Product Description
Spiritual Terrorism is about the effect of fear-based religion on people's lives who have been spiritually abused by a negative conception of God through eternal hell-fire preaching and teaching. The doctrine of eternal punishment in literal fire is at the heart of many forms of spiritual abuse and all forms of spiritual terrorism which is the most extreme form of spiritual abuse. This book effectively explains the symbolic use of fire in the Holy Bible and other Holy Books. The common misunderstanding of the metaphorical usage of fire is the primary cause of spiritual terrorism. Dr. Purcell clarifies the confusion over the Christian doctrine of salvation by grace and judgment which is based on the deeds of life-good or bad. This allows readers to grasp the liberating truth that people are totally free to live their lives but are also totally accountable, at the end of life, for how they have lived their lives. God will ultimately teach universal empathy and bring about perfect justice for all without violating anyone's free will. Spiritual abuse has the potential to affect all stages of life: in the womb, childhood, youth, young adults, older adults, end of life, and bereavement after the deaths of loved ones. Spiritual abuse may also affect all areas of life: marriage/divorce, emotional/mental/physical abuse, medical treatment or refusal of such treatment for self and children, and domestic and international terrorism. All major world religions are addressed: Judeo/Christianity, Islam, and the Eastern Religions-Buddhism and Hinduism. Included as well are Native American Beliefs. There is a theme running through all major religions of God's unconditional love, amazing grace, infinite mercy, perfect justice, and a universal homecoming. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

An Amazing Book! Straightforward and Well Researched.
Spiritual Terrorism: Spiritual Abuse from the Womb to the Tomb by Boyd C. Purcell is the best book I've read on spiritual terrorism and abuse issues. It covers all areas: spiritual abuse characterized by frightening teachings and doctrines, fear-based religion, and the misunderstanding of symbolism (especially metaphorical fire.) The author discusses why things go wrong in the churches today; how we can recognize an abusive system, how we can recover, and return to a satisfying relationship with our spiritual practice: one comprised of faith, hope, love, and grace.

Boyd C. Purcell confronts in an open, honest, clear, and straightforward manner the issues that too many in the religious community refuse to admit. These serious issues are not meticulous and tidy -- they are somewhat confusing and embarrassing; and it takes time and enormous effort to make healthy changes.

Spiritual abuse touches many areas of our lives: marriage, divorce; struggles on the emotional, physical, and mental plane; also medical concerns and treatment. It takes tremendous courage for anyone to confront and uncover the truth of what goes on.

In this book, the author has done exhaustive research on all world religions: From Native American beliefs to Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, and highlights some interesting facts about all of them.

If you have experienced spiritual abuse, have been wounded by the church and need healing, this book can be an integral key to helping you and your family, gain recovery and restoration. Dr. Purcell provides discerning insights that will not only validate you, but will introduce scriptural wisdom that will help you discover the truth for yourself.

What are the Biblical texts really saying to whom and why? Dr. Purcell shows readers the essence of real truth, real love, grace, mercy and justice.

Dr. Purcell's writing is fair and doctrinally solid; he provides effective counsel to the reader. There is something beneficial for anyone who reads this book: a person who understands divine love will thoroughly enjoy this book; those who are open minded enough to delve into this subject, will feel blessed when finished; a leader, a wounded congregant, and loved ones of those in either category will benefit significantly.

C.J. Good, Author of Little Gifts of Sustainable Contentment and Precious Gifts of Love.
SustainableContentment dot com

What a great book I can't recommend it enough
It was by sheer chance that I came across this book as I was actually looking for something else, at the time I was trying to break free of christianity altogether, but could not become convinced that there wasn't a God

I went through an intense nightmare due the doctrine of eternal hell which lasted over 2 years, beginning towards the end of January 2008, I've never hated anything in life more than this doctrine which is the vilest monstrosity ever to have befallen this planet, if I had to choose between atheism and eternal torture being the truth, I would most definitely choose atheism, it's true that atheism doesn't offer hope to anyone, but at least no one would be tortured forever, when I came to realize this about a year ago, I changed my status from christian to theistic agnostic, now I've changed it to Christian Universalist

Fortunately Dr Purcell says that embracing the eternal torture doctrine is NOT the litmus test to determine whether one is a christian or not, unlike what many of it's staunch supporters claim, it's so easy to condemn others to this horrific fate (which those that perpetuate it seem to think that they themselves are immune from), some even make the outrageous claim that it glorifies God, how and why I could never know, how such an unspeakable nightmare could even begin to be good news... is unfathomable

Why this book was so important to me personally, is that Dr Purcell has hand on experience in dealing with people who have been spiritually terrorized as he worked as a hospice chaplain for many years, he also gives good illustrations of how people perceive things to be, there is a picture where one can see something ugly, or something beautiful, one becomes like the God they worship

In the second part of the book he addresses the topic of christian universalism, he not only addresses it from a christian perspective, but also shows universalism in other religions such as Islam and Judaism, he also addressed a few passages that I still had a problem with, but the remedial and metaphorical view of hell (which is temporary) makes perfect sense, it portrays God as being loving and fair, where people reap what they sow, nothing more and nothing less, unlike the narcissistic sadistic megalomaniac that the hyper-calvinist and other fundamentalists portray (these people even believe that unelect babies will be tortured in a literal fire for all eternity) this is an unspeakable horror which would totally crush the heart and spirit of any human being that possesses a grain of true compassion and empathy in their bones for anyone besides themselves

I intend to reread it again, I can't thank the author enough for what he has written, I think this book is worth every penny and more!!!!

A must read!
As a hospice chaplain, the author saw first hand the fear and damage that the belief in a Hell where people are tortured forever has caused. He presents the truth that God will save everyone eventually. Yet this truth is so vehemently opposed and actively repressed by many Christians that you seldom get a chance to hear it. So it is important to read this book and learn the strong Biblical evidence for God's intention to save everyone.

Good read, but not convinced.
"Spiritual Terrorism" nails it in the first half of the book where it describes the psychological damage the teaching of eternal torment has brought to many people, especially children.It is shameful that people are still subjected to such teachings.I marvel too that such a belief system is called "good news"; an Orwellian term if I ever heard one.

The second half of the book is where I drop one star.I'm just not convinced that the Bible teaches Universalism.I've read many books and articles on Christian Universalism and for every good argument there are counter arguments from those who believe the traditional (and abusive) version of eternal torment.If Universalism is the truth, then why isn't it more plain? ... Read more

Product Description
Current day terrorism is increasingly motivated by body count, and more often than not is religiously or ethnically motivated. While politically motivated terrorism tends to limit the amount of violence in order to ensure that it does not impact supporters' sympathy for the cause, today's nihilistic terrorism is more simply focused on massive death and the destruction of property. Based on this, it seems very likely that future terrorists will use nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons rather than traditional explosives or firearms. As these attacks increasingly occur within the borders of the United States, the emergency responder will be the first line of defense.Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Terrorism: Emergency Response and Public Protection provides emergency responders with guidance on: ·The types of weapons of mass destruction that could be used in a terrorist attack·Mechanisms by which terrorists could disperse various types of nuclear, chemical, or biological agents·The types of conventional explosives that terrorists could use to disperse these agents·The routes by which one may be exposed to these weapons·The types of health hazards that may result from exposure to these weapons·How safety professionals can minimize exposure to these weapons·Potential medical treatment options for those exposed to these weapons·How to best increase one's chances of surviving a nuclear explosion ·Emergency preparedness measures for a variety of settings·How to prioritize injuries ·How to decontaminate personnel prior to medical treatment·Radiation exposure guidelines ·Training guidelinesIn addition to concise but comprehensive coverage of various types of weapons of mass destruction, the authors give you sound advice and simple actions that can reduce risks and avoid panic in the event of a terrorist attack. They present guidelines for minimizing further danger to human life after an attack. ... Read more

Product Description
How do radical religious sects run such deadly terrorist organizations? Hezbollah, Hamas, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and the Taliban all began as religious groups dedicated to piety and charity. Yet once they turned to violence, they became horribly potent, executing campaigns of terrorism deadlier than those of their secular rivals.

In Radical, Religious, and Violent, Eli Berman approaches the question using the economics of organizations. He first dispels some myths: radical religious terrorists are not generally motivated by the promise of rewards in the afterlife (including the infamous seventy-two virgins) or even by religious ideas in general. He argues that these terrorists (even suicide terrorists) are best understood as rational altruists seeking to help their own communities. Yet despite the vast pool of potential recruits—young altruists who feel their communities are repressed or endangered—there are less than a dozen highly lethal terrorist organizations in the world capable of sustained and coordinated violence that threatens governments and makes hundreds of millions of civilians hesitate before boarding an airplane. What's special about these organizations, and why are most of their followers religious radicals?

Drawing on parallel research on radical religious Jews, Christians, and Muslims, Berman shows that the most lethal terrorist groups have a common characteristic: their leaders have found a way to control defection. Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Taliban, for example, built loyalty and cohesion by means of mutual aid, weeding out "free riders" and producing a cadre of members they could rely on. The secret of their deadly effectiveness lies in their resilience and cohesion when incentives to defect are strong.

