Just weeks after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Schroen led six other CIA agents into Afghanistan to secure cooperation with the Northern Alliance and pave the way for the successful military operation against the Taliban. His book tells of the complicated negotiations with Afghani warlords, and how it was necessary to have their full cooperation once American military forces arrived.

Without the success of these negotiations, the Alliance, which proved to be a critical factor in the defeat of the Taliban, would not have held. Schroen's revelations include the many disastrous close calls caused by political pressure to do`something' against the Taliban, ready or not, and explains the real reason why US special forces operatives dressed like Afghanis.

Gary Schroen has served in the CIA for over 35 years with much of his career focused on the middle east including Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Afghanistan. He is one of the most decorated officers in the agency whose honors include the Intelligence Cross, the highest award given by the CIA. Schroen is the technical consultant of a soon to be released film from the makers of The Recruit. He and his wife, Betsy, live in Reno, Nevada.