The Osama bin Laden I Know

Since 9/11, the American psyche has been haunted by Osama bin Laden. Numerous military operations attempting his capture have failed, and what little is known about him has been obscured by anecdote and myth -- until now. Join the New America Foundation for a fascinating discussion with Peter Bergen, Terrorism Analyst for CNN and author of the New York Times best seller Holy War, Inc., about his just-released book, The Osama bin Laden I Know: An Oral History of al Qaeda's Leader.

One of the only Western journalists to have interviewed bin Laden in person, Mr. Bergen offers an unparalleled portrait of bin Laden in this groundbreaking work, comprised of his own interviews with more than fifty people who have known bin Laden personally. From bin Laden's high school English teacher to his childhood friend and next-door neighbor, the result is an exceptionally revealing portrait of the life and true nature of the man responsible for the largest terrorist attack in U.S. history. Joining us to comment on the work and enhance the discussion will be Steve Coll, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning book Ghost Wars: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden.

Participants

• Peter Bergen
  Author, The Osama bin Laden I Know: An Oral History of al Qaeda's Leader, Fellow, New America Foundation; Terrorism Analyst, CNN; Adjunct Professor, School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University


• Steve Coll
  Staff Writer, The New Yorker and Author, Ghost Wars: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and bin Laden, from the Soviet Invasion to September 10, 2001