These insights suggest that provision of basic social services by competent governments adds a critical, nonviolent component to counterterrorism strategies. It undermines the violent potential of radical religious organizations without disturbing free religious practice, being drawn into theological debates with Jihadists, or endangering civilians. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Boring, Questionable Credibility
Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Taliban all began as religious groups dedicated to piety and charity. They are best understood as altruists seeking to help their own communities, says Berman. In the six years following 9/11, terrorists killed about 11,800 - not counting Iraq and Afghanistan. Most were caused by six groups; individuals such as Timothy McVeigh are rare. Berman also identifies the need to avoid defection as essential for the survival of these organizations, a weakness that the authorities can often exploit by making irresistible offers to individual members, in the form of either bribes or threats. (Conversely, the terrorists offer mayhem and murder for those who defect.) Provision of basic social services by competent governments adds a critical, nonviolent component to counter-terrorism strategies. It undermines the violent potential of radical religious organizations without disturbing free religious practice, being drawn into theological debates with Jihadists, or endangering civilians. However, it is easier said than done - the terrorists will attempt to shut down these services when they compete with their own.

Their intention is generally to intimidate an audience larger than their immediate victims, in the hope of generating widespread panic and, often, a response from the enemy so brutal that it ends up backfiring by creating sympathy for the terrorists' cause. Money is raised from charging at checkpoints and raising opium.

Meanwhile, Mark Moyar, Chair of Insurgency and Terrorism at the Marine Corps University, tells us that, in Afghanistan, the Taliban's pay scale (financed by the protection payments demanded from opium farmers) is calibrated to be a generous multiple of the pay received by military and police personnel (financed by U.S. aid); no wonder official Afghan forces are no match for the insurgents.

Overall: Rather read material from someone with face-to-face experience in the field.

Understanding some of the motivations for terrorism.
This book is a look at the economic motivators and limiters in violent organisations. It is a refreshing look beyond the rhetoric of terrorism and into the forces that allow clubs, especially religious clubs, to become violent. The authors also then look at how these forces can be diverted and dissipated so that clubs are unlikely to become violent.

The conclusions are very similar to what I learned in Socialism 101 as what a socialist society should try to achieve. Good governance, government provision of adequate services to all (health, education, housing, etc), and basically creating a society where everyone feels they have a stake.

There is a lot of material on the Israel/Palestine conflict, largely because there is more data on this conflict than others. This does not detract from the conclusions. On the contrary, it would be good to see the authors insights applied on the ground in this part of the world.

There are a few errors in the graphs and diagrams but these are minor and do not detract from the whole. They are just annoying because they are so obvious and I am so pedantic!

The Australian counter-terrorism expert Lieutenenant Colonel Dr. David Kilcullen is cited several times to good effect.

I found this book fascinating. It should be required reading for every soldier and NGO personnel in intervention forces.

Attributes of Islam may be spawning terror
More than just a few Muslims have become conspicuous for waging transnational terror in the name of their religion, unlike people of other faiths.

Indeed, as the author Eli Berman correctly points out, radical groups have been part of many religions in the past centuries, including Christianity and Judaism. However, that doesn't preclude the following possibility: Islam, as evidenced in both past and present, may be more prone toward spawning terrorism, unlike other faiths.

A major weakness of this book is that it overlooks the above possibility. In other words, Eli Berman appears reluctant to explore why Islam is a breeding ground for terror.

On the flip side, the author has an original take on the roots of religion-based terror and how to address them.This book is an easy and interesting one to read.

As author of a new book on political Islam I am familiar with many facets of this complex issue.

Eli Berman chooses to focus on entrenched and localized terrorist groups in this book, as they pose a growing threat to our interests. One may contest this emphasis--as the Fort Hood shootings have brought to limelight the extraordinary threat posed by the difficult-to-detect self-radicalized individual terrorists. Also, for the most part, without the support of the states such as Saudi Arabia, Pakistan or Iran, terror entities discussed in his book, the Hamas, the Taliban or Hizbollah are unlikely to have become potent.

The state-sponsorship of radical groups exposes the inherent limitation in trying to cut off their funding.

The author points out that the Islamic extremist groups posing a threat to the West thrive on what he calls as "Hamas Model." In this model, radical Islamic organizations fill the vacuum left by dysfunctional states by developing social institutions and by serving people's day-to-day needs. This social role helps the organizations garner public support for their extremist political and religious agenda.

This observation leads to the following "solution" from Eli Berman: "[the] most important [approach to mitigating the threat], [is] helping allied governments compete with religious radicals in providing social services."

Indeed, the allied governments in Pakistan, the West Bank or Yemen could possibly be temporarily helped by the West to provide better social services than the local extremist organizations. But for a self-sustained program, the governments also have to improve infrastructure and develop the nations. In other words, these governments have to become functional. The author doesn't explain how to help transform dysfunctional nations.

Could it be that some attributes of the religion are responsible for creating dysfunctional Islamic states?

Here are some compelling statistics:despite oil wealth, in the Human Development Index (HDI) published each year by the United Nations--a comparative measure of life expectancy, literacy, education, and standards of living--of the 32 countries rated "high" in 2006, not one was a Muslim-majority country. However, of the 30 countries rated "low," 16 were Muslim countries.

One could justifiably argue that these attributes are in the form of lack of separation of church and state, focus on jihad and the enshrining of sharia (a regressive medieval Islamic custom) in various forms.

How Islam's attributes retard a nation become immensely clear in comparing the contrasting evolution of Pakistan and India.

These two South Asian nations were created from the same land mass in 1947. Besides the majority religions, they share culture, language, ethnicity, culinary habits. While India has a thriving economy, Pakistan has descended into becoming a fountainhead of terror and an economic basket case. This transformation of Pakistan coincides with it increasingly embracing policies which it saw to be in accordance with Islamic doctrines. For instance, religious indoctrination, including the emphasis on armed jihad, is part of the federally established education system in Pakistan. Unlike India, Pakistan failed to build quality institutions for higher learning--a must for development.

Data suggests that not only radical groups, even most, if not all Muslim-majority states themselves have become either dysfunctional or have developed radical agendas. This shows that there is an underlying religious ideology that has afflicted even governments, not just radical groups or individuals.

Even in functional non-Muslim majority nations known for providing competent social services, a Muslim minority community may still embrace radicalism and fall behind in every measure of progress.

This is the case with the Muslim community in Britain. The 7/7 attacks in Britain showed that the members of this community can execute mass killings through terror. It is notable that unlike their Muslim compatriots, non-Muslim transplants and their descendents from South Asia have achieved much progress in Britain. This again singles out Islam.

Even in America, where Muslim community is in general well-educated, there are increasing incidents of terror acts by self-radicalized Muslims.

In Kashmir, India has long worked to even subsidize the Muslim majority. Yet this has not stopped the Muslim populace from supporting Islamic radicals, who do not even provide social services there.

The author is correct in noting that many Islamic terrorists are not necessarily driven by religious considerations. However, Eli Berman has overlooked the fact that religion does play an indirect role in encouraging terror in just about all of these instances. Muslim clerics have a long history of using the pulpit to create anger and hatred in the minds of the followers against non-Muslims, by associating them with certain "injustices" perpetrated on Muslims. Reason: only by keeping their followers perpetually backward and in confrontation with non-Muslims, clerics can keep their powerbase in the modern era. The clerics derive their legitimacy through their knowledge of and association with religious scriptures.

We in the West can't help create functional governments in many Islamic nations unless we acknowledge that, ultimately, certain attributes of Islam are responsible for their present status. Nor can we help Muslim communities without first acknowledging the very influence for their retarded development and embrace of radicalism.

In my book I have discussed the correlation between attributes of Islam and dynamics of Muslim communities.

By overlooking Islam's nuances, Eli Berman, I am afraid, has created a scholarship that would be of limited help for those hoping to address the roots of radical Islamic terror.

Radical, Religious, and Violent
Radical, Religious, and Violent by Eli Berman is a calm, reasoned, review of current terrorism.Read this book if you are interested in factual data to counterbalance editorials and the evening news.

This book looks at violence starting in the late 1500s (historical evidence) as well as hard data derived from recent (the last 50 or so years) to understand the current violence perpetrated by what we generally call terrorists.

It is well written and is an easy read.It is not a series of data points but references that data if you want to dig deeper (I did not).It is written for the average reader and no economic background is required. Eli Berman uses short stories (truck drivers with valuable cargo on a dangerous road) to explain the dilemmas they face which, in turn, give rise to decisions they make, which in turn relates to the current terrorism situation.

The book points out (and supports) how difficult the current situation is but it also provides supporting data for the one proven counteroffensive that has worked in the past.There is a way to end all this, but you will have to read to the book to find out.Personally, I am convinced he is right in his conclusion.

