Ripon Public Library

The spymaster of Baghdad, a true story of bravery, family, and patriotism in the battle against ISIS, Margaret Coker

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages 289-296) and index

contains biographical information

platesillustrations

index present

non fiction

The spymaster of Baghdad

bibliography

1135579797

Margaret Coker

a true story of bravery, family, and patriotism in the battle against ISIS

"From the former New York Times bureau chief in Baghdad comes the gripping and heroic story of an elite, top-secret team of unlikely spies who triumphed over ISIS"--, Provided by publisher"From the former New York Times bureau chief in Baghdad comes the gripping and heroic story of an elite, top-secret team of unlikely spies who triumphed over ISIS. The Spymaster of Baghdad tells the dramatic yet intimate account of how a covert Iraqi intelligence unit called "the Falcons" came together against all odds to defeat ISIS. The Falcons, comprised of ordinary men with little conventional espionage background, infiltrated the world's most powerful terrorist organization, ultimately turning the tide of war against the terrorist group and bringing safety to millions of Iraqis and the broader world. Centered around the relationship between two brothers, Harith al-Sudani, a rudderless college dropout who was recruited to the Falcons by his all-star younger brother Munaf, and their eponymous unit commander Abu Ali, The Spymaster of Baghdad follows their emotional journey as Harith volunteers for the most dangerous mission imaginable. With piercing lyricism and thrilling prose, Coker's deeply-reported account interweaves heartfelt portraits of these and other unforgettable characters as they navigate the streets of war-torn Baghdad and perform heroic feats of cunning and courage. The Falcons' path crosses with that of Abrar, a young, radicalized university student who, after being snubbed by the head of the Islamic State's chemical weapons program, plots her own attack. At the near-final moment, the Falcons intercept Abrar's deadly plan to poison Baghdad's drinking water and arrest her in the middle of the night--just one of many covert counterterrorism operations revealed for the first time in the book. Ultimately, The Spymaster of Baghdad is a page-turning account of wartime espionage in which ordinary people make extraordinary sacrifices for the greater good. Challenging our perceptions of terrorism and counterterrorism, war and peace, Iraq and the wider Middle East, American occupation and foreign intervention, The Spymaster of Baghdad is a testament to the power of personal choice and individual action to change the course of history--in a time when we need such stories more than ever."--, Provided by publisher

Blessings of an Oldest Child -- A Chance for Freedom -- Breaking with the Past -- Return of the Exiles -- Ache for Paradise -- Murder Capital of the World -- Education of a Radical -- Building a Cover Story -- Learning From Misinformation -- Hunting for Prey -- Living Your Best Life -- Alone in the Wilderness -- Awakening the Beast -- War Hits Home -- Volunteering for Danger -- Launching the Mission -- Inside the Lion's Den -- Caught in a Trap -- Coming Home Again -- Racing Against Time -- Stretched to the Breaking Point -- Unraveling

Spy master of BaghdadTrue story of bravery, family, and patriotism in the battle against ISIS