Since the end of the Cold War there have been numerous conflicts and in all of these Special Forces have played a key role. This book examines their activities and operations in numerous theatres from Afghanistan and, Iraq today to the Balkans and Gulf War. Lesser known small wars such as Sierra Leone (and the spectacular rescue of British soldiers by the SAS) and Somalia are also well covered. We learn of long running drug busting operations in Columbia and of current operations pursuing war criminals in the Balkans. In addition there is an introductory chapter tracing the development of SF from their inception in the Second World War with brief descriptions of early operations.