America's Secret War

Inside the Struggle Between the United States and Its Enemies

De: George Friedman

Narrado por: Brian Emerson

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

Reseñas de la Crítica

"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)

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.

Outstanding

First, thumbs up to the performance artist. Great work. Thank you.

This work is a view from 2004. It is not surprising that Stratfor nails both the facts and the political realities. That is their job.

What is so moving to me was the well timed kid in the guts to our political elite who do not send their kids to fight and suffer and maybe die.

As seen post Trump, I wonder if they get it yet?

Well done. Where's the next one?

Enjoyable

I really enjoyed the book. It opens your eyes to many of the details that effect the decision making process the gov goes through. The only draw back is a little to much regurgitation of what the media gives us. I expected more in-depth honesty.

very good insight

This was the first book I've listened to by George Friedman. He's completely changed my perspective on the wars in the middle east and the bush administration. Very very insightful book.

A very good 'awareness enhancement' tool

I wasn't sure I'd like this book. Among other things, as I understand it in 1990 the author and his wife co-authored a book explaining why another WW2-scale war between the U. S. & Japan was inevitable by 1990. In describing the crucial spheres of Asian Pacific influence I didn't see any mention of China. The book was strongly criticized for insufficient thought & research. BUT - I found THIS book to be a great eye opener in terms of discovering the 'impossible' myriad of issues & variables between regions, countries, govts and players ( and more) that were important factors & twists in dealing with planning and sustaining the aims of the 2nd Iraq War.

I was disappointed by the seemingly total absence of 3rd party substantiation for the author's 'factual' assertions on every topic, but regardless of that it did a great job of opening my eyes much wider the vast & varied issues & worries that can exist & challenge the even the best plans and intentions in such an undertaking. I thought I had a decent layperson's appreciation of the potential difficulties. i was in for a shock.

Putting facts in Perspective!

If you buy this book to discover secrets in the secret war you probably won't find them. The book doesn't really reveal any new facts (read Charlie Wilson's war for that!).

What the book does is take a step back and examine the motives, tactics and strategies involved. The book does point out the US sucesses AND mistakes as well as the Al-Qaida successes and mistakes. In this sense it is a welcome refresher after the Coulters(liberals =bad) , Michael Moores and German WW2 revisionists (Bush = bad, everybody else is good). In this respect the book did a great job at actually trying to be objective.

When reading this a lot of puzzles pieces of the last few years fell into place. It offers reflection on all the stacks of "breaking news" we endure every day.

A point of critique:
The book does focus very much on 09/11, Afghanistan, Iraq and lacks in describing the other "battlefields". Like the Philippines, Nigeria, Western Europe , Bosnia, Kosovo, Global shipping, global finance etc. etc. In that way the book lacks a bit the unprecedented broadness of the war.

A good analyses, some more of this is badly needed. (Sorry partisan writers)

Informative

As with any information now days I tend to be skeptical. Throughout my life news media taught me to be this way by misrepresenting the truth. The book contains a lot of history about the Arab people. A lot of intelligence the author says is true based on the intelligence his company has gathered. Some of the things he is talking about in the book (written in 2004) are coming to fruition recently. It's fascinating stuff. If you are interested in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars at all it is worth your time to listen to. Enjoy!

Excellent listen, hard to judge accuracy

I've listened to all of the 9-11 hearings and had read a number of things about Al Qaeda and homeland security prior to the attacks. I found this book to be fantastic, not because it helps explain some of the inexplicable moves of the Bush administration (though it does that), but because of the "Great Power" perspective Friedman sheds.

In fact, listening to this book is much like listening to an analysis of European Wars by Machiavelli--while I don't know how much of his judgment is correct, it's an approach that we don't encounter in the mainstream media of the left or the right.

The two concerns I have about the book are: the author seems to give a short shrift to long term strategic power and alliances, describing things in only the near term and the validity of what is going on within the different governments that are inscrutable to us ordinary mortals.

All in all, a solid read, and I would recommend it.

Turning on the lights

I rank this book as one of most important I've read this year. Like many, I found myself polarized by 9/11 and the run up to the Iraq War. I came to my own conclusions about what was happening and why. Friedman's fine book showed me that I had alot to learn. He makes a point of avoiding emotional approaches, choosing to focus on the political and historical underpinnings of the current situation, and how the conflict has actually played out. I recommend it to anyone, left or right, who truly cares about our collective future. Friedman has 'turned on the lights'.

Exceptional

This is a superb book that everyone should read. Well written, comprehensive, and honest. I only wish there were more. It doesn't lays out success and failure without grinding any partisan axes.