Book excerpt: In the past forty years, the devastating effects of international terror have forced their way into the forefront of world affairs. To counter this new threat to civilisation - and to the safety of ordinary people - a new breed of soldier was created to fight the terrorists on their own terms. They are the world's Special Forces, and Death Before Dishonour tells the inside stories behind these fearsome fighting units. It captures the drama, action, pain and glory of the most striking operations ever undertaken by the world's various Special Forces and for the first time ever reveals the truth behind their bloodiest battles, and gives top secret information about the terrifying techniques and gadgetry they employ.