"This book is about the Taliban, which is a multifaceted and ever-changing subject. More specifically, it is a book about the origin, evolution, philosophy, and general game plan of the Taliban. It is also about Coalition Forces' activities to extinguish the insurgency. This requires touching on military science, economics, regional politics, and some history. Above all, this is a book about people." -- From the preface.

Afghanistan's landscape, the people, and Islamism -- Enter the Taliban -- The Taliban in power -- The Taliban in defeat -- The Taliban's recovery in Pakistan -- The Taliban improve their tactics and firepower -- Taliban Inc. -- Affiliated insurgent groups and foreign connections -- The counterinsurgency in Afghanistan -- Afterword: Salafist dystopia -- Appendix: Coalition military fatalities by year.