The Great War of Our Time: The CIA's Fight Against Terrorism from Al Qaeda to ISIS

Michael Morell's insider account details his 33-year career at the CIA, including his roles as Deputy Director and Acting Director during pivotal moments in the War on Terror. The narrative covers the period from the September 11 attacks through the rise of ISIS, offering direct insights into the intelligence community's response to evolving terrorist threats. The book presents key decisions and operations through the lens of someone who briefed presidents, participated in Situation Room discussions, and witnessed the raid on Osama bin Laden's compound. Morell provides context for major intelligence successes and failures during this period while explaining the complex relationships between intelligence gathering, analysis, and policy making. This memoir goes beyond traditional accounts of counterterrorism by examining the personal toll on intelligence officers and the cultural changes within the CIA during wartime. The narrative intersects with significant political moments, policy debates, and international developments that shaped America's national security strategy in the 21st century. The book stands as a testament to the challenges of balancing security, transparency, and civil liberties in an age of asymmetric warfare. Through Morell's perspective, readers gain understanding of how intelligence agencies adapt to new threats while maintaining their institutional integrity.

Most readers found this insider account informative but lacking in revelations. The majority noted Morell's unique perspective as former Deputy Director of the CIA and his direct involvement in major counterterrorism operations. Readers appreciated: - Clear explanations of CIA operations and decision-making - First-hand accounts of 9/11 and the Bin Laden raid - Balanced analysis of intelligence successes and failures Common criticisms: - Heavy redactions and omissions due to security clearance - Defensive tone regarding CIA controversies - Limited new information not already public Review Scores: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (800+ ratings) Typical reader comment from Amazon: "Offers good insight into CIA operations but doesn't reveal much we didn't already know." Several readers noted the book reads more like a career memoir than a comprehensive analysis of counterterrorism efforts, with one Goodreads reviewer stating: "More about justifying CIA actions than providing new understanding of the war on terror."

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🔹 Author Michael Morell served as both Deputy Director and Acting Director of the CIA, spending over three decades with the agency and serving under six different presidents. 🔹 Morell was with President George W. Bush on September 11, 2001, as his daily intelligence briefer, and was among the CIA team that briefed the President in the immediate aftermath of the attacks. 🔹 The book reveals that initial CIA reports about Osama bin Laden's death were only 90% certain of his identity, leading to tense moments before final confirmation could be made. 🔹 Despite being a 30-year veteran of the CIA, Morell faced significant pushback from the agency's Publications Review Board while writing this book, as they initially wanted to redact large portions of the manuscript. 🔹 The book directly challenges the "Zero Dark Thirty" film's depiction of enhanced interrogation techniques, arguing that their role in finding bin Laden was much less significant than portrayed in popular media.