The Triple Agent

By Joby Warrick

The Triple Agent - Joby Warrick
  • Release Date: 2011-07-19
  • Genre: Political Science
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 281 Ratings

Description

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • From the Pulitzer-Prize winning reporter, a stunning narrative account of the mysterious Jordanian who penetrated both the inner circle of al-Qaeda and the highest reaches of the CIA, with a devastating impact on the war on terror.

"Warwick is a brilliant reporter...A gripping true-life spy saga."—Los Angeles Times


In December 2009, a group of the CIA’s top terrorist hunters gathered at a secret base in Khost, Afghanistan, to greet a rising superspy: Humam Khalil al-Balawi, a Jordanian double-agent who infiltrated the upper ranks of al-Qaeda. For months, he had sent shocking revelations from inside the terrorist network and now promised to help the CIA assassinate Osama bin Laden’s top deputy. Instead, as he stepped from his car, he detonated a thirty-pound bomb strapped to his chest, instantly killing seven CIA operatives, the agency’s worst loss of life in decades.
 
In The Triple Agent, Pulitzer Prize–winning reporter Joby Warrick takes us deep inside the CIA’s secret war against al-Qaeda, a war that pits robotic planes and laser-guided missiles against a cunning enemy intent on unleashing carnage in American cities. Flitting precariously between the two sides was Balawi, a young man with extraordinary gifts who managed to win the confidence of hardened terrorists as well as veteran spymasters. With his breathtaking accounts from inside al-Qaeda’s lair, Balawi appeared poised to become America’s greatest double-agent in half a century—but he was not at all what he seemed. Combining the powerful momentum of Black Hawk Down with the institutional insight of Jane Mayer’s The Dark Side, Warrick takes the readers on a harrowing journey from the slums of Amman to the inner chambers of the White House in an untold true story of miscalculation, deception, and revenge.

Reviews

  • Triple Agent, by Joby Warrick

    5
    By W L E
    Loved this book. It open the door to many web sites I didn't know existed. I hope he writes a follow-up in a few years. Winston L. Ellerbeck
  • Amazing!

    5
    By Worksfromhome
    What a well-written book, of an American tragedy. You really get a glimpse of all the people involved. Truly great.
  • The triple agent

    5
    By Apple account - ghg
    I've read it 2x in one month. Outstanding book!
  • Wonderful read

    5
    By GoCPS
    Warrick does a wonderful job of describing each of the heroes of this true life tragedy. Very well written.
  • Inspiring

    5
    By HRGator
    For those who might question our tactics in obtaining intelligence from terrorists, this book is a must read. Kudos to Joby Warrick for having the courage and connections to write the hard truth. And for the men and women on the firing line, thank you for your service. Yours is the ultimate sacrifice.
  • Fantastic, riveting, fast paced action

    5
    By afterguardbk
    This book, more akin to a documentary, is as touching as it is fascinating. It steps you through the events of recent terrorist attacks providing crucial information to clarify the often confusing situations. Written very clearly, providing insights from almost all the team members present during the missions. B
  • Awesome

    5
    By sergiylyakh
    Great book. Thank you for this unbelievable research. Also, thank you yo all the characters! Your sacrifices will never be forgotten.
  • Triple agent

    5
    By Byonik
    Well written (breezed through with no double takes), and very informative. Enjoyed it, and learned a lot.
  • The Triple Agent

    4
    By Frank in Tulsa
    A very well-written account of this story and the effect on the war against the war leading up the death of Osama bin Laden.
  • Insightful...

    5
    By botch casually
    The human tendency to think wishfully is evident, and the real need for the leaders of our intelligence operations to collaborate and internalize the insights provided by those who are actually responsible for carrying out the day to day grind of trying valiantly to put a stop to the bizarre and dangerous motivations of a small set of extremists. Strong decision makers are requisite for the difficult work in which they are involved, but good decisions are made by shedding any tendency toward hubris and listening. The tragedy and it's long lasting impact was absolutely avoidable.