The fact this book uses hard data, first making assumptions and then supporting those assumptions by facts (essentially proving the conjecture) is what makes it so compelling.This book is an excellent counterbalance to the evening news or the sensationalism we so often hear.There are nasty things going on in the world but there is a reason for them and understanding that reason is crucial to stopping it.This book provides that counterbalance.

If you are interested in a fact-based understanding of the current rise in Islamic violence then read this book.
Even if you think you already know the reason for the current violence, buy this book.It is an eye opener and, I think, will change your opinion of the current situation no matter what you currently believe.

For me, this book removed some of the fear generated by terrorism.There is a reason for it, there are targets, there is a way out.It has become a "thing" to be approached as opposed to some difficult to define monster out to kill off the rest of the world.

Read this book.

An Important Contribution
Professor Berman advances knowledge of both terrorism and economics with this important book.He writes clearly, delivering powerful arguments.The book is beyond informative--it is interesting and a pleasure to read.This book will have an impact. ... Read more

Product Description
During the past decade, we have witnessed a dramatic transformation in the nature and uses of terrorism.In the 70s, it was often repeated that terrorists "want a lot of people watching, not a lot of people dead"; today, it is more accurate to say that terrorists want a lot of people dead, and even more people crippled by fear and grief. A major strategic intent of modern terrorists is to use larger scale physical attacks to cause stress in the general population.These changes in terrorist strategy have made it clear that we need better psychological and social responses to terrorism and man-made disasters.The psychological science needed to provide proper and effective treatment for victims of horrendous events, such as September 11th, and future potential terrorist acts, simply does not exist, so military, medical, and psychological experts must work together to improve their understanding of mass casualty terrorism.

In Psychology of Terrorism leading national and international experts present the first results of this effort, including the newest findings on treatment of and clinical responses to terrorism along with their respective underlying theories.They address the history of terrorism; types and effects of weapons of mass destruction or disruption; the role of the military, government agencies, and volunteer groups in responding to terrorist threats; psychological consequences of terrorism; and treatment of special populations such as children and older adults.

This volume will be an ideal text for both academic and professional courses as well as a comprehensive resource for mental health clinicians and researchers, medical care providers, educators, public health specialists, government employees, police and fire departments, and non-profit agencies that provide services and craft policy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Psychology of Terrorism
This publication is a great resource for those in the fields of Psychology, Law Enforcement, and Conter Terrorism. This book is a must have for your library. ... Read more

Product Description
Behind the covert, international anti-terrorist network responsible for South America's worst human rights abuses.

President Nixon had decided that an Allende regime was not acceptable to the United States. The President asked the agency to prevent Allende from coming to power or to unseat him.—1970 CIA internal memo

Operation Condor, set up by Chilean dictator General Augusto Pinochet, was a secret alliance among six Southern Cone intelligence agencies that waged an international dirty war against internal enemies. Between 15,000 and 30,000 people were tortured and murdered as the operation, with funding and operational support from the CIA, ranged across national borders to destroy "subversion."

Award-winning journalist John Dinges, who was himself interrogated at a secret Chilean torture camp, draws on hundreds of interviews and newly opened secret police files to prove the extent of cooperation between Operation Condor and the United States government. Revolutionaries, spies and military officers—many speaking out for the first time—retell the brutal struggle between Condor and its enemies, alongside the suspenseful present-day narrative of the lawyers and judges whose relentless efforts to end the impunity of Condor's perpetrators led to Pinochet's arrest and changed international human rights law forever. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Liberal slant, but very well written
This book is excellent!! It is very well researched, well written, comprehensive and compelling. I don't share the same fondness that some other reviewers seem to have for communists, socialists, or so-called 'social democrats', but it is really distressing to read about how much brutality was used to conquer leftist subversion. The author makes an excellent point that the only solution that the country never contemplated was to create a true democracy. If it takes a brutal right wing regime to get rid of the leftists, then who wins?

Well detailed and researched book
The first thing we have to make clear in these types of books is who the author is and the author of this book is John Dinges. Dinges is a serious journalist who worked as the editorial director for National Public Radio for over ten years (1985 to 1996). He has worked as a foreign correspondent for Time, ABC, and most notably the Washington Post. And he is currently a Professor at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

This book is well-researched, documented, and in it Dinges is himself extremely careful about what he states as fact and is not afraid to acknowledge when there simply is not enough documentation to make clear judgments. He frequently cites cables sent between the White House and the U.S. embassy in Santiago and as well as information from his own interviews with major players within Condor and embassy/government officials during the period.

He makes clear how important Operation Condor was in the context of South American politics such as the fact that traditional enemies like Argentina and Chile were co-operating fully for the first time in contemporary history. And, initially at least, the real fear amongst the military dictatorships of guerilla movements united under the "Revolutionary Co-ordinating Junta".

Dinges shows how DINA (the Chilean secret police) was created with U.S. support and turned from a small intelligence department to the hand of Pinochet under the leadership of Manuel Contreras. More interesting is how the book documents how operations were run in Europe headed by American-born DINA operative Michael Townley along with Italian fascists to eliminate the exiled Christian Democratic/Socialist Party opposition. All of this, of course, climaxs with the Letelier assasination in D.C.

This is perhaps the best book you will find on the subject of Operation Condor. Documents obtained by Dinges in making this book are frequently cited by institutions such as the National Security Archive at George Washington University. It deserves all five stars I am giving it.

A chilling look at US sponsored state terror in the Southern Cone
In "The Condor Years", Jonh Dinges does a wonderful job documenting US complicity in overthrowing the democratically elected Popular Unity government in Chile and instituting Operation Condor, a network of right-wing military dictatorships in Latin America's six southernmost countries with the aim of crushing popular movements for economic democracy, social justice and political freedom. As such, it is an essential text for activists and scholars interested in human rights, civil liberties, union organizing, political repression in the Americas, corporate globalization and peace. The book also delves into the role that pro-business, reactionary Cuban exiles played in hunting down Chilean dissidents living in the US. Given current events in Colombia, Iraq and elsewhere, this is an urgent and frightening book!

Good book but a little dry
I think this was a very good book.It gives you an excelent report on the atrocities committed by the military in countries like Chile,Argentina and Paraguay.Mr Dinges did a great work in gathering all the information and evidence necessary to present a clear and bullet-proof case against all the parties involved.I was fascinated by all the evidence and information that clearly connects Henry Kissinger with this military goverments and the uncontested proof of his knowledge about the situation in this countries.The only thing i didnt like about this book is that sometimes it gives you the impression that you are reading a goverment report.Because, at times, the author is just giving you facts, dates and names with a certain dryness that sometimes bored me.It felt like you were lectured like in a class room.But,again, the book is full of fascinating tales and information that makes you wonder about our own goverment and the way it manages information.Good work!

Documents what we thought we knew
John Dinges first wrote about the terrorist activities of the Pinochet dictatorship as long ago as 1980 (in Assassination on Embassy Row, written with Saul Landau), but, however much one might have suspected at that time, it was impossible to support it with much documentary evidence. A great deal more is available now, in part because of the case brought by the Spanish judge Baltasar Garzón in 1998, and in part because the declassification of many US Government files in the years from 1999 onwards. Dinges has therefore returned to his subject, and has written a detailed count of the years of terror in the southern part of South America, in which numerous military dictatorships -- led by Chile, but with enthusiastic participation of Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay -- conspired to murder and torture many of their own citizens, transferring them between secret prisons at their convenience.

Despite the emotional and dramatic nature of the events that he describes, and despite his clear commitment to democracy, Dinges has written a balanced book, allowing the facts to speak for themselves and refraining from the sort of exaggeration that can easily convert a good case into an incredible one. Despite the much higher profile that the Chilean dictatorship had in the European and North American press than the even more vicious ones in Argentina and Uruguay had, he recognizes that -- contrary to what most people think -- there were far fewer murders in Chile than in most of the other countries involved, around 3000 in total, compared with around ten times as mant in Argentina. At one point he talks of several orders of magnitude more in Argentina, implying several millions, but that is clearly absurd, and is probably not so much an exaggeration as a careless use of words: certainly, there is nothing in the surrounding text to suggest that this means what it literally says.

Dinges concludes his book with the words "the history of the Condor Years is not one we are condemned to repeat." Let us hope that he is right.
... Read more

Product Description
This book comprehensively covers the debatable issues regarding the post-September 11th wave of terrorism, the multiple roots of this deadly new form of international violence, and the leading ideas being considered as means for the “war on global terrorism” to be won. Informed and informativeinterpretations, written by the world's most authoritative scholars especially for this book, present a balanced and accessible set of essays and chapters describing the new international terrain that has emerged in the wake of 9-11. A three-part organization breaks the subject of global terrorism into three categories of analysis, and demonstrates to readers that how terrorism is defined will shape the conclusions that are reached about its causes and remedies.For analyzing present and future acts of terrorism, creating awareness of the obstacles to accurately understanding it, and consideration of the strategies for containing the destructiveness of this deadly phenomena. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Boring
I had to read this for a terrorism class, and this was one of the most boring books I've had to read yet.I'm sure there is some good information in it somewhere, but because it was so boring, I couldn't stay awake to read that good information.

