media.

Al Qaeda’s war plans and how they led to 9/11

The threat of a suitcase nuclear bomb in New York and how that changed the course of the war.

The deal the U.S. made with Russia and Iran which made the invasion of Afghanistan possible – and how those deals affect the United States today.

How fear and suspicion of the Saudis after 9-11 tore apart the Bush-Saudi relationship and why Saudi Arabia’s closest friends in the administration became the Saudi’s worst enemies.

The real reasons behind George W. Bush’s invasion of Iraq and how WMD became the cover for a much deeper game.

How the CIA miscalculated about Saddam Hussein’s and Iran’s real plans, leaving the U.S. bogged down in the war.

How the war in Iraq began with a ruse, pretending that a “target of opportunity” attack on Saddam Hussein had presented itself.

The real story about why the U.S. raises and lowers its alert status and why the United States can’t find and destroy al Qaeda.

The strategic successes that are slowly leading the United States to victory

America's Secret War is an unprecedented look at the new world war being waged behind-the-scenes today. It is sure to stir debate and capture headlines around the world.

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THE STARTLING TRUTH BEHIND AMERICA'S FOREIGN POLICY AND WAR EFFORT IN AFGHANISTAN, IRAQ, AND BEYOND—FROM THE FOUNDER OF THE COMPANY DUBBED BY BARRON'S AS “THE SHADOW CIA”

Dubbed by Barron's as “The Shadow CIA,” George Friedman's global intelligence company, Stratfor, has provided analysis to Fortune 500 companies, news outlets, and even the U.S. government. Now Friedman delivers the geopolitical story that the mainstream media has been unable to uncover—the startling truth behind America's foreign policy and war effort in Afghanistan, Iraq, and beyond.

Stratfor, one of the world's most respected private global intelligence firms, has an unmatched ability to provide clear perspective on the current geopolitical map. In AMERICA'S SECRET WAR, George Friedman identifies the United States' most dangerous enemies, delves into presidential strategies of the last quarter century, and reveals the real reasons behind the attack of 9/11—and the Bush administration's motivation for the war in Iraq. It describes in eye-opening detail America's covert and overt efforts in the global war against terrorism: Not only are U.S. armies in combat on every continent, but since 9/11 the intelligence services of dozens of nations have been operating in close partnership with the CIA.

Drawing on Stratfor's vast information-gathering network, Friedman presents an insightful picture of today's world that goes far beyond what is reported on television and in other news media.

Al Qaeda's war plans and how they led to 9/11
The threat of a suitcase nuclear bomb in New York and how that changed the course of the war.
The deal the U.S. made with Russia and Iran which made the invasion of Afghanistan possible—and how those deals affect the United States today.
How fear and suspicion of the Saudis after 9-11 tore apart the Bush-Saudi relationship and why Saudi Arabia's closest friends in the administration became the Saudi's worst enemies.
The real reasons behind George W. Bush's invasion of Iraq and how WMD became the cover for a much deeper game.
How the CIA miscalculated about Saddam Hussein's and Iran's real plans, leaving the U.S. bogged down in the war.
How the war in Iraq began with a ruse, pretending that a “target of opportunity” attack on Saddam Hussein had presented itself.
The real story about why the U.S. raises and lowers its alert status and why the United States can't find and destroy al Qaeda.
The strategic successes that are slowly leading the United States to victory

AMERICA'S SECRET WAR is an unprecedented look at the new world war being waged behind-the-scenes today. It is sure to stir debate and capture headlines around the world.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent view behind the scenes.......2007-08-08

George Friedman gives us a rare look behind the scenes of America's fight with radical Islam. It was fascinating to get a look at how the U.S. viewed acts of terror and terrorists in general before and after 9/11. Friedman goes into detail that you simply cannot get from watching the news or reading papers. For example, Friedman lays out many reasons for invading Iraq other than WMD's. These include: a need for an impressive military victory to send a message throughout the Arab world, a point of leverage to deal with Saudi Arabia, and the fact the Saadam was a brutal dictator. Friedman discusses the strengths and weaknesses of various U.S. intelligence and law enforcement services in great detail. He also explains why Al Qeada has been as successful as they have and what seperates them from other terrorist groups. The book takes the reader through the military operations and campaigns of the first three years in the global fight against terrorism. For a more specific look at Al Qaeda and the rise of radical Islam see Lawrence Wright's "The Looming Tower."

