Since the Iranian Embassy Siege in 1980 and the Falklands War in 1982, the British SAS has become perhaps the most famous military special forces unit in the world. This book, by an international expert on special operations forces, covers the Regiment's organization and operations from the aftermath of the Falklands to the present day. It includes chapters on Special Projects (counter-terrorism, which has taken on a new importance since '9/11' and '7/7'); on operations in the First Gulf War, the Balkans, West Africa, Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere; and on SAS weapons. The author does not hesitate to describe failures and controversies as well as successes. He also explains the close co-operation between the SAS and the US Joint Special Operations Command, born of a high-intensity shared programme of surveillance and strike missions that proved highly effective in Iraq and Afghanistan. The illustrations include many extremely rare photographs showing the Regiment on operations, and also a series of specially researched full-colour plates showing combat uniforms and equipment of the SAS and other UK Special Forces in unprecedented detail, together with some of their vehicles, and a wide range of weapons. Book jacket.