Required reading
I bought this book for a class in terrorism.It's a well made paperback.It was very informative.Many views on terrorism from different leaders in the field have been compiled.A great idea.But I feel the book is WAY too wordy.I literally had to read it with a dictionary in the other hand.Not bad for people who want to train for a spelling bee or learn new words to dazzle their friends but it really does add a lot of extra time to a reading assignment that you may not have.I would like to say I learned new words from the book but they are really obscure words I will never ever use in day to day conversation and will likely forget...actually I can't even remember them right now.

Best Terrorism Book
I rarely give five stars to anything, but this is quite possibly the best terrorism book ever, at least in terms of the sample of readings.Twenty-one chapters in all, the contributors all being well-known scholars in the political science field mainly. The textbook is very scholarly, divided into three parts, corresponding to the purposes of science: description, explanation, and prescription.Each part is excellent, and the book is well-balanced. Part I (description/characteristics)is a little heavy on the theoretical side, especially where there is some repetitive use of the phrase "post-modern" and exploration of historical side roads, but doesn't devolve into a bunch of navel-gazing over definitions and typologies like so many other books do.One could actually "use" the stuff in Part I, either for further theory development or other grounded purposes.Part II (explanation/causes) is probably what most readers would turn to first. It's nothing more than a collection of writings by all the luminaries in the field: Crenshaw, Wilkinson, Rubenstein, Laqueur, Howell, Juergensmeyer, Lewis, and Gurr.One couldn't ask for a better lineup, and although some of the articles have been previously published, a lot of them look like they were updated and revised for this book.Selection bias is always a possibility with books of this kind, and to be sure, the book is overall critical of mindless understanding approaches to counterterrorism, but not overly concessionistic. Military solutions are discussed, and lesser-known authors like Howell write about darwinistic solutions like letting failed states collapse on their own.However, Part III has counterweighting articles like Falk and Johnson's excellent discussions of why the war on terrorism is a moral war against "evil" (in the non-metaphysical sense).The third part of the book isn't about strategy or grand strategy, as one might expect, but is about tactics and counter-tactics, representing, in short, as good of a primer as any, on the political science approaches to counterterrorism option selection.I highly recommend this little book be read by anyone who wants to quickly become an erudite scholar of terrorism. It's highly educative. ... Read more

Product Description
Terrorism is no longer something that only happens to other countries.  Attacks on US soil in the 1990’s brought the reality of terrorism home and the Sept 11^th tragedy let us know that the United States is a high priority target. The goal of today’s terrorist is body count, and while traditional bombings have served them in the past, the allure of killing thousands of people with a very small amount of biological or chemical agent will prove irresistible.  Our only defense on the front line is a well-prepared emergency response team.

The key to an effective terrorist response is to understand and contain the hazardous materials involved. Counter-Terrorism for Emergency Responders, Second Edition meticulously details the characteristics, actions, identification, containment, and emergency treatment of all types of agents. Drastically updated from the 1999 edition, chapter after chapter is packed with new information on chemical agents, biological agents, and explosive, nuclear, and incendiary devices. 

Using his 26 years of experience in emergency services and his skills as a hazardous materials consultant in more than 15 states, the author prepares the first responder to handle everything from re-establishing control and on-scene triage to investigating the crime. Including information on pre-incident and avoidance tactics, the author provides new monitoring and detection techniques, protective equipment and decontamination, and an extensive list of resource organizations and training opportunities.  The worst may never happen to your community, but will you be prepared if it does? ... Read more

Product Description
When peace talks between Palestinian and Israeli leaders collapsed at Camp David in 2000, a conflict as bloody as any that had ever occurred between the two peoples began. Now David Horovitz—editor of The Jerusalem Report—explores the quotidian and profound effects this conflict and its attendant terrorism have had on the lives of ordinary men, women and children.Horovitz describes the “grim lottery” of life in Israel since 2000. He makes clear that far from becoming blasé or desensitized, its citizens respond with deepening horror every time the front pages are disfigured by the rows of passport portraits presenting the faces of the newly dead. He takes us to the funeral of a murdered Israeli, where the presence of security personnel underlines that nowhere is safe. He describes how his wife must tell their children to close their eyes when they pass a just-exploded bus on the way to school, so that the images of carnage won’t haunt them.He talks with government officials on both sides of the conflict, with relatives of murdered victims, with Palestinian refugees, and with his own friends and family, letting us sense what it feels like to live with the constant threat and the horrific frequency of shootings and suicide bombings. Examining the motives behind the violence, he blames mistaken policies and actions on the Israeli as well as the Palestinian side, and details the suffering of Palestinians deprived of basic freedoms under strict Israeli controls.But at the root of this conflict, he argues, is terrorism and Yasser Arafat’s deliberate use of it after spurning a genuine opportunity for peace at Camp David, and then misleading his people, and much of the world, about what was on offer there. He describes how the world’s press has too often allowed prejudgment to replace fair-minded reporting. And finally, Horovitz makes us see the vast depth and extent of the mistrust between Israelis and Palestinians and the enormous challenges that underlie new attempts at peacemaking.Human and harrowing—and yet projecting an unexpected optimism—Still Life with Bombers affords us a remarkably balanced and insightful understanding of a seemingly intractable conflict. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Phenominal look at the current situation
Mr. Horovitz has written an excellent account of both the personal side to living in a time of constant terrorist attacks as well as a factual account of the detail that have been overlooked or misreported by most of the world's press outlets.Included in this book are some brief analyses of the political climate in Israel before, during and after some of the more violent bombings as well as Israel's responses.At times the author disagrees with the government's decisions, and is not ashamed to say it.In general, an excellent read and a good look into the facts of the situations as seen by a reporter who has to raise his family while enduring these terrible bombings.

Incredible eye opener!
This book is absolutely incredible! Thank you so much David Horovitz! I want to read your day-to-day accounts of life in Israel beyond the end of this book.

I have been a religious right-wing supporter of Eretz Israel, anxiously awaiting the time that I am in a financial position to make aliyah. I have strongly supported the anti-disengagement fighters.

Your book has made me think. It has opened my eyes to the Arab side of the story, as well as details of politics on both sides that I was not previously aware of.

This book has filled me with hope of someday living in the holy land and at the same time has made me cry, and evoked terror. Reading the chapter on Yussuf makes me wonder if there is ever any hope for peace - on the political side there is, but on the religious side it seems hopeless, as religious Jews can never voluntarily relinquish the Temple Mount or any of Jerusalem.

There have been times that I have had to put it down and walk away for a while to digest what I have just read (and cry) - and I'm only on page 166!

For a long time I have thought the solution to this problem was for millions of North American religious Jews to make aliyah and change the government in Israel, now I'm not so sure... More to come...

The Fault is Arafat's
Reading through a volume of literature having to do with the Arab-Israeli Conflict, one is sooner or later impressed (or depressed)in realizing how little new ground is ever, really covered by the defenders of Israel, and by those of the Arabs. The same ground is laboriously traversed, over and over and over; the same charges thrown at the opponent, the same anger and outrage, the same impossible hopes floated. To paraphrase an unnamed British military man from Mandate days, "and Jew will kill Arab, and Arab will in turn kill Jew, now unto the end of time."
Horovitz's book, written by an Englishman who emigrated to Israel in the early 1980's, belongs to the Arab-bashing, or in his particular case, Arafat-bashing variety of books in this genre. He soon dispenses with his worm's eye view of fellow Israelis in the midst of the horror of the al Aqsa Intifada, perhaps the strongest and most interesting part of the book, and gets to his main argument.
To wit: all the violence that has afflicted Israel since the collapse of the Camp David Summit in 2000 can be left at the door of Yasir Arafat, who opted, at Camp David as after, to ignore substantive negotiations, even with a negotiation-mad Israeli leadership, and to proceed with the bombing.
Well, yes, this argument is possible, but Horovitz dins it into the reader's memory, again and again and yet again. There is nothing, he argues, that might explain Arafat's evident loathing for dealing responsibly with Israel save his long-harbored malificent desire to wipe out the Jewish state, by short range suicide bombings, or long-term Palestinian overbreeding. I resent propaganda, especially from a side I would otherwise support, and Horovitz's so-evident desire to "put the account straight" makes for a tedious, maddening reading, where objectivity is thrown out the window when it might uncomfortably intrude into his little truth.
How might he improve his work? Well, here is one way: tell the reader why so many Palestinians are willing to strap explosives under their belts and assure their own extinction, along with those of so many complete strangers. What, in other words, has Israel done to the Palestinians to make them so desirous of death?
I do not expect Mr. Horovitz to pick up the cue on this one. Whether or not he admits it, his political sentiments are that of the political right. He might have been a wet-behind-the-ears liberal naif back in the later 1980's or early 1990's, when he was still finding his feet on the treacherous Israeli soil, but he now, in this book, shows himself to be a Likudnik back to front. He never, ever, finds fault with the Israeli policy of saturating the Territories with Jewish setlements, depriving Palestinians of their land, their water, and their hopes of national sovereignity. He doesn't note the right wing religious-nationalist Jewish psychotics (Baruch Goldstein, Meir Kahane and his "Kach" neo-fascist thugs) whose own merry band of terrorists have further poisoned the atmosphere between Palestinian and Israeli. He doesn't talk much, most importantly, about the atmosphere of everyday Israeli inhumanity that makes Palestinian life so tedious and hard. But he does blame, vociferously,monotonously and uncritically, the string of Palestinian terror bombings, that he, again,views as Arafat's mark of Cain.
He forgets that Israel herself bears the mark of Cain, in bloodying the Palestinians, in taking their land, in treating them as second or third-class citizens of "Greater Israel".
In short, Horovitz's book is propaganda, not a study of history or current events; comforting for die-hard supporters of Israel, but in the end answering no new questions, breaking no new ground.

