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Unholy Wars

Unholy Wars

Afghanistan, America and International Terrorism

by John K. Cooley

A classic book on the history of the USA's involvement with Afghanistan
This book examines the events of September 11th 2001, Osama bin Laden's role and the complex working of the Al Qa'ida terror network. This is the classic book on the history of the USA's involvement with Afghanistan that explains the devastating consequences of the alliance between the US government and radical Islam. Essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the roots of the current international crisis.

Cooley marshals a wealth of evidence - from the assassination of Sadat, the destabilisation of Algeria and Chechnya and the emergence of the Taliban, to the bombings of the World Trade Center and the US embassies in Africa. He examines the crucial role of Pakistan’s military intelligence organisation; uncovers China’s involvement and its aftermath; the extent of Saudi financial support; the role of 'America's most wanted man' Osama bin Laden; the BCCI connection; the CIA's cynical promotion of drug traffic in the Golden Crescent; the events in Pakistan since the military coup of October 1999; and, finally, the events of September 11th 2001 and their continuing impact on world affairs.

John K. Cooley (1927-2008) was a journalist and author who specialised in terrorism and the Middle East and North Africa. He is the author of countless books, including the classic Unholy Wars (Pluto, 2002) and An Alliance Against Babylon (Pluto, 2005).

'Lucid, detailed, well-organised and superbly researched, Unholy Wars is the only book to place Islamic militancy in the context created not just by desperately poor, hopelessly mismanaged, corrupt and oppressive societies, but also by great powers like the United States. A masterpiece of reportorial thoroughness, painstaking research, and serious reflection' - Edward W. Said
Acknowledgements
New Introduction
1. Carter and Brezhnev in the Valley of Decision
2. Anwar al-Sadat
3. Zia al-Haq
4. Deng Xiaoping
5. Recruiters, Trainers, Trainees and Assorted Spooks
6. Donors, Bankers and Profiteers
7. Poppy Fields, Killing Fields and Druglords
8. Russia: Bitter Aftertaste and Reluctant Return
9. The Contagion Spreads: 1 – Egypt and the Maghreb
10. More Contagion: The Philippines
11 The Contagion Spreads: 2 – The Assault on America
Epilogue: The Globalisation of Violence
Notes
Index
Published by Pluto Press in Jun 2002
Paperback ISBN: 9780745319179
eBook ISBN: 9781783715015

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