Solid, Factual Analysis.......2007-07-01

A few months ago, at the suggestion of a friend who is active in the American intelligence community, I subscribed to the Friedman's Stratfor email newsletter. In it I have found some of the best analysis out there. It consistently gives clear, concise, and factual explanations of world events--something that is very rarely found in the mainstream media today.

This book met the same high standard. The discussion covers the 9/11 attacks and the American response. Friedman attempts to cut through the fluff and public statements and looks at the hard geopolitical realities of the events, and he does an excellent job of doing so.

I was constantly impressed by the innovative explanations he develops. For example, he argues that a major reason for the Iraq war was to put greater pressure on Saudi Arabia to reign in Islamists. Another compelling idea is that the very purpose of the 9/11 attacks was to provoke an American overreaction, which would in turn help Islamists gain ground within the Muslim world.

[...]

Friedman's prose is succinct and readable, with the occasional entertaining anecdote to keep things interesting. This makes for a fast and enjoyable read.

My only criticism (and it is a significant one) is that Friedman does not cite any sources. There were many facts that I would like to have looked up, but I had no idea where he got his information.

Still, this was a tremendously good book. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in America's contemporary foreign policy.

america's secret war.......2007-06-08

It was the best explaination of the history and events in the Iraq war

Private Intelligence Officer's View Of The Terrorists Conflict.......2006-12-28

In "America's Secret War" author Dr. George Friedman lays out his thinking on the background of the Islamo-fascist terror war on the West, events that led up to the Iraq conflict, and events that have occurred there through the print date of 2004.

Dr. Friedman is certainly qualified to do so as the founder and Chairman of Strategic Forecasting (Stratfor), often described as the "Other CIA" with an excellent track record in geopolitical event forecasting.

The reader will enjoy Friedman's clear-thinking approach by a skilled intelligence analyst devoid of passion, which he correctly states is praised to much. It leads to loud noises and incoherence.

He treats all the powerful players on the world stage with respect, no matter how (apparently) inept or diabolical the reader may think they are. One must understand that these skilled and powerful players have a clear vision of how they think the world should look. He also correctly states that fools and psychotics do not accumulate and hold such power.

From there, Friedman leads the reader through the events of the on-going conflict, and his perception of the mistakes (along with many victories) that have occurred on all sides. He closes out the book with his ideas of the concepts needed for victory over this murderous enemy. The Main Stream Media of course, is basically both lazy and clueless, and the reader will learn of many events that were either unknown to the MSM or, if known, not reported.

As the thinking reader would expect, there are no references to sources, just as one would not expect sources to be listed in a classified report from a government intelligence operation.

As a subscriber to Stratfor, this writer found Friedman's book just an extension of the expected clear-thinking analysis that appears in his newsletter. Those with interest in geopolitical events, will find this book well worth the read, and I fully recommend it.

Enlightening.......2006-12-07

I was skepitcal about this book. I've read a lot on the war on terror, but no book has even come close to this. The last third of the book focuses, rightly, on Iraq. The author makes complex ideas easy to follow, like a good physics teacher. You will have an essential understanding not only of what's going on now, but the answers to the questions you've accumilated in the run-up to the invasion of Iraq, the invasion itself, and the occupation since. From France to Fallujah. Not just a military history or study of tactics, though it includes both. But of the Psy ops, the diplomacy, the good the bad and the ugly. Never dry or dull. You will be pulled as if by a magnet to the end of the book. And most if not all the questions you had will be answered. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

America's Secret War: Inside the Struggle Between the United States and Its Enemies (Unabridged)

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America's Secret War: Inside the Struggle Between the United States and Its Enemies (Unabridged)
George Friedman
Manufacturer: audible.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Download
ASIN: B000776JGU

How to fight terror.(America's Secret War: Inside the Hidden Worldwide Struggle Between America and Its Enemies)(A Practical Guide to Winning the War on ... An article from: The National Interest

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How to fight terror.(America's Secret War: Inside the Hidden Worldwide Struggle Between America and Its Enemies)(A Practical Guide to Winning the War on ... An article from: The National Interest
Daniel Byman
Manufacturer: The National Interest, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Terrorism | Current Events | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0009H3CXG
Release Date: 2006-07-14