Shows how Israelis are coping with terror
After the collapse of the Camp David talks in 2000, Arabs launched a wave of terrorist attacks on Israel.And while some people in faraway nations may have failed to see just who the aggressors were, those who lived in Israel could not avoid noticing.

Horovitz does a superb job of describing living with the threat of terrorist attacks.We see how both Jews and Arabs react to all the fighting.And he also explains the extent to which the conflict is misdescribed by many in the media.I was shocked to discover that several star reporters were under the misimpression that the West Bank and Gaza had been some sort of independent sovereign territory prior to 1967.Other disturbing signs were the reluctance of reporters to believe Israelis who disagreed with Arab lies, the eagerness of reporters to believe that Israel Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was some sort of wicked war criminal, and the "conventional wisdom" that Israel was to blame for the conflict since it was holding territory that it did not stake a sovereign claim to.In addition, I was puzzled by the fact that a reporter insisted that Israel had to be held to a "higher standard."

The author explains how the Big Lie technique was used to accuse Israel of war crimes at, of all places, Jenin (where Israel went in with ground troops, dramatically sacrificing the lives of many soldiers to reduce Arab civilian casualties).And he quotes Kofi Annan, who maliciously asked "Can the whole world be wrong (in condemning Israel)?"Horovitz has a one-word answer. Yes.Any reasonable person would, if shown the facts that European Union officials were demanding to punish Israel for trying to thwart terrorist bombings and simultaneously shown that the EU was supporting the bombers financially, letting them buy explosives with its money, would see that the EU is wrong.His point is that a misinformed world will indeed be wrong.

For me, the mangling of truth by the media stood out in this book as the most serious aspect of the fighting.It is sad that Arabs are attacking Israeli civilians.It is good that the media are positioned to report on this.I think even vaguely honest reporting would bring enough political pressure to bear so that the attacks would stop.That is why it is such a pity that we are seeing nothing of the sort.

There are many other regions in the world where there is plenty of violence.They don't have anything like the media coverage we see in the Levant.If the media are failing so utterly in covering the Arab-Israeli conflict, one has to doubt their ability to get anything right.

I highly recommend this book.

A survey of life in Israel since 2000
When peace talks at Camp David collapsed in 2000, a conflict began which was stronger than any previously: Jerusalem Report editor and author David Horovitz considers the effects of this latest conflict and its terrorism in Still Life With Bombers, a survey of life in Israel since 2000. Israeli experience is the focus in a survey of daily lives, violence, and politics, with chapters juxtaposed between interviews with government officials on both sides of the conflict to experiences of relatives, refugees, and his own friends and family, creating an intimate social and political portrait of a country at war within its own boundaries.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An interesting holistic examination of terrorism
This book was first published in 1977, and has been republished with no apparent updating. The first chapter is a very short history of terrorism (19 pages). Chapter two looks at the history of the philosophy of terrorism, discussing terrorists from around the globe, through World War 2. Chapter 3 discusses the sociology of terrorism, examining the "who" and the "how." The fourth chapter focuses on the interpretations of terrorism, that is how terrorism is seen and understood, both in non-fiction (political science for the most part) and in fiction.

I found this book to be a real mixed bag. Overall the author takes a holistic approach, which gave me the feeling that I now understand terrorism more deeply. Unfortunately, this approach also means that I do not feel like I learned much about the evolution of terrorism. The author moves from terrorist group to terrorist group often without giving any idea of the group's context. Therefore, while this is a fascinating book, I do not consider it a good history of terrorism-it's an examination of the forest that misses the trees.

So, overall, I give this book a highly qualified recommendation. ... Read more

Product Description
Targeted Killing: Self-Defense, Preemption, and the War on Terrorism by Thomas Hunter presents a reasoned, impeccably researched, and multi-faceted analysis of the tactic of targeted killing assessing its role, efficacy, and appropriateness in the current world political and military climate. Target killing is just one available option to national governments in their varied arsenals of state-sponsored strategies and tactics for fighting terrorism. Nevertheless, it is one of the most controversial and logistically dangerous options a government can exercise in preemptive strikes against real and current threats to national security. Author Hunter skillfully maneuvers through the moral, military, political, and tactical issues that can both cloud and clarify a government’s implementation of state-sponsored targeted killing. Written with an expert and precise understanding of the issue, Targeted Killing offers an objective and indispensable perspective on a contentious and timely debate. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

An explanation of the topic
What is the concept of "targeted killing"? How does it differ from "assassination", or military deaths? If you care about these distinctions, or wonder if targeted killing is a technique that can or should be used as an instrument of state, then this book will answer those questions.

The book is written as an explanation of this controversial technique. Targeted killing is defined as "the killing of an individual or group of individuals without regard for politics of ideology, but rather exclusively for reasons of state self-defense". This is in contrast to an assassination which is defined by the book as "the killing of an individual or group of individuals for purely political or ideological reasons" As you can see there are two differences here: one being that politics and ideology either play, or do not play a role, and secondly, that a state employs targeted killed for self defense reasons.

Targeted killings have been around for a long time, but they have become more commonplace in this age of Islamic terrorism. Terrorists do not abide by the "rules of war" - for instance, they do not wear uniforms, do not carry their weapons openly, and do not restrict themselves to their country of origin or sponsor. So, it is not easy to tell who they are. In addition, they tend to like to live in densely populated cities surrounded by thousands of innocent people who provide an additional cover to them. And it is even better if those people are even remotely sympathetic to their cause as then they can build support networks and move around without suspicion while those sent to take them out will stick out like sore thumbs. Of course, the host countries may be tacitly supporting them and would not appreciate another country breaking down its sovereignty to kill the terrorists.

The book discusses the definition of targeted killings and spends the bulk of its space in doing so and in examining examples of how states use this tool. There are three case studies of countries that have been known to use the tool both successfully and unsuccessfully and mention is made of many other countries that are not studied in depth, but the implication is that most countries will consider the use of this technique if necessary. The author builds the case for the technique and explains some of the ways in which it can fail - punctuated by examples. There is also a chapter that discusses how the tool fails and what the consequences can be.

The one area that the book spends very little space on - which is a shame - is in providing recommendations. Once we have reached the point where we understand what the author is telling us about this tool, and understand the history of its evolution, and especially its recent evolution, the next obvious question in one's mind is to look for recommendations on when, how, and where such a tool should be used. That part is missing in this book and caused me to take away one star from the review. This is especially true in this case as the book is very topical and current and the world demands an answer to the question of how to stop terrorism. But, this book stops short of discussing the best ways and times of using targeted killings as a tool against terrorism and when it should not be used. The book itself is a very short one (an expanded set of essays, really) so it should not have been too difficult to add some more chapters with recommendations.

Since the author is clearly well versed in the details and particulars of this subject, and has thought long and hard about it, and investigated, researched, and read much about it, I am sure that a set of recommendations would have been a more than welcome addition to this book and one that would have made it a very valuable addition to the current literature on the subject and a step forward in understanding how to deal with and eliminate terrorism. I am hoping that the author will take that into consideration if he chooses to revise the book.This would be particularly useful as the author clearly shows that targeted killings can be a mixed bag in fights against death cults like the current strains of Islamic terrorism. So, what has he learned and thought could be done?

For us more casual readers, this is a good introduction to the subject and provides much candid information and a framework for thinking about the war on terrorism and how bound modern countries are by restrictions from the past and how we need to evolve to help the whole world get rid of the evil specter of terrorism. If you want to understand more about the concept and practice of targeted killings and the limitations of it, this is a productive read!

The best defense is a good offense
All murderers are punished unless they kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets.
(François-Marie Arouet, better known as Voltaire)

***


Voltaire was speaking cynically of the double standard of morality as it applies to soldiers at war. To be fair, a nation's military has different responsibilities than does its common citizenry. But even in this arena, there is apparently an even more specialized role (operating under an equally more nebulous cloud of moral ambiguity) for those who espouse the theory put forth in the title of this review (General Carl von Clausewitz, Prussian military strategist and author of "On War"). And while even Monday Night Football announcers recite this stratagem nowadays, the idea of preemptive self defense is apparently not a new one, although the increase in asymmetric warfare (see War on Terror) has made targeted killing one more way to put up a fight, though it remains a hotly debated topic.

