America's Secret War

Inside the Struggle Between the United States and Its Enemies

By: George Friedman

Narrated by: Brian Emerson

Length: 13 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

Dubbed by Barron's as "The Shadow CIA", Stratfor, George Friedman's global intelligence company, 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 September 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 also, since September 11, the intelligence services of dozens of nations have been operating in close partnership with the CIA.

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.

©2004 George Friedman (P)2004 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Stratfor is changing the way we think about news." (American Spectator)
"A clearer, deeper, and subtler understanding of the post-9/11 world than we will ever get from listening to the cacophony of talking heads on television." (Booklist)

Informative and insightful

This is by far the best audiobook I have purchased yet. If you want to know how the "chessgame" of geopolitical events has been played leading up to and since 9/11, this is a must-listen book. Well written and very informative.

Why Iraq? Read This Book!

This book is the most outstanding analysis of the war to date. Easy to follow and easy to listen. I have been a subscriber to Friedman's "Stratfor" geopolitical analysis service for quite some time. Dr. Friedmans book is right on. The book is neither pro nor con regarding the administration. Although he is tough on "Rummy". If you are a Bush hater/progressive don't bother with this book, your mind is made up. If you want to know the background of why we did what we did in Iraq then this book is for you. Get it!

Friedman is Incredible

This is the second George Friedman book I have enjoyed and I am again blown away by his insight into "Realpolitik". He goes beyond the headlines and even the conclusion of pundits to look at the core factors behind the rise of Muslim extremists. Of particular interest was his view on the Iraq war. Great stuff, well worth the listen

Every American should read this book

The War on Terror has devolved into a highly polarized debate over America's involvement in Iraq. At one extreme are the flag-wavers who insist that America's freedom and way of life are threatened by bloodthirsty terrorists bent on our destruction. At the other end of the spectrum are the liberals who decry the war in Iraq, spread defeatism, and seek to portray George W. Bush as an incompetent, nearly criminal idiot. George Friedman's astute analysis of the context for the war on terror dispels both sets of myths. With logic and lucidity, Mr. Friedman deftly explains the global context from which the War on
Terror sprang. Without excusing the barbarity of September 11 and other atrocities, he helps us to question the simplistic label of "terrorist" and to understand Al Qaeda's true aims. This book was a fascinating look at the complexity of political and military maneuvering on both sides, as well as with other nations. Who is an ally? Who is an enemy? The answers are not so simplistic as we've been led to believe. If you want to understand the world that you live in, you must read America's Secret War.

Great Guide for Understanding Strategies of War

This is the best guide for understanding the components leading up to and currently effecting the war in Iraq. Stories and explanations are too often biased or spun to the writer's persuasion, but this is not one of them. Once I started the story, I realized that this was a rare inside view of what was happening at the highest of levels and it was extremely helpful in pulling the facts and actions together, a must read! This is one of the best buys I have made this year and I am hoping that he will write a sequel so that I can gain a clearer picture of what the startegy is after the Iraq election.

2004 Look Back

Read after w/d of Afganistan, It told me of why the terrorists planned 9/11 (10) year before. The Desert Storm #1 was their justification, but never their right- on Both Sides. We All paid a price for an unused $ in someone's pocket. Just use birth control on us next time.

As credible as any other account of America during wartime

This audiobook is thoroughly enjoyable as an American with no prior knowledge of the Middle East.

Very Factual

The author provided many interesting facts about this subject of which, even as a military veteran, I was unaware.

Looking Thru The Bent Back Tulips

This book is a true insider's look at the "Big (Brother) Picture" of Every Player's view in the NEW WORLD WAR which is blowing up all around us. Although this is a lengthy book it is well worth listening to if you wish to learn the mindset of the U.S., Saudi Arabia, Russia, etc... during our "War On Terror?". I highly recommend this book if for nothing else but to burn a few hours. This is the intelligent person's war primer.

Objective, watch for code words

If you have an axe to grind with either political persuasion in the War on Terror then you are bound to be tweaked at some point, but in a refreshing way. The author does a great job in taking an objective approach and repeatedly reminds us that nations, states and individuals can most certainly be predicted to act in a way that best serves their own self-interests. Impressive command of intelligence, but some holes are evident when you hear code phrases like ?for some strange reason? or ?inexplicably?. Some of those gaps in Stratfor?s intelligence are filled with reading of other materials, particularly from sources who were actually involved with the campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq. When you finish this selection, you?re going to have a more global view on the situation.