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The National Interest, published by The National Interest, Inc. on March 22, 2005. The length of the article is 3514 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: How to fight terror.(America's Secret War: Inside the Hidden Worldwide Struggle Between America and Its Enemies)(A Practical Guide to Winning the War on Terrorism)(The Receding Shadow of the Prophet: The Rise and Fall of Radical Political Islam)(Book Review)
Author: Daniel Byman
Publication: The National Interest (Magazine/Journal)
Date: March 22, 2005
Publisher: The National Interest, Inc.
Issue: 79 Page: 124(7)

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

The hunting of the snark.(Book Review): An article from: National Catholic Reporter

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The hunting of the snark.(Book Review): An article from: National Catholic Reporter
Richard Thieme
Manufacturer: National Catholic Reporter
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from National Catholic Reporter, published by National Catholic Reporter on May 20, 2005. The length of the article is 1628 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: The hunting of the snark.(Book Review)
Author: Richard Thieme
Publication: National Catholic Reporter (Magazine/Journal)
Date: May 20, 2005
Publisher: National Catholic Reporter
Volume: 41 Issue: 29 Page: 12a(1)

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

America's Secret War Inside The Hidden Worldwide Struggle Between America And Its Enemies

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America's Secret War Inside The Hidden Worldwide Struggle Between America And Its Enemies
Friedman George
Manufacturer: Doubleday
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000UIBFXI

Book Description

Taking a step toward helping all Americans realize equality, BLACK LIBERATION AND THE AMERICAN DREAM concentrates on the connections between racial justice and economic justice, while exploring the dynamic intersections of race, class, and gender. Editor Paul Le Blanc argues that comprehending and acting upon such connections and intersections provides the key to overcoming racism.

An insightful introductory essay by Le Blanc presents a cogent summary of African American history, with special focus on the civil rights movements of the 1950s and 1960s, and suggests practical activities to advance the struggle to eliminate racism in the United States. This is followed by readings from some of the most prominent pioneers in the liberation struggle: Frederick Douglass, Martin Delany, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Ida B. Wells, Booker T. Washington, Marcus Garvey, W.E.B. Du Bois, Paul Robeson, C.L.R. James, A. Philip Randolph, Martin Luther King Jr., Bayard Rustin, Malcolm X, Ella Baker, and many others. Selections are also offered from several contemporary scholars in today's antiracist struggle.

This very informative volume is an excellent practical survey of the African American struggle thus far and a guide for the ongoing struggle to achieve the "American dream."

"This is an excellent text, superb for both students and activists. . . . It is enhanced by a long, thoughtful essay by Paul Le Blanc, which examines African American history in a coherent and organized manner to make it easily accessible. It is especially effective in the focus on the civil rights struggle and on the intersection of race, gender, and class, as well as on the need for informed activism. BLACK LIBERATION AND THE AMERICAN DREAM promises to be an outstanding teaching tool; it should be widely used." -- Dennis Brutus, professor emeritus, Department of African Studies, University of Pittsburgh

"A superb introduction to the history of racism, of freedom struggles, and of the meaning of both for all of U.S. history. . . .This book is sure to open spirited and productive debates and dialogues." -- David Roediger, professor of history and Afro-American Studies, University of Illinois

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BLACK LIBERATION AND THE AMERICAN DREAM: THE STRUGGLE FOR RACIAL AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE : ANALYSIS, STRATEGY, READINGS. Revolutionary Studies
Paul (editor). Le Blanc
Manufacturer: Humanity Books,
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NDM110

Book Description

Worldwide Destinations: the geography of travel and tourism is now available as a two book set, comprising the fourth edition of the textbook and the brand new case book.

This enables students to have a fuller understanding of this vital area of tourism study with the textbook devoted to international theory and practice and the casebook providing real life illustrations, contextualising the knowledge and understanding for the student.

The two book set is priced at a special discounted price making it the ideal learning solution for budget conscious students!

