Traces the rise of radical Islam in Pakistan while offering insight into the forces that enabled the emergence of jihadist groups, critically assessing the decisions of Pakistani leaders who would use radicals to advance foreign policy goals in spite of limited state ability to prevent extreme violence.

An improbable state -- The feudals and the army -- Religion, Zia, and the anti-Soviet jihad in Afghanistan -- Kashmir, India, and the institutionalization of jihad -- The Taliban, Bin Laden, and the road to 9/11 -- The tribal areas, 9/11, and the rise of the Pakistani Taliban -- Lal Masjid, army failures, and the domestic terrorism campaign -- Mumbai, the Buner moment, and troubles with the United States -- The shape of things to come -- The final unraveling.