I enjoyed Mr. Hunter's honesty and insight. Obviously his background in intelligence analysis serves him well in communicating a technical (and generally not commonly known) subject matter. Certainly I learned something from the volume, whether the distinction--made early on--between targeted killing and assassination, or the enumeration of state-sponsored targeted killing actions over the past thirty years.

Unlike most cases of self-defense, justification for targeted killing is not necessarily based on an immediate and direct threat of harm, but rather a strategic elimination of a possible future threat. Essentially it is taking a chance. A huge chance in some cases. And the downsides are myriad. Are the estimates of potential future harm even accurate? What about collateral damage to nearby innocents? Even if successful, will political fallout damage the nation's international reputation?

The War on Terror being what it is, despite all these concerns, targeted killing will continue to be an option for some nations. Indeed, in the absence of a time machine, it may offer the best option for neutralizing a threat before it happens.

The book, with its black cover and lack of publisher (it must surely be self published) has an arresting appearance; it looks like it belongs in the reference library of an intelligence service!



[The reviewer was provided with a complimentary copy of the book.]

A primer for a tough subject
Except for the use of torture in interrogating terrorist prisoners, no other topic in the field of counterterrorism generates as much heated controversy and debate as "targeted killing." In this small but comprehensive book Thomas Hunter provides counterterrorism scholars, analysts, and experts with a much needed primer that defines, explains and discusses the practice of targeted killing. Hunter begins by distingushing the difference between assassination, which he defines as the premeditated killing of a prominent person for political or ideological reasons, and targeted killing, which he asserts is a valid method of state self-defence in the war on terrorism. Despite a number of serious legal and moral issues raised by opponents of targeted killing, Huntermakes a well reasoned, clearly articulated and altogether persuasive case for using it as a defensive tactic against terrorist threats. Backed by exhaustive research, he explores the legal and moral issues involved, the position of the United Nations on a state's right to self-defense and preemption, and includes a sensible discussion of how targeted killing may be used to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction. Hunter also reviews several case studies of targeted killing by the US, Israel, and Great Britain. In addition he provides a most useful appendix of selected international instances of targeted killing between 1973 and 2004. Soon after taking office, President Barack Obama quickly made clear that his administration intended to continue the policy of targeted killing, primarily through the use of unmanned armed drone aircraft, against radical muslim terrorists in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the border areas of Pakistan. This policy is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future thus making Thomas Hunter's seminal book a required tool for understanding the growing complexity of the struggle against terrorism.

Informative
I recently read this book while on an overseas trip and wanted to commend the author on presenting this subject to the public in such a straightforward yet insightful manner. Obviously, the author seems quite qualified to write on this subject, which is one of the main reasons I ordered it - and I was not disappointed! I have often wondered how and why governments "go after" certain terrorists (like Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in Iraq) and this book goes a very long way to explaining the whole of the subject matter.I have already recommended this to friends as a great resource for information as to how the US (and other countries) fight the war on terrorism.

Highly Recommended... this is a great book!
I don't normally post reviews, but I wanted to take a minute to recommend this book. Like most folks, I follow the news on a daily basis, whether on CNN, BBC, or the local news.But, I often find that some of the stories pertaining to terrorism/terrorist attacks seem to raise more questions than provide answers.I am often wondering who these groups are, where do they operate, why do they do what they do, and most importantly, what policies could we implement to counter-act these terrorist groups and their activities.This book goes a long way to explaining one aspect of that - the targeting of specific terrorists in order to stop specific incidents from occurring. While the author admits that this counterterrorism policy (for lack of a better term) isn't always the correct solution, the argument he presents did get me thinking a lot about this aspect of fighting terrorism. I recommend this book wholeheartedly - hopefully people will grab a copy so that we can all have some better insight into countering terrorism. Highly recommended!!! ... Read more

Product Description
In his explosive New York Times bestseller, top CIA operative Robert Baer paints a chilling picture of how terrorism works on the inside and provides startling evidence of how Washington politics sabotaged the CIA’s efforts to root out the world’s deadliest terrorists, allowing for the rise of Osama bin Laden and Al Qaeda and the continued entrenchment of Saddam Hussein in Iraq.

A veteran case officer in the CIA’s Directorate of Operations in the Middle East, Baer witnessed the rise of terrorism first hand and the CIA’s inadequate response to it, leading to the attacks of September 11, 2001. This riveting book is both an indictment of an agency that lost its way and an unprecedented look at the roots of modern terrorism, and includes a new afterword in which Baer speaks out about the American war on terrorism and its profound implications throughout the Middle East.

“Robert Baer was considered perhaps the best on-the-ground field
officer in the Middle East.”
–Seymour M. Hersh, The New Yorker

From The Preface
This book is a memoir of one foot soldier’s career in the other cold war, the one against terrorist networks. It’s a story about places most Americans will never travel to, about people many Americans would prefer to think we don’t need to do business with.

This memoir, I hope, will show the reader how spying is supposed to work, where the CIA lost its way, and how we can bring it back again. But I hope this book will accomplish one more purpose as well: I hope it will show why I am angry about what happened to the CIA. And I want to show why every American and everyone who cares about the preservation of this country should be angry and alarmed, too.

The CIA was systematically destroyed by political correctness, by petty Beltway wars, by careerism, and much more. At a time when terrorist threats were compounding globally, the agency that should have been monitoring them was being scrubbed clean instead. Americans were making too much money to bother. Life was good. The White House and the National Security Council became cathedrals of commerce where the interests of big business outweighed the interests of protecting American citizens at home and abroad. Defanged and dispirited, the CIA went along for the ride. And then on September 11, 2001, the reckoning for such vast carelessness was presented for all the world to see.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (219)

A Real Eye-opener
See No Evil is one of the most fascinating books I have read this year. In the book we begin with Baer's enlistment into the CIA, following with him through his training, and then on to his first assignments. As the book progresses we journey with Baer to some of the most remote and dangerous places on earth; to the doorsteps of our enemies, seeing firsthand the faces of terrorist extremism that are as current as today's news.

An even darker picture is painted as we are shown why America was looking the other way when 911 happened, how our political landscape is shaped and influenced by foreign nations, and how critical intelligence is sometimes never gathered because it isn't politically correct, or not conducive to career advancement within the ranks.

I am not a former employee of any government agency--just an interested citizen, concerned about our nation, who appreciates the freedoms we enjoy because the Robert Baer's of the world are willing to tread quietly in the background, in places where chaos reigns and death is a daily occurrence. I highly recommend this book.

Read This Book
Baer provides a compelling story of his 21 years as a DO officer in the CIA and his tireless efforts to bring understanding to the conflicts currently going on in the middle east. The sad thing is, despite his first-hand experience and wealth of knowledge, he could never get anyone in Washington or Langley to listen to him. It's frustrating to read what he's presented and experienced and know that our country willingly turned a blind eye time and time again to the truth. Baer makes the argument - mostly in the last 50 pages of the book - that the enemy we are fighting against in the middle east is part of a large inter-connected network of corruption, greed, and power that spans far beyond Saddam Hussein and Iraq. He makes the case that time and time again, acts of terrorism and the spread of Islamic fundamentalism is a directly connected or majorly supported by Iran and flourished under the fall of the Soviet Union. But for some reason or another, administration after administration completely ignores it. I can see where some people might doubt what Baer has presented, but honestly, why wouldn't you believe someone who has been there and see the things he's seen?

It's surprising the sheer amount of information that Baer is allowed to present in this book. Some of the details have been redacted by the CIA (which Baer leaves intact throughout the book) but his story and facts are presented largely intact. By the time you finish the book you'll be wondering why nobody has spent more time reporting on the facts he's presented.

Overall, this is a great book. If you're interested in finding out more about the spread of Islamic Fundamentalism and post cold war politics, this is the book you're looking for. If you looking for a more broad history of the CIA try Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA.

Intelligence
One has to wonder how much of the information in the book is actually true - after all, as the author points out at the very beginning, stories and deception can be woven in many different directions to serve a hidden agenda. Having said that, "See No Evil" is a fascinating read from a CIA operative with hands on experience in the Middle East, as well as the White House. If you're interested in how the intelligence world operates, you will definitely enjoy reading this book.

The author explores several different themes, but one that stood to me personally is the authors' belief that CIA's reliance on technology, instead of people (case officers, and on-the-ground intel), is a major cause for the decline of its effectiveness. Perhaps the high-tech gadgets are not the end-all after all!

See no evil - not Recieved
As of thisw dateJuly 29 I have not recieved this item from the seller!

America's Favorite CIA Case Officer Goes Direct to the People
See No Evil is many books in one.It's a biography, telling a very interesting story about how life's twists and turns shaped a young man such that he was identified by the CIA as good agent material.Baer's unusual upbringing had the advantage of giving him the ability to operate in any country independently and keep his wits about himself.This is also a history book, weaving a tale of many events with which Baer played a role as an intelligence gatherer.The events have to do mainly with violence in the Middle East and the constant power struggle there.Last, See No Evil is a general book about intelligence and the CIA, complete with information that should be helpful to reform the Agency.

