Analyzes the recent developments stemming from the 1980s alliance between the United States and Islamic nations, focusing on Osama Bin Laden, the emergence of the Taliban, and the violence resulting from Afghani conflicts.

Carter and Brezhnev in the Valley of Decision -- Anwar al-Sadat -- Zia al-Haq -- Deng Xiaoping -- Recruiters, trainers, trainees and assorted spooks -- Donors, bankers and profiteers -- Poppy fields, killing fields and druglords -- Russia: bitter aftertaste and reluctant return -- The contagion spreads: Egypt and the Maghreb -- The contagion spreads: the assault on America -- More contagion: the Philippines -- Epilogue.