The Abbottabad Papers: Documents Seized in the Navy SEAL Raid on Osama bin Ladin's Compound (Annotated)

Unlike other available books, this book contains the original 17 documents captured at bin Laden's Abbottabad compound and summaries and keyword guidance provided by our expert editors. Recently released by the U.S. government, these documents offer insight into al Qaeda's operations, challenges, successes, and failures. Our experienced editors have reviewed each document and provide the reader with insight into each document, a keyword listing for each document, and a glossary of important terms, people, and organizations.

These 17 documents were declassified and released in May of 2012. Readers will find at least five letters authored by bin Laden, with two more letters likely composed in part or whole by bin Laden. Other authors include: Nasir al-Wuhayshi, leader of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula; press release drafts by Ayman al-Zawahiri; and a letter from al Qaeda spokesman and American Taliban Adam Gadahn.

Topics covered include proposed alliances between al Qaeda and other militant organizations, requests for legal guidance from Islamic scholars, and letters challenging bin Laden's tactics and decisions. These documents paint a varied picture of the leadership of the most famous terrorist organization. They also show the challenges bin Laden, and later al-Zawahiri, face during their day-to-day operations.