The most important aspect of this book is the picture it shows of the Central Intelligence Agency and its role in government.We all know from the newspapers that human intelligence was underutilized and not trusted compared to high-tech signal and satellite intelligence, and the U.S. government now recognizes this and plans to correct the problem.Beyond that, however, are the underlying problems that make human intelligence a chronic problem for government.There will continue to be a lack of human intelligence, which takes many years to build up, and because the political system does not readily allow human intelligence to thrive.

Baer shows how many of the important people at the CIA, the remaining and flourishing "old-boy-network," enhance careers by avoiding risk.Some create paperwork making it appear as if they're busy while cooperatively censoring intelligence politicians would find inconvenient.Others are true professionals and risk their lives doing what they were hired to do.The true professionals, in doing their job, jeopardize their careers by definition.For example, a case officer operating in a foreign and hostile environment would naturally have to associate with foreign nationals.In doing so, the case officer is exposed to investigations related to any number of charges, such as providing secret information to a foreign intelligence agent.The mere act of a case officer doing his or her job is professionally risky.Human intelligence work, when done properly, is not necessarily good for one's career.

Baer reaches out through his books to get public support for the stated mission of the CIA.Politicians of either party probably will never voluntarily allow the Agency to do its job appropriately due to inherent conflicts of interests.Namely, top politicians need intelligence that suits their political purposes, whether to award contracts to donor corporations or conduct a political career-enhancing foreign policy.But facts are supposed to be neutral and intelligence personnel are charged with getting to the truth whatever it is.Therefore the CIA probably benefits by having advocates such as Baer to inform the public about the need for non-politicized intelligence.

After listening to the audio version of See No Evil twice, ably read by the author, I feel a bit pessimistic about quick reform of the intelligence community.I don't know how the intelligence community can avoid being politicized.Career rewards for shaping intelligence to fit policy are too great a temptation for the all the CIA's upper echelon to avoid, I think.However, this may be a common problem for all governments.The matter then becomes one of relativity.How politicized is our intelligence community compared to others?See No Evil does not address that question but hopefully Baer will produce another good book that does.
... Read more

Product Description
Since the events of September 11, 2001, research has had a tendency to focus specifically on international terrorism, overlooking the depth of terrorism on both sides. Terrorism in America looks at issues of both domestic and international terrorism in the United States. Using existing FBI data and ethnographic data, this book compares and contrasts domestic sources of terrorism in the United States to those in other countries, while also discussing efforts by domestic terrorists to form alliances with foreign groups. Based on data from interviews, readers will learn about the fundamental beliefs motivations terrorism groups. Readers are provided with a history of counterterrorism in the United States, as well as research regarding fear of terrorism and its impact on individuals and the nation as a whole. Grounded in research and theory, this comprehensive resource will raise the public s awareness and concern about domestic terrorism. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Essential Textbook for Homeland Security
This book is a quintessential reader for graduate level Homeland Security classes, but may be too advanced for undergraduates.This withstanding, it presents a comprehensive history and review of both domestic and international terrorism.Of particular interest is Borgeson and Valeri's keen insights into white supremist and other hate-motivated organizations. The chapters are clear and concise presenting the reader with many insights as to how policy shifts occur and why current policies need rethinking.Highly Recommended! ... Read more

Product Description
America 's leading experts on civil liberties sound an alarm about the consequences of the war on terrorism for our freedom at home.

In each generation, for different reasons, America witnesses a tug of war between the instinct to suppress and the instinct for openness. Today, with the perception of a mortal threat from terrorists, the instinct to suppress is in the ascendancy. Part of the reason for this is the trauma that our country experienced on September 11, 2001, and part of the reason is that the people who are in charge of our government are inclined to use the suppression of information as a management strategy.

Rather than waiting ten or fifteen years to point out what's wrong with the current rush to limit civil liberties in the name of "national security," these essays by top thinkers, scholars, journalists, and historians lift the veil on what is happening and why the implications are dangerous and disturbing and ultimately destructive of American values and ideals. Without our even being aware, the judiciary is being undermined, the press is being intimidated, racial profiling is rampant, and our privacy is being invaded. The "war on our freedoms" is just as real as the "war on terror"--and, in the end, just as dangerous. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Joey
Well being young and unexperienced I found this book very helpful, it really opened my eyes to a new way of looking at things. I liked the way most of the information seemed to be first hand, rather than just many assumptions.

Checks and Balances
Reading this book, comprised of info from many sources, I got frankly angered by the way this administration, as well as others in the past, used tragedies and wars to take our freedoms from us and invade our privacy on a whim.I understand some liberties must be sacrificed in times of conflict.The government just after 9-11 was running straight from the executive branch without any checks and balances.Of course who would dispute or bring up civil liberties in times of crisis, obviously not anyone in the courts.People were labeled enemy combatants and contained without right to trial, any proof of guilt, and held months without anyone even knowing their whereabouts.Many were probably guilty, but some were innocent and in the wrong place at the wrong time.Our government wanted to get people to act as spies, surveying their neighborhoods, spying on neighbors, getting your library to turn you in as a terrorist for reading muslim literature or something containing dissent to the govt.Luckily that brilliant plan of ashcrofts has not gone over to will not be tolerated, and should not be tolerated by the citizens that are supposed to be the backbone of our democracy.Very informative book.AMerica must fight to revise this orwellian act that is the patriot act.

Excellent book for understanding the legal issues
I read this book cover-to-cover on a flight from L.A. to New York, and found it both well-written and informative.Indeed, I thought it was such a good survey of the major legal issues in America's war on terrorism that I assigned it as required reading for my American Law & Terrorism seminar at UCLA.

This book provides the "backstory" for many of the key issues I plan to cover, such as prohibition of material support to foreign terrorist organizations and how that law squares with America's First Amendment jurisprudence.For the most part, this book takes a critical position against most of the current legal arguments advanced by the Bush Administration, e.g. that the President should be allowed to designate enemy combatants.But each article presents its argument in a fairly balanced way.

Also, the articles do a great job of explaining the law at a college-graduate level, as opposed to a lawyer's level.That's unusual for most books on the subject, and I think it makes this a must-buy for anyone interested in the subject.

Prescient. Wise. Enlightening. Essential.
In every era of this nation's history, there has been a small minority of wise and prescient thinkers who, unwilling to drift with the popular current, warn us of the forces threatening our basic freedoms.Labeled as agitators, often despised and feared in their own times, these are the people who take seriously the enlightened principles of the American Revolution. They said no to slavery when the rest of the nation was indifferent to it or saying yes; they protested child labor; they demanded the 8-hour day and the minimum wage; they said we must protect our air and water. Their passionate devotion to the ideals of democracy has chopped away at the greed and denial that grows in America like weeds if no one is watching.But whatever the issue, our nasty habit in this country is to ignore the voices of protest.Then we struggle and suffer and people get hurt, very hurt. Eventually the agitators of yesterday become the heroes of the new day. Why can't we learn to listen before the damage is done?This book is a compilation of essays that MUST be listened to.These people are telling us -- with passion, intelligence and good sense, and without greed or agendas and certainly without denial -- about the delicate balance between national security and civil liberties, about the crucial importance of the free trade of ideas, and the danger of popular intolerance of dissent.If we listen now we can prevent that moment for the historians of the future when they say, "How could they not have seen what was about to happen?"As Anthony Lewis says in his essay "Security and Liberty," "If we are to preserve constitutional values - the values of freedom -- understanding and resistance must come now."This book is a MUST READ for everyone who cares deeply about the direction of this nation.

An important book
Comprised of a series of scholarly essays on the gradual of secretive reneging of US civil liberties post-9/11, "War on Our Freedoms" is an important book for anyone living in the United States to read.Though some government opacity and reining in of rights is always needed in the wake of an event such as 9/11 or the war in Iraq, this book is a chilling reminder that there is a thin line that we seem to be crossing, unbeknownst to most Americans. ... Read more

Product Description
America is living on borrowed time -- and squandering it.

Three years after September 11, we are still dangerously unprepared to prevent or respond to anotherattack on American soil. Faced with this threat, the United States should be operating on a wartime footingat home. But despite the many new security precautionsthat have been proposed, our most serious vulnerabilities remain ominously exposed.

In this powerful and urgently needed call to action, Stephen Flynn offers a startling portrait of the radical shortcomings in America's current plan for homeland security. He describes a frightening scenario of what the next major terrorist attack might look like, revealing the tragic loss of life and economic havoc it would leave in its wake, as well as the seismic political consequences it would have in Washington.

Despite increased awareness, we still offer our enemies a vast menu of soft targets: water and food supplies; chemical plants; energy grids and pipelines; bridges, tunnels, and ports; and the millions of cargo containers that carry most of the goods we depend upon in our everyday lives. The measures we have cobbled together to protect these vital systems are hardly fit to deter amateur thieves, vandals, and smugglers, letalone determined terrorists. Worse still, small improvements are often oversold as giant steps forward, lowering the guard of the average citizen and building an unwarranted sense of confidence.

