Red Line

The Unraveling of Syria and America's Race to Destroy the Most Dangerous Arsenal in the World

By: Joby Warrick

Narrated by: Barrett Leddy

From the Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Black Flags comes the thrilling unknown story of America’s mission in Syria: to find and destroy Syria’s chemical weapons and keep them out of the hands of the Islamic State

In August 2012, Syrian president Bashar al-Assad was clinging to power in a vicious civil war. When secret intelligence revealed that the dictator might resort to using chemical weapons, President Obama warned that doing so would cross “a red line.” Assad did it anyway, bombing the Damascus suburb of Ghouta with sarin gas, killing hundreds of civilians and forcing Obama to decide if he would mire America in another unpopular Middle Eastern war. When Russia offered to broker the removal of Syria’s chemical weapons, Obama leapt at the out.

So begins an electrifying race to find, remove, and destroy 1,300 tons of chemical weapons in the midst of a raging civil war. The extraordinary little-known effort is a triumph for the Americans, but soon Russia’s long game becomes clear: it will do anything to preserve Assad’s rule. As America’s ability to control events in Syria shrinks, the White House learns that ISIS, building its caliphate in Syria’s war-tossed territory, is seeking chemical weapons for itself, with an eye to attacking the West.

Red Line is a classic Joby Warrick true-life thriller: a character-driven narrative with a cast of heroes and villains, including weapons hunters, politicians, doctors, diplomats, and spies. Drawing on astonishing original reporting, Warrick reveals how the United States embarked on a bold adventure to prevent one catastrophe but could not avoid a tragic chain of events that empowered America’s enemies.

Very informative

I really enjoyed this book. I have always been curious about the Syrian civil war and the rise of ISIS.

A heartbreaking account of failed diplomacy

Thoroughly researched, detailed, and gripping personal accounts from the people who were directly involved.

A deep dive into historical Syrian conflict

This book provides a comprehensive look at the political turmoil and military struggles of war torn Syria through 2 U.S. presidencies and the efforts (sometimes less than effective) of both to intervene. Joby Warrick paints a grim and chilling account of chemical warfare at the ground level and highlights the frustration of a nation left to suffer under Assad's terrifying rule.

A Compelling & Altogether Sad History of Conflict

A comprehensive look at the Syrian Civil War, the fight to rid the Assad regime of its use of chemical weapons (the success and failures therein), and an overview of the struggle to end a conflict which has had so many long term strategic and regional implications. Worth a listen. Joby Warrick is a favorite author of mine, so I am biased, but just a little.

Great overview on chemical weapons removal, but no explanation on Assads motivations

This book was great. TBH i was expecting more focus on Syria, Assad, and US intervention like how Warrick’s book “Black Flag” was focussed on ISIS and Al Zarqawi. This was more about the logistics of destroying chemical weapons. The spotlight was on the victims and there was little focus on the perpetrators. That is not to say it was not a good book, the book is great! But those looking to learn about the motivation of Assad should look elsewhere.