"Norman Friedman offers here an in-depth analysis of the radically new tactics and strategy used by the United States in Afghanistan. He sets the Afghan War in the wider context of the war against terrorism, exploring the rationale for and consequences of the 11 September attacks. Friedman asserts that the terrorists' attacks were intended to inspire a wider movement in the Muslim world that would lead to a pan-Muslim empire headed by Osama bin Laden. He argues that the attempt failed largely because of determined U.S. action and that the coalition's success in Afghanistan has moved the war on terrorism toward the realm of police and intelligence operations." "Although many books have examined 11 September and its aftermath, this work is the first to study an evolving U.S. tactical style that follows the new network-centric pattern and the first to use Afghanistan as a test of that pattern. The book also fully explores the contributions made by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps while fighting in the landlocked country as well as the importance of the future use of maritime power. Friedman does not neglect to acknowledge the role played by politics, including the ethnic politics of Pakistan. Indeed, the author's careful examination of these new warfare concepts as applied to the Afghan War provides valuable lessons to those concerned about future conflicts."--Jacket.

The attacks -- Warning and decision -- The sword of the dispossessed -- The Afghan base -- The terrorist international and its predecessor -- A new kind of war -- Coalitions -- Objectives -- Striking back -- Lessons -- Now what?.