* Two book set of bestselling text (over 18,000 copies sold) and brand new textbook
* Textbook provides a thorough examination looking at demand, resources and the future geography of international tourism and travel
* casebook provides over 40 international case studies to illustrate theory and contextualise learning, such as London Docklands, adventure tourism in Scandinavia, safari tourism in Zimbabwe, pro-poor initiatives and many more

Book Description

Jean-Jacques Semp+- is one of the most successful andbest-loved cartoonists in the world, best known for his cartoons that havegraced the covers and pages of the New Yorker for decades.Semp+- haspublished numerous collections of his work in his native France, but neverbefore have they been translated into English.Phaidon Press is delightedto present the first English translated publication of NOTHING IS SIMPLE byJean-Jacques Semp+-, one of four witty and beautifully illustratedcollections from this widely adored cartoonist.NOTHING IS SIMPLE was the first book of Semp+- drawings, originallypublished in 1962. In this classic Semp+- collection, we find a timelessmix of everyday moments and surreal situations, captured withcharacteristic playfulness and attention to detail.Semp+-'s world ispopulated by nosy neighbors, mischievous schoolboys and thwarted lovers, bysnooty holidaymakers and crowds of frustrated commuters in the big city. In one classic series, a woman looks horrified to witness an accidentinvolving a truck, a restaurant-front and several bystander, and rushes toher friend's house to report, not of the accident, but the fact that shesaw her friend's husband stepping out of a nearby bar with another woman. These inimitable drawings and watercolors, accompanied by perfectly judgeddeadpan captions, are fresh, engaging and hilarious. Semp+-'s work, once just the one-of-a-kind illustrations that appearedbefore our eyes in delightful yet sporadic moments, can now be brought homeas an enchanting part of every family's library.NOTHING IS SIMPLE, justone volume of four, includes more than 100 illustrations, both pen and ink,with captions translated by Anthea Bell.Professionals, children, andadults of any age will fall in love with these charming books.

Customer Reviews:

Delightful.......2007-04-05

Sempe' is simply a genius at capturing subtle universal situations with a few beautifully drawn characters. He's a modern master.

Average customer rating:

In France Nothing is Simple
J.J. Sempe
Manufacturer: Holt Rinehart and Winston
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000JV2YAY

Book Description

Between the Dark and Light presents an astonishing array of images that capture the musical, cultural, and personal magic of the Grateful Dead. Now in paperback with 16 pages of new photographs, this acclaimed book showcases more than 900 rich color and black-and-white photos that bring the Grateful Dead experience to life. Accompanying the photos are essays by Dead historians Blair Jackson and J.C. Juanis and rock photographer Jon Sievert, a foreword by Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh, and photographer Jay Blakesberg's own reflections. From Blakesberg's travels following the Dead in the late 1970s to his revealing band-member portraits of the '80s and '90s, and his extensive post-Grateful Dead project photos, Between the Dark and Light is a compelling view of an unparalleled pop culture phenomenon whose ripples will resonate for years to come.

Customer Reviews:

Great gift for the Deadhead!.......2004-11-21

I purchased this book for my husband's uncle. He and his wife used to follow the Dead. He adored this book. He even found a crowd picture that showed he and his wife. They were thrilled. The photography is wonderful.

Know a Deadhead who "has everything"?.......2003-06-30

Saw this book for the first time at the Rock-N-Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland during a cross-country trip (side note: an interesting place to visit. Check out Jerry's guitars: Rosebud, Lightning Bolt, Wolf and 2 he ordered but never played). Bought it on the spot! If you think you have seen all the pictures of the Boyz, think again. This is an impressive collection, perfect for the "Deadhead who has everything". I just bought a 2nd copy, 'cause I know I am going to wear out the first one I bought!

Awesome!!!.......2003-01-31

This book is required reading for all fans of the Grateful Dead. Wonderful photographs and commentary. It brings back so many memories from years past that I find myself not being able to put it down. I will most likely buy a second copy, just to have it for future enjoyment when I wear this one out. Great job Jay!

This long strange trip is MY long strange trip!.......2003-01-11

The photographs in this book evoke a community and a culture that was a huge part of my own life during the Grateful Dead touring years. Looking through these photographs brought back so many great memories, and finding photos of familiar faces and places was both nostalgic and sentimental and at the same time incredibly satisfying. Thank you Jay!

Grateful to have bought........2003-01-10

I bought the first book as a gift, this is absolutely a fantastic collection of photography, so good I've bought three more. Made several people extremely happy.

Customer Reviews:

Awesome, Readable Summary of Wireless Engr and Deployment.......2003-09-25

This is the book you've been waiting for, if you're looking for a detailed summary of how wireless networks are designed from an engineering perspective. Goes into all the details of how (and why) engineering is approached the way it is - in general - and how it relates to all the major, modern wireless technologies such as GSM, CDMA, IS-136 and iDen. This book explains - in English - the design and operations of wireless networks; how to manage problems; and differences between CDMAOne and CDMA 2000 just to name a few topics. Also covers MANY heretofore UNCOVERED topics such as billing and revenue assurance, system testing, system documentation and organization and training topics (i.e. headcount requirements). I'm a part-time faculty member at a large midwestern university, and this will likely be the selected text for a new course entitled "Wireless System Engineering and Deployment". This truly is a 5-star book !!! Hats off to the authors.....

