Ghost Wars by Steve Coll (2005, Paperback, Reprint)

This book is a very scholarly approach to the US and the conflicts in the Middle East. Provides detailed information on the long history of US involvement in Afghanistan. Tons of data on people, places, politicians and hidden agendas. Makes the connections from the war on terror to the Soviet Union and the Cold War, as well as Bin Laden and the spawning of Al Qaeda. Great inside information and political analyses on a topic that affects all of us one way or another.

***Highly recommend his biography of the Bin Laden clan as well. I originally bought Ghost Wars but then found the Bin Laden book and read it first. Very educational and intriguing. "The Bin Ladens" should be picked up along with this publication.