Drawing on unparalleled access to Osama bin Laden and his key associates, journalist Abdel Bari Atwan gives an incisive and timely account, the clearest we have so far, of the rise of the notorious terrorist organization, al Qaeda. In this lively narrative, the author establishes what al Qaeda is or has become, what it wants, what its capabilities are, and how the West can answer its complaints and challenges.

Osama bin Laden -- Holy warrior -- Human bombs and the concept of martyrdom -- Cyber-jihad -- Al Qaeda in Saudi Arabia -- Al Qaeda in Iraq -- Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb -- Al Qaeda in Europe -- The future of al Qaeda.