Hunting in the Shadows: The Pursuit of al Qa'ida since 9/11 [Hardcover]

Seth G. Jones (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2012

From one of our most trusted counterterrorism experts, a sweeping, insider's account of the decade-long chase for America's deadliest enemy.

This comprehensive, landmark history chronicles our ongoing battle against al-Qa’ida, the greatest threat the West has faced in the modern era. An internationally recognized authority on terrorism and counterinsurgency, Seth G. Jones presents a dramatic narrative of the on-the-ground police work; the elaborate, multiyear investigations led by the CIA, FBI, and Britain’s MI5; and the shifting and deadly alliances between terrorist groups that have characterized the conflict. With gripping detail he recounts the against-the-clock hunt for the Times Square bomber and reveals startling information about Osama bin Laden’s behavior during his final days. Drawing on recently declassified documents and court materials, transcripts of wiretapped conversations, and interviews with current and former government officials from the United States and key allies, Jones navigates the “waves” (al Qa’ida attacks) and “reverse waves” (successful efforts to disrupt al’Qa’ida), explaining how we might analyze past patterns in order to successfully counter al Qa’ida and its allies in the future. 8 pages of photographs; 16 maps

Editorial Reviews

Review

“A chronological, historical walk-through of successive waves of al-Qaeda terrorism from 1998 to the present…. The author ably organizes all the pieces of the puzzle regarding successive terrorist attacks, fleshing out the numerous personalities involved, … and establishing excellent perspective on the amorphous nature of the enemy and the dissention from within. … From a knowledgeable guide, a thoughtful study of the pattern of violence and response.” (Kirkus Reviews )

“Seth Jones has produced a masterpiece, pulling together a fragmented and little-known sequence of events into a coherent, and highly readable account. His ‘wave and counter-wave’ framework helps make sense of complex patterns, and his analysis is likely to stand the test of time. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in current events or in the future of conflict.” (David Kilcullen, author of The Accidental Guerilla )

“Seth Jones was called to the war zones by commanders of special operations forces to advise them on the nuances of the places, people and events of high importance in our pursuit of terrorists. Hunting in the Shadows is a clear and engaging account that draws on Seth’s long experience in the region - a truly valuable work by a uniquely knowledgeable and talented writer.” (Admiral Eric T. Olson, U.S. Navy (Ret), Former Commander of United States Special Operations Command )

“Hunting in the Shadows is a well-documented and perceptive look into the shadowy world of Al-Qaeda since 9/11, and a clear-headed assessment of how effective the War on Terror has been in containing it. This book is an important contribution to public debate on America's security and how best achieve it in a changing Muslim world.” (Vali Nasr, Author of The Rise of Islamic Capitalism: Why the New Muslim Middle Class is the Key to Defeating Extremism )

“Seth Jones is a gifted writer and scholar. His research, attention to detail and narrative skills make Hunting in the Shadows essential reading. At a time of public uncertainty about where the war against Al Qaeda is going, here is a reliable, compelling map, rich with new information.” (Steve Coll, Author of The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden, from the Soviet Invasion to September 10, 2001 )

“The best researched study of al Qaeda’s plots, both successful and foiled, to attack America and its allies since 911. A critical account essential to understanding how the threat is evolving.” (Bruce Riedel, former CIA officer and senior advisor to three U.S. presidents on the Middle East and South Asia (also senior fellow at the Brookings Institution) )

About the Author

Seth G. Jones has served as a senior advisor at U.S. Special Operations Command and is currently associate director of the International Security and Defense Policy Center at RAND, an adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University, and the author of In the Graveyard of Empires.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 544 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company (May 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393081451
• ISBN-13: 978-0393081459
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 1.7 x 9.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #374,032 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Seth G. Jones serves as an advisor and plans officer for the Commanding General, U.S. Special Operations Forces, in Afghanistan. He lives outside of Washington, DC, and contributes regularly to the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and the Washington Post. Jones was named one of 2008's 'Best and Brightest' young policy experts by Esquire.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Book April 17, 2012

By Robert Eddy

Format:Hardcover

"Hunting in the Shadows" is, by far, the best book on al Qaeda I have read in the last few years. It digs deeply into some of the most significant terrorist plots and attacks -- from the 2005 al Qaeda-led London bombings to the 2009 al Qaeda plot by Najibullah Zazi to conduct suicide attacks on the New York City subway. The book is extremely well-written and includes interesting dialogue from signals intelligence intercepts and other sources. It's also balanced and objective. Perhaps most useful, however, is Dr. Jones' framework for understanding al Qaeda's activities in a series of "waves" and "reverse waves." In sum, lots of good information, well-written, and important argument. I liked it to so much I've started reading it ... again.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Thorough Read July 16, 2012

By Daniel Florent

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Seth Jones lays out the facts and nuances of the main characters that have walked the path to terrorism. His thoughtful analysis and writing creates a flow that reads similarly to Looming Tower or even the 9/11 Commission Report. An excellent reference for those that wish to learn more about the backgrounds of terrorists and the reasons for tactical response.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read, stunning book May 16, 2012

By Bart Rogers

Format:Hardcover

I served on several of the missions described in "Hunting in the Shadows," so saw them up close. Dr. Jones provides an unparalleled -- and stunningly accurate -- picture of U.S., British, and other allied efforts against al Qaeda. I found his argument that al Qaeda's strengths and weaknesses have risen and fallen in a series of "waves" to be novel and highly persuasive. I also appreciate his objectivity; there is no political bent to the story. And he pulls no punches. The U.S. made mistakes in some areas, but had great successes in others. I thought the best part of the book was his second-to-last section -- on "The Third Wave" -- which provides an inside-the-mission feel to some of the most dangerous terrorist plots against the United States. A big kudos to Dr. Jones. I just wish people like me -- who served on several of these missions -- had this kind of an analysis earlier.