Afghanistan File

The Afghanistan File, written by the former head of Saudi Arabian Intelligence, reveals the story of his Department's involvement in Afghanistan from the Soviet invasion in 1979 to Nine Eleven 2001. It highlights the difficulties Saudi Arabia and its allies had in dealing with the Mujahideen, the rise to power of the Taleban, and the shelter they gave to Osama Bin Laden. The book also includes declassified Intelligence Department documents. Prince Turki explains that the terrorism seen in the Middle East in the last twenty years had its origins in Afghanistan, with Osama's deluded belief that he had helped defeat the Russians.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 06 September 2021
Publisher: Medina Publishing Ltd

The Afghanistan File, penned by the former head of Saudi Arabian Intelligence, delves into the intricate tapestry of his Department's involvement in Afghanistan from the momentous Soviet invasion in 1979 to the tragic events of September 11, 2001. This captivating narrative unfolds as the author sheds light on the initial support provided by Saudi Arabia to the Mujahideen, the valiant fighters bravely battling against the Soviet occupation. It then explores the futile endeavors to broker peace among the diverse Mujahideen factions following the Soviet withdrawal, the ascendancy of the Taliban, and the sanctuary they afforded to Osama Bin Laden. Throughout the book, a recurring theme emerges—the extraordinary challenges Saudi Arabia and its allies encountered in dealing with the Mujahideen. Prince Turki, in his memoir, portrays the Mujahideen as both courageous and exasperating individuals. He recounts a poignant incident where, in an attempt to foster peace among them, he obtained permission from the King to open the sacred Kaaba in Mecca, where the leaders were deeply moved and pledged never to engage in conflict again. However, just a few hours later, tensions nearly escalated on their journey to Medina, resulting in a heated exchange. Prince Turki's account provides a detailed account of Saudi efforts in the 1990s to evacuate its volunteers from Afghanistan, with varying degrees of success. He also delves into his negotiations with the Taliban for the surrender of Osama Bin Laden, a pivotal moment in the global fight against terrorism. The book includes a wealth of declassified Intelligence Department documents, offering a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the Department during this critical period. In his insightful remarks, Prince Turki elucidates that the nihilistic, seemingly pointless terrorism that has plagued the Middle East in the past two decades can be traced back to Afghanistan. He attributes this phenomenon to Osama Bin Laden's misguided belief that he played a significant role in defeating the Soviet Union. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim, suggesting that Bin Laden's involvement in Afghanistan was limited to his sanctuary and support for the Mujahideen. Following the events of September 11, 2001, Saudi Arabia was shocked to discover that it was grappling with a homegrown terrorist problem, stemming from some of the returnees from Afghanistan. This revelation marked a significant turning point, leading to a comprehensive reassessment of the country's security posture and the implementation of rigorous measures to combat terrorism. The Afghanistan File serves as a poignant testament to the complex and multifaceted history of Afghanistan, shedding light on the profound impact of foreign intervention, the rise of extremist ideologies, and the enduring struggle against terrorism. It underscores the critical importance of understanding the roots of conflict and the complexities of international relations in order to foster stability and promote peace in the world.

Weight: 470g
Dimension: 333 x 241 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780992980887