Inside the Pentagon's highly secretive and revolutionary new strategy for fighting terrorism - and its surprising and game-changing effects in the Middle East and at home

In the first years after the 9/11 attacks, the U.S. government waged a "war on terror" focused on trying to defeat Al Qaeda and its affiliated groups through brute force. But it soon became clear that this strategy was not working, and by 2005 the Pentagon began looking for a new way.

In "Counterstrike," Eric Schmitt and Thom Shanker of "The New York Times "tell the story of how a group of analysts within the Pentagon, at spy agencies, and in law enforcement have devised and carried out an innovative and effective new strategy to fight terrorism, unbeknownst to most Americans and in sharp contrast to the war-mongering and cowboy slogans that characterized the U.S. government's public posture. Adapting themes from the classic deterrence theory that worked so effectively during the cold war, these strategists have expanded the field of battle in order to disrupt jihadist networks in ever more creative ways.

Schmitt and Shanker also show how the new counterterrorism strategies were adopted by George W. Bush and expanded under Barack Obama, and how both administrations shifted their tactics and priorities in response to successes and setbacks in this continuing struggle. Filled with startling revelations about how our national security is being managed, "Counterstrike" will change the way all Americans think about the ongoing struggle with radical Islam.

Reviews

"Insightful... "Counterstrike.".. is not just another book about Sept. 11, Iraq or Afghanistan. Rather, it focuses on the various military and civilian agency responses to terrorism [with a] strong portrayal of the many unheralded United States victories.... Americans should take comfort in this book's reminder that their government can adapt to meet threats as they change, keeping them safer--if not necessarily safe--from terrorism."--Daniel Byman, " The New York Times"

"There is a flood of 9/11 books now coming onto the market, but "Counterstrike" by Eric Schmitt and Thom Shanker of the "New York Times" should be atop the list of anyone curious about how the U.S. government has grappled with the challenges posed by al Qaeda."--Time.com

""Counterstrike"' provides a detailed look at the changes that have occurred and the personalities behind those decisions, as well as the complicated global chessboard of terror networks and sympathetic governments that made adaptation so vital."--"The Boston Globe"

"This eye-opening account of how the U.S. government has vastly upgraded its counterterrorism efforts since Sept. 11 reminds readers that while the threat from al Qaeda and its affiliates persists, so does the American will to strike back."--Joshua Sinai, "The Washington Times"

"In "Counterstrike," Eric Schmitt and Thom Shanker, reporters for the "New York Times," warn that another catastrophic terrorist event is inevitable, but their behind-the-scenes account of the evolution of U.S. counterterrorism strategy gives officials the highest marks... "Counterstrike" is a glowing portrayal of the American intelligence community."-- Robert D. Crews, "San Francisco Chronicle"

"Masterful ... A fast paced, gripping story... A well reported, well written dive into the arcane world of counterterrorism over the past decade... ["Counterstrike"] is a significant contribution to our body of knowledge regarding our campaign thus far in the 'Long War' against al-Qaeda an