Book: THE BLACK BANNERS by Ali H. Soufan

This is an important book in the history of America. It's by Ali Soufan, a brilliant FBI agent who became an expert on Al Qaeda. The shared research in this book is fascinating. It really shows how office politics & egos (CIA) can get in the way no matter what the goal is. Told from his perspective it's a book where you feel the frustrations he went through during his career. It's amazing to see that even in the intelligence fields people will make claims without being backed by facts & research.

The book itself feels like the clearest & most concise report on Al Qaeda and the events that led up to and after 9/11. You really understand why Mr. Soufan rose through the ranks quickly. He's able to simplify a lot of material like a master. You also get a real insight into countries you will probably never step foot in (Yemen). Sections of the book are blacked out. Some you can figure out. Some you really can't.

His insights on interrogation go against everything that Hollywood would have you believe. You just need to be smarter, do the research, do some acting, and have a little luck. "Enhanced interrogation techniques" don't work as well as just having a conversation with respect. Soufan was able to get information out of suspects & informants by knowing who they were, where they came from, what they believed in, and more. I'm happy I live in a world with real heroes like Mr. Soufan.

[*I'll probably add more to this since i read it in Nov of 2011.]

STARS: 10 out of 10

QUOTE FROM ERIK: "It's one of my favorite nonfiction books of all time."

BUY IT HERE: http://www.amazon.com/Black-Banners-Inside-Against-al-Qaeda/dp/0393079422