This collection draws on several articles Wright wrote while researching the book, The looming tower, as well as many that he's written since, following where and how Al Qaeda and its core cult-like beliefs have morphed and spread. They include: a picture of Saudi Arabia under the control of the religious police; the Syrian film industry, then compliant at the edges but already exuding a feeling of the barely masked fury that erupted into civil war; Israel and Hamas waging war over Gaza. Others continue to look into Al-Qaeda as it forms a master plan for its future, experiences a rebellion from within the organization, and spins off a growing web of terror in the world. The American response is covered in profiles of two FBI agents and a head of the CIA. It ends with the recent devastating capture and beheadings by ISIS of four American journalists and how our government handled the situation. -- Provided by publisher.

Most pieces previously published; eleven of them in The New Yorker magazine. Includes index.

The man behind bin Laden --The counterterrorist -- The agent -- The kingdom of silence -- The terror web -- Captured on film -- The master plan -- The spymaster -- The rebellion within -- Captives -- Five hostages.