The Washington Post awarded their selection as the Best Book of the Year with its informative exploration into politics and power.
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A pair of esteemed journalists, Douglas Farah and Stephen Braun, bring readers an enthralling account of Viktor Bout – the Russian arms merchant whose alacritous network has altered the way modern warfare is waged. His expansive enterprise comprising guns, aircrafts and considerable capital has fuelled internecine bloodshed in Africa as well as aiding militant Islamic fanatics in Afghanistan while simultaneously assisting American forces during their campaigns against Iraq.
Enriching on their previous studies, this investigation reveals how Bout has successfully eluded capture and profited from the illicit arms trade while intelligence agencies have waned in their efforts to bring him down. Comparing his success with that of other infamous figures such as Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden and Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar, they detail the difficulties faced with amassing evidence against Bout – a feat almost impossible when dealing with an international figure such as himself.
The man who makes war possible is known as the Merchant of Death. His name is arms dealer and weapons manufacturer, Viktor Bout. Bout has been indicted in several international criminal cases, including charges of narcotics trafficking, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit murder.
Bout made his fortune by turning weapons into cash. He allegedly sold weapons to terrorist groups and governments throughout Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. His business was so successful that he could build an empire worth millions of dollars.
Bout’s empire was built on a secret network of middlemen and suppliers. His weapons were shipped around the world in cargo planes and smuggled into countries where they could wage war or suppress peaceful protests.
Bout’s business was shut down in 2007 after a series of investigations by INTERPOL and the FBI. The charges against him may never be brought to trial, but his story illustrates the deadly consequences of arms trafficking.
Arms dealers like Viktor Bout pose a serious threat to peace and security around the world. Their businesses provide funding for terrorist groups and contribute to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
It is important that we learn about Viktor Bout and other arms dealers so that we can identify and stop their efforts to make war possible.
