The Exile

A blow by bolow account of Al Queda before and after death of "THE SHIEKH", Osama bin Laden. Kudos to meticulous research, narration and chronology of Authors that gives readers an insight of netherworld of Islamic extremism. Book exposes state sponsored policy of Pakistan and Iran to support Jihadi elements under pretense of fighting terrorism. Omar, son of Osama had correctly predicted that,"It is going to be worse when my father dies..." and as summarized by US State Department Official, "Eliminating the Caliphate will be...end of beginning rather then beginning of end. The unflinching belief in "JIHAD" and support to Islamic State, come what may, across the geographical territories, even by those who are learned and affluent, will lead the world to doomsday. God forbid, if these non State actors can some day gain access to nuclear- biological weapons, it will be complete devastation.I salute Authors for presenting this great book, which is to my mind first recorded history of Al Queda and Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. It can only be imagined, how arduous and dangerous compiling this work would have been for authors, when you travel to no go zones and follow shadows of death especially after Daniel Pearl episode.

Adrian Levy & Catherine Scott-Clark are pros when it comes to writing about the Indian sub continent involving Pakistan-India-Afghanistan. Their previous book The Siege which was about the 26/11 terror attacks inside The Taj was a gut wrenching read.Their latest book “The Exile: The Flight of Osama bin Laden” is a brave attempt to chronologically record & fill in the huge gaps on the role of Al Qaeda & its gradual disintegration from since pre 9/11 till the creation of ISIS. The book is very objectively written & unravels pretty interesting characters inside the Al Qaeda hierarchy. The most interesting among those is “The Mauritanian”, a senior Al Qaeda pro who parted ways with Bin Laden post 9/11, he has been sketched by the authors as the chief narrator, if this book was ever to be made into a TV show, he would be the eyes & voice through which the Al Qaeda saga would unfold.The book unmasks the intelligence agencies of Pakistan & Iran in providing safe havens for Al Qaeda after the US attacks in Afghanistan post 9/11 & their dubious role in protecting & selling out top Al Qaeda leadership to suit their narratives. The central role role of CIA in locating OBL & its horrific and controversial interrogation techniques is covered in detail.From an Indian perspective this book is a must read as the role of the ISI & the Pakistani deep state is clearly exposed in perpetrating cross border terror. This book also makes a lot of sense for India to understand the current geopolitical situation in Afghanistan & Pakistan.The book is a bit longish, but once you take the plunge into the unknown, it's a sucker of a read..!!!

The outstanding research spread over a decade and some, brings out the real Osama - a man once so powerful but later reduced to a pathetic fugitive - a powerless man whose writ stopped ruling and power passed on to people who had the money and resources to kill people, an essential element of terrorism. Osama comes out as a terrible father to his sons and daughters, and a useless husband to his wives but a megalomaniac who thought he was the next Messiah. His story is also the story of people and Middle East nations who fund terrorism, the complicit Deep State in Pakistan; the ISI, the Pakistan military and the weak civilian government. The story also reveals the lies of Bush presidency and the absolute disregard for human rights by CIA. Raises the moral question - is everything fair in war?

A great book for anyone interested or curious about what all went behind the scenes on all fronts after 9-11. If you have seen the movie Zero Dark Thirty a then if you read this book you will find that most of the events shown in the run up to killing OBL were farce... this book also gives the details of what all OBL’s family has to go through after 9-11. And what role Pakistan actually played or Did not play in the war against terrorism...

This authors made a global complex plot very comprehensive, telling them chronologically so you can follow each event in the order they happened. I have read a few books on global terror but none comes near this book in terms of research and lucidity. Its easy to read and very hard to keep down. Expect a few sleepless nights. Take a bow Cathy Scott-Clark and Adrian Levy.

This is a stunning work of well-written journalism. It's just astounding how much research and cre has gone into chronicling the life of the world's most wanted man. Fact is far more gripping, and tells a more unbelievable story than fiction.

It should have been 100 star.....the best book i ever read on al Qaeda.....Complete and thoroughly researched.....Every one who are interested on the personal life of bin laden must read this book

What you see in media are not complete story every time.Same goes with this book. Lots of unknown fact and incident mention which won't available in western media.ZERO DARK THIRTY movies based on Laden killing was sponsored by state department to win second term of Obama in USA.I am not at all admire of terrorism but human nature remember more negative than positive.E.g Mein kampf by Hitler is still bestseller than expeiemremt OF TRUTH by GandhiIf you found my review helpful than please click HELPFUL.it means lot to me

This is a fascinating read. Behind the screen information when bin Ladin went into hiding. A great piece for anyone interested in what happened on 9/11

OK

I would give this remarkable book a 4.5 if that were available. Too many statements are based on single authorities, of which we ought to be at least suspicious. Structurally, this long book could have benefitted from a more demanding editing.However, the book is a great achievement of scholarship and journalism. It gives us a new and unique perspectives on the personalities of jihadists we have known only at a distance previously. The book also presents an interesting and challenging view of Iran's "support" of al-Qaeda operatives and other jihadists such as al-Zarqawi. Despite its minor flaws, this is a monumental achievement. There is no doubt that it is a must read for everyone interested in the history of both al-Qaeda and ISIS.

I feel that this could have given It 5 stars but there's just so much understandably to keep track of. So many names titles and aliases, but all in all this was a a pretty good book

Highly detailed account of both the search for Bin Laden and also an insight into his family and networks. Interesting study into his methods of control and promotion of terror and what he did to survive following 9/11. Well researched and balanced. Techniques used by the US and its allies are graphic and disturbing with detailed accounts of rendition. At times a tricky read given the vast number of key characters involved but well worth persevering.