Red Line

The Unraveling of Syria and America's Race to Destroy the Most Dangerous Arsenal in the World

By: Joby Warrick

Narrated by: Barrett Leddy

Length: 12 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

From the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Black Flags comes the thrilling unknown story of America’s mission in Syria: to find and destroy Syria’s chemical weapons and keep them out of the hands of the Islamic State

In August 2012, Syrian president Bashar al-Assad was clinging to power in a vicious civil war. When secret intelligence revealed that the dictator might resort to using chemical weapons, President Obama warned that doing so would cross “a red line”. Assad did it anyway, bombing the Damascus suburb of Ghouta with sarin gas, killing hundreds of civilians and forcing Obama to decide if he would mire America in another unpopular Middle Eastern war. When Russia offered to broker the removal of Syria’s chemical weapons, Obama leapt at the out.

So begins an electrifying race to find, remove, and destroy 1,300 tons of chemical weapons in the midst of a raging civil war. The extraordinary little-known effort is a triumph for the Americans, but soon Russia’s long game becomes clear: it will do anything to preserve Assad’s rule. As America’s ability to control events in Syria shrinks, the White House learns that ISIS, building its caliphate in Syria’s war-tossed territory, is seeking chemical weapons for itself, with an eye to attacking the West.

Red Line is a classic Joby Warrick true-life thriller: a character-driven narrative with a cast of heroes and villains, including weapons hunters, politicians, doctors, diplomats, and spies. Drawing on astonishing original reporting, Warrick reveals how the United States embarked on a bold adventure to prevent one catastrophe but could not avoid a tragic chain of events that empowered America’s enemies.

©2020 Joby Warrick (P)2020 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"President Biden...may wish to read Joby Warrick's Red Line...[which] has important implications for countering proliferation.” (John Bolton, The Wall Street Journal)

"Joby Warrick tells the story of President Bashar al-Assad’s chemical weapons program, from the dormant period when it was holstered in vats in facilities scattered around the country, to its use against civilians, to its supposed dismantling.... Warrick presents it sharply and compellingly." (The Washington Post)

"Much has been written about the use of chemical weapons during the war in Syria, but the accounts are partial. The virtue of Warrick’s book is that it provides a panoramic reconstruction of the chemical attack and its aftermath. We see it from the eyes of survivors, doctors, activists, disarmament experts, diplomats, and policymakers. The book cuts from scenes on the ground in Eastern Ghouta, to the UN inspectors in Damascus, to National Security Council meetings in the White House, telling the story with urgency and clarity." (Newsline)

A deep dive into historical Syrian conflict

This book provides a comprehensive look at the political turmoil and military struggles of war torn Syria through 2 U.S. presidencies and the efforts (sometimes less than effective) of both to intervene. Joby Warrick paints a grim and chilling account of chemical warfare at the ground level and highlights the frustration of a nation left to suffer under Assad's terrifying rule.

Very informative

I really enjoyed this book. I have always been curious about the Syrian civil war and the rise of ISIS.

A Compelling & Altogether Sad History of Conflict

A comprehensive look at the Syrian Civil War, the fight to rid the Assad regime of its use of chemical weapons (the success and failures therein), and an overview of the struggle to end a conflict which has had so many long term strategic and regional implications. Worth a listen. Joby Warrick is a favorite author of mine, so I am biased, but just a little.

A heartbreaking account of failed diplomacy

Thoroughly researched, detailed, and gripping personal accounts from the people who were directly involved.

Great overview on chemical weapons removal, but no explanation on Assads motivations

This book was great. TBH i was expecting more focus on Syria, Assad, and US intervention like how Warrick’s book “Black Flag” was focussed on ISIS and Al Zarqawi. This was more about the logistics of destroying chemical weapons. The spotlight was on the victims and there was little focus on the perpetrators. That is not to say it was not a good book, the book is great! But those looking to learn about the motivation of Assad should look elsewhere.

Incredible!

An incredible story and insight into authoritarian governments. Makes you realize how incredible America is, and how lucky we are here. And how we must value its beauty!

A comprehensive diplomatic and military history of Syria

As a father, thanks to this book, I will be thankful for every moment for looking at my son’s face because he is not attacked by chemical weapons. As a doctoral researcher in international criminal law, thanks to this book, I began to realize how important to work on the theory of international crime. After listening to this book, I can understand the main rational of what “harming to humanity” means. As a Turkish citizen, after reading this book, I will be aware of the fact that every Syrians have its own horrible story.

Very good book

In the beginning I thought this would’ve been a boring listen, this turned out to be false. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone interested on these sort of subjects (chemical weapons and international politics among others). Overall very nice book

Another Joby Gem

The facts, the story line, the real characters, the message. Excellent. This is another gripping home run by Warrick. Can’t wait for the next one.

Highly informative

Despite the misgivings of “ journalists “ like Aron Matte this book gives a concise history of Syria chemical weapons Program and those who were in charge of destroying it. A fantastic interesting read for all sides of the political aisle who wish to know more about Syria and its chemical weapons program .