Plot Summary

Directorate S: The C.I.A. and America's Secret Wars in Afghanistan and Pakistan

Steve Coll
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Directorate S: The C.I.A. and America's Secret Wars in Afghanistan and Pakistan

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2018

Book Brief

Steve Coll

Directorate S: The C.I.A. and America's Secret Wars in Afghanistan and Pakistan

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2018
Book Details
Pages

779

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Period
Setting

Afghanistan And Pakistan • 2000s

Theme
Publication Year

2018

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Directorate S: The C.I.A. and America's Secret Wars in Afghanistan and Pakistan by Steve Coll examines the complex alliance between the United States and Pakistan post-9/11, detailing the covert support of the Taliban by Pakistan's ISI, the challenges of governance under Hamid Karzai, and America's strategic setbacks that resulted in a prolonged and costly conflict in Afghanistan, despite substantial investments in terms of resources and human lives.

Informative

Mysterious

Dark

Suspenseful

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.4

5,390 ratings

85%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Directorate S: The C.I.A. and America's Secret Wars in Afghanistan and Pakistan by Steve Coll is praised for its thorough research and nuanced analysis, offering a compelling, detailed account of complex geopolitical conflicts. Some critiques mention its dense narrative and exhaustive detail, which may overwhelm casual readers. Overall, it is a valued resource for understanding U.S. foreign policy.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Directorate S: The C.I.A. and America's Secret Wars in Afghanistan and Pakistan?

Readers who appreciate intricate, well-researched accounts of modern geopolitical conflicts will be captivated by Directorate S: The C.I.A. and America's Secret Wars in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Fans of works like Ghost Wars by Steve Coll or Charlie Wilson’s War by George Crile will find this an enthralling read.

4.4

5,390 ratings

85%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

Steve Coll is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist known for his detailed explorations of complex subjects, and Directorate S: The C.I.A. and America's Secret Wars in Afghanistan and Pakistan follows his acclaimed book Ghost Wars in examining U.S. involvement in the region.

The book offers an intricate look at the clandestine operations of the CIA, focusing on the shadowy unit known as "Directorate S" of Pakistan's ISI, notable for its significant impact on the geopolitical landscape.

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Steve Coll weaves a narrative that highlights the paradoxical relationships between the United States, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, underscoring the persistent challenges in counter-terrorism and diplomacy.

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Book Details
Pages

779

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Period
Setting

Afghanistan And Pakistan • 2000s

Theme
Publication Year

2018

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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