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Good quick handbook

Excellent quick guide

Codenotes for Java: Intermediate and Advanced Language Features
Gregory Brill
Manufacturer: Random House Trade Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Java | Programming | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
Software Development | Software Design, Testing & Engineering | Programming | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0812991923
Release Date: 2002-01-02

Book Description

CodeNotes provides the most succinct, accurate, and speedy way for a developer to ramp up on a new technology or language. Unlike other programming books, CodeNotes drills down to the core aspects of a technology, focusing on the key elements needed in order to understand it quickly and implement it immediately. It is a unique resource for developers, filling the gap between comprehensive manuals and pocket references.

CodeNotes for Java: Intermediate and Advanced Language Features will introduce the reader with a grasp of basic Java to advanced object oriented design techniques, collections, I/O, multi-threaded applications, internationalization and more. Experienced Java programmers will also benefit from the numerous examples, tips and tricks and design notes that explain why these Java features are fundamentally important to every development effort.

This edition of CodeNotes includes:
-A global overview of a technology and explanation of what problems it can be used to solve
-Real-world examples
-"How and Why", and "Bugs and Caveats" sections that provide hints, tricks, workarounds, and tips on what should be taken advantage of or avoided
-"Design Notes" illustrating many of the common use patterns for Java programs
-Instructions and classroom-style tutorials throughout from expert trainers and software developers

Visit www.codenotes.com for updates, source code templates, access to message boards, and discussion of specific problems with CodeNotes authors and other developers.

Every CodeNotes title is written and reviewed by a team of commercial software developers and technology experts. See "About the Authors" at the beginning of the book for more information.

Download Description

CodeNotes provides themost succinct, accurate, and speedy way for a developer to ramp up on anew technology or language. Unlike other programming books, CodeNotesdrills down to the core aspects of a technology, focusing on the keyelements needed in order to understand it quickly and implement itimmediately. It is a unique resource for developers, filling the gapbetween comprehensive manuals and pocket references.

CodeNotes for Java: Intermediateand Advanced Language Features will introduce the reader with agrasp of basic Java to advanced object oriented design techniques,collections, I/O, multi-threaded applications, internationalization andmore. Experienced Java programmers will also benefit from the numerousexamples, tips and tricks and design notes that explain why these Javafeatures are fundamentally important to every development effort.

This edition of CodeNotesincludes:

A global overview of a technology and explanation of whatproblems it can be used to solve
Real-world examples
"How and Why", and "Bugs and Caveats" sections that providehints, tricks, workarounds, and tips on what should be taken advantageof or avoided
"Design Notes" illustrating many of the common use patternsfor Java programs
Instructions and classroom-style tutorials throughout fromexpert trainers and software developers

Visit www.codenotes.com for updates, source code templates, access to message boards, and discussion of specific problems with CodeNotes authors and other developers.

Every CodeNotes title iswritten and reviewed by a team of commercial software developers andtechnology experts. See "About the Authors" at the beginning of thebook for more information.

Customer Reviews:

Good quick handbook.......2003-01-12

Similar to "Cliff Notes" for literature, but addresses basic Java language topics. Does a greate job pointing out "gotchas" that don't show up until you get deeper into programming. Thus, by reading this book you get some good coding wisdom early, rather than learning it the hard way at your own desk. The book is also quite terse, and gets to the point quickly. Complaint: Exceptions are fundamental, yet this book barely mentions them. A major omission.

Excellent quick guide.......2002-03-05

If you are looking for a comprehensive guide, this is not it. However if you are looking for quick concise answers on such topics as reflection, interfaces, inner classes, localization, you might be happy to learn that this book won't leave you high and dry. It depicts each topic with just enough theory and examples to get you on your way. The section on localization is very good if you wish to get a quick intro to localization. Reflection is also very nicely highlighted in this book. I wish I had used this book before I used reflection like maniac throughout my projects.
Another cool thing about this book is the price. Under [priced]for a good Java book is something I really like given the fact that I buy books at an astronomical rate.
Enjoy,
Will

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