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)

Decent subject matter but....

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Biran Emerson's reading drove me a little crazy, it's not his voice, it's the way his tone fluctuates because he's

Would you be willing to try another one of Brian Emerson’s performances?

absolutely not

Do you think America's Secret War needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Only if it's edited.

A must for understanding the U.S. after 911

In-depth analysis of US responses after 911. A clear story and analysis. Very easy to follow despite of it being a difficult geopolitics subject. Book is well written and read.

completely non political

except tothe extent of Clauswitz's assertion that war is a part of politics.

Only found this author in past year. He writes about his topics artfully, clearly, and, most importantly, insightfully.
Narration was perfect

Enlightening account of hidden events.

informative account of what went on behind the scenes before and after 9/11. Now I need a book that continues the tale from 2004 until now...

Excellent book, very unbiased

What really stood out about this book to me was the lack of a political slant, Friedman doesn't rail for or against the US, nor for or against Bush. He just thoroughly lays out the strategies, politics and underlying motivations behind the actions of various countries and groups.

Personally it was exactly what I wanted, a book that laid out the information to me, and allowed me to decide whether or not I think the actions are right or not. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the subjects of iraq, intelligence, and geopolitics

Behind the soundbites

This book provided a fascinating look at the human beings making decisions affecting all our lives. It is simply not possible to get this kind of in-depth thinking from newspapers or nightly news programs. After listening to this book I came away with a completely different understanding of the how and why of the war we are in. I can?t say the analysis is correct, but the perspective presented is not easily found elsewhere. If you want a better understanding of current events and the people making the decisions causing those events to happen I highly recommend this book.

America's Secret War

Great book, I listened to it twice. At first I thought this guy must be a Democrat, then later in the book, I thought, no he is a Republican. Then I realized that he is a fact finder and a seeker of the truth. If only half of what he writes is true, we Americans need to pay more attention to what our leaders say and speak up sooner rather than later if what they say can't be backed up with facts. Look at the impact that the 911 families had on policy. Yes, speaking up can make a difference; but we must pay attention all of the time.

Incredible point of view

Well done and seems to be pretty much right on!

Must Read...

One of the best I have read on our "New War" of the 21st Century.

A real explanation of the reasons for war in Iraq.

Personally I have much reading on the war against al-qeada, and the taliban. However I have not read up as much on the war in Iraq and its reasons. This book was perfect for filling in the gaps. I found the lead up to these wars very interesting and well thought out, going through WWII to current times while explaining the geo-political basis that brought the U.S. to its current position in the world. I also found the description of the United States in the Islamic worlds eyes enlightening. I would recommend this book to anyone who came of age before 9-11 and to anyone who's family had a member in the armed forces. All around very enlightening.