This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. Ghost Wars

   The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden, from the Soviet Invasion to September 10, 2001

   

   "Ghost Wars" is an in-depth exploration of the complex history of Afghanistan from the Soviet invasion in 1979 to just before the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The book provides an intricate account of the CIA's role and America's foreign policy in Afghanistan, the rise of the Taliban, and the emergence of Osama Bin Laden. It also details the numerous missed opportunities to capture or kill Bin Laden, and the failure to prevent the 9/11 attacks.

   The 8563rd Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. The Deal Of The Century

   The Breakup of AT&T

   

   This compelling narrative delves into the intricate world of high-stakes business negotiations, chronicling the dramatic events surrounding a monumental corporate merger that reshaped the telecommunications industry. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, the book unveils the strategic maneuvers, intense rivalries, and personal ambitions that drove key players to orchestrate one of the most significant deals in history. It provides a behind-the-scenes look at the complex interplay of power, politics, and finance, offering readers a captivating glimpse into the relentless pursuit of corporate dominance.

   The 8989th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. Directorate S

   The C.I.A. and America's Secret Wars in Afghanistan and Pakistan, 2001-2016

   

   This book provides an in-depth examination of the covert wars conducted by the CIA in Afghanistan and Pakistan, also known as "Directorate S." It offers an analysis of the complex relationships between the CIA, the military, and foreign governments, as well as the political and cultural challenges that shaped the war. The book also explores the consequences of these secret wars, including the rise of the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, and the impact on U.S. foreign policy.

   The 17117th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. The Achilles Trap

   

   "The Achilles Trap" delves into the complex relationship between the United States and Saddam Hussein, exploring the events leading up to the 2003 Iraq invasion. The book examines the political and intelligence missteps that resulted in the conflict, focusing on why Saddam maintained the illusion of possessing weapons of mass destruction. Through detailed accounts of Saddam's rise to power, his inner circle, and the geopolitical dynamics at play, the narrative reveals the misunderstandings and miscalculations that fueled the war. Drawing from a wealth of sources, Steve Coll presents a comprehensive portrait of Saddam's mindset and the broader implications of the US-Iraq relationship.

   The 17117th Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. Private Empire

   ExxonMobil and American Power

   

   This compelling narrative delves into the intricate world of one of the largest and most influential oil companies, examining its far-reaching impact on global politics, economies, and the environment. Through a detailed exploration of its operations, the story unveils the company's strategic maneuvers, ethical dilemmas, and the complex relationships it maintains with governments and communities worldwide. The narrative provides a critical look at the power dynamics and challenges faced by the corporation, offering insights into the broader implications of its actions on the modern world.

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6. 6. Attila

   

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7. 7. De Bin Ladens

   An Arabian Family in the American Century

   

   A multigenerational narrative that traces a Saudi family's rise from immigrant construction entrepreneurs into a powerful, state-connected dynasty, showing how wealth, politics, religion, and ties to American interests shaped their fortunes; through deep reporting it follows how the family's business and establishment role contrasted with one scion's turn to militant Islam and global terrorism, and uses their story to illuminate broader themes of modernization, patronage, oil-era politics, and the complex roots of extremism within the Arab world and U.S.–Saudi relations.

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8. 8. The Bin Ladens

   An Arabian Family in the American Century

   

   A sweeping, investigative account tracing the rise of a wealthy Saudi clan from tribal roots to global business and political influence, chronicling how family members—including one who became an international terrorist—were shaped by and at times at odds with the kingdom’s elite, oil wealth, and ties to the United States. Drawing on interviews, documents, and on-the-ground reporting, it maps the clan’s commercial enterprises, relationships with the Saudi state, internal rivalries, and the personal histories that help explain the emergence of violent Islamist extremism, while showing how private fortunes and geopolitics intersected to reshape the modern Middle East.

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