It does not have to be this way. Flynn carefully outlines a bold yet practical plan for achieving security in a way that is safe and smart, effective and manageable. In a new world of heightened risk and fear, America the Vulnerable delivers a timely, forceful message that cannot be ignored.Amazon.com Review
The most gripping portion of Stephen Flynn's examination of America's defense shortcomings in the war on terror arrives early. The entire second chapter imagines an elaborate but feasible dirty-bomb attack that brings the nation's transportation system to a halt and presents the President with two dreadful options: reopen borders closed by the emergency and risk further attack, or inspect everything that comes into the country and accept the cataclysmic economic consequences. Flynn, a senior fellow at the Council of Foreign Relations and veteran of the George H. W. Bush and Clinton administrations, paints a picture of a government that is flailing in its efforts to protect its citizens. We are, Flynn argues, hamstrung by entrenched intelligence bureaucracies and ideological power centers on the right and left, and he isn't optimistic about the near-term likelihood that we'll meet our greatest challenge: "identifying how to formally engage the broader civil society and private sector, not just the federal government, in a national effort to make America a less attractive terrorist target." America the Vulnerable isn't as powerful or contentious as the bestseller Imperial Hubris; Flynn is a practical government veteran who keeps his outrage largely in check. It's clear he aims to have an impact with this expose of a national defense he compares to France's in the days of the Maginot line. And we know how effective that "impenetrable" defense stood up in the face of an unconventional opponent. --Steven Stolder ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

The flaws in US domestic defence policy post 9/11
An intriguing book for the two thoughts it provokes. The first is the simple thesis that the USA by relying on overseas offensive tactics has left itself pretty defenceless at home.An ex-coastguard senior officer, Flynn starts the book by building off a hypothetical terrorist attack using civil transport and seaport entry containers based on an amalgam of known facts to show what could easily happen and then shows the preventative steps needed to prevent such a disaster.

The consistent failings of the successive Bush presidencies to impact this strategy via the domestic budgetary shortfalls at both federal agencies and state levels versus their overseas war budgets is consistently restated.By contrast the limited actions by a few airport authorities post 9/11 in being effective from lessons learnt despite this central government attitude versus the time wasting passenger security checks most other airports have implemented is particularly well made. What Flynn does not highlight given the current focus of his book, is that much of US foreign policy over the last two centuries has possibly followed a similar approach so it is not unique to just the post 9/11 landscape.

However in going through the steps needed and costs involved, Flynn's book produces the second thought. This is the open ended nature of such actions if followed would create a Fortress America that requires ongoing funding - almost a re-domestication of the Cold War quandary of "when is enough, enough?". It is beyond the scope of Flynn's focussed domestic scenario to ask the alternative question, which is whether taking steps to defeat the problem at source notably by US foreign policy in the Middle East would be the better cost effective global strategy. Would this be a more effective use of US funds given the above domestic budgetary tension Flynn identifies versus say the current annual cost of US support for Israel?

I was left feeling that while this book is a unique and provoking challenge to recent US thinking written by an experienced inside expert, it only serves to underline that the long lasting solution is possibly not the one outlined by Flynn.

Very Scary Information
This book by Stephen Flynn is an eye-opening view of how vulnerable our country really is. A must read.

Bullseye- Right on - a sobering, yet accurate, assessment
This book, like Stephen Flynn's "Edge of Disaster" succinctly dissects the problems we face in warding off terrorism at home and exposes our vulnerabilities.They are large - ports, shipping, energy infrastructure, chemical plants, food processing facilities, for openers.
Flynn describes the problem only too well,

At the root of the problem is the Department of Homeland Security's secrecy, lack of internal coordination, turf battles, and incompatabile data base systems.Equally problematic is the complacency of the AMerican people, who are being shielded from the realities by a patronizing government.

Flynn ascribes the current situation to be comparable to the "phony war" between the time of the nazi attack in Poland in 1939, and the invasion and capitulation of France in the SPring of 1940 because of failure to consider, plan and consider new battlefield tactics.In short, the French (and also the British, were using WOrld War I tactics to fight new German panzer tactics. The parallels of today's attitudes and the last days of the Roman EMpire also are, indeed, chilling.

The government is not the only culprit that lulls our citizens into complacency. In my personal opinion, the news media does not help withits focus on the trivial, a hiding of coverage of the war on terror, and seldom reviewing the vulnerabilities Flynn covers so well and rallying our citizenry to the realities of what's at stake.

The solutions?: Active involvement of citizens; Active involvement of government with relevant private industry; open communicatioan with all relevant players in state and local government; making infrastructure sufficiently resilient that terrorists no longer find a potential target attractive.

WHat is needed, and implied, is a revival of an approach pioneered by NASA in the early 1960's when they had to establish operational paradigms and procedures for which there was no precedent.It's called 'conceptual blockbusting'. FLynn's book will help us get there, if everyone reads it.

Flynn quotes Abraham Lincoln concerning new paradigms:

"The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate for the stormy present.The occasion is piled high with uncertainty, and we must rise to the occasion.As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act anew. We must disenthrall ourselves, and then we shall save our country."

It's as relevant now in the war on terro as it was in 1962.

BUY this book, and buy extra copies for your loved ones and closest friends.

This book shows how vulnerable the United States is
This book is a must read for anyone interested in the short comings of our Homeland Security Department.I initially bought the book after thumbing through it and finding a section on the lack of security with our cargo containers, a specific worry of mine.

This book not only breaks down where we are vulnerable, it explains why and offers workable solutions as to how to reduce this vulnerability.The book is a bit frightening in a way, when you read and realize how vulnerable we really are, even after 6 years of security measures.Why isn't more being done?What are the government officials covering up?

What makes this book hit like a sledgehammer is the credentials of the author.He was a Coast Guard Commander for 20 years, an expert in National Security Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations.He has been on Congressional Task forces studying the problems in homeland security as well as serving in the White House Military Office during President George H. Bush administration and director for Global Issues on the National Security Council during the Administration of President Bill Clinton.Stephen Flynn is obviously an expert on this issue and his words should be given their due weight.

Bottom line, insightful, a bit frightening, definitely a book to read if you like current events or really want to know how safe we actually are.

We Are Sitting On A Time Bomb
That is how one of the chapters starts. It's a matter of when the next terrorist attack will happen, not if it will happen, according to the author, Stephen Flynn.

With absolute simplicity, common sense logic, and an irrefutable argument, he demonstrates how and why our government is failing to protect us from the terrorist threat. Industry and government are not willing to take the time and the money required to provide greater security for a war on terrorism that will never end.

Our water and food supplies, our chemical plants, and our ports are alrmingly unsecure from terrorist attack. Flynn creates a terrorist scenario demonstrating how the terrorist threat can become reality. He asserts our enemies are willing to spend the time to create the act of terror, while we are not willing to spend the time defending ourselves to foil it.

He blames industries which see no benefit in spending the money on security which will be passed on to their consumers, while non-security minded companies will maintain lower prices and take business away from the security-conscious ones.

This means that congress must act. It must set security standards that will be implemented across each industry thus spreading the cost to everyone. So far, congress, not wanting to offend their million dollar contributors have done nothing. Flynn also suggests that Americans must be willing to make the sacrifices necessary for this security.

We are operating on a World War II mentality i.e. the best defense is a good offense by taking the fight to their countries. That is not what Flynn recommends. Terrorists will always be able to get into this country. We must strengthen our security at home which will take years of dedicated preparation and action.

The author's book is a siren song. The beginning of his fourth chapter bears repeating as a end to this review. "When it comes to dealing with the new securityagenda, Americans need to grow up....Terrorism is simply too cheap, too available, and too tempting ever to be totally eradicated. We must have the maturity both to live with the risk of future attacks and to invest in reasonable measures to rein in that risk."

For those who use the argument that we haven't been attacked since 9/11, remember, it took five years of planning. 9/11 is now more than five years ago. Truly, American apathy and complacency are the terrorists' greatest allies. ... Read more

Product Description
Daniel Byman's hard-hitting and articulate book is the first to study countries that support terrorist groups. Focusing primarily on sponsors from the Middle East and South Asia, it examines the different types of support that states provide, their motivations, and the impact of such sponsorship. The book also considers regimes that allow terrorists to raise money and recruit without providing active support. The experiences of Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Syria, Saudi Arabia and Libya are detailed here, alongside the histories of radical groups such as al-Qaida, Hizbullah and Hamas. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Insightful conceptualization of state sponsored terrorism
Well known Daniel Byman offers very interesting book about a topic which was so far not thoroughly conceptualized - terrorism sponsored by states. Author basically provides useful typology of sponsorship, matrix of four categories:

1)State capable of acting, supporting terrorism
2)State incapable of acting, supporting terrorism
3)State capable of acting, opposing terrorism
4)State incapable of acting, opposing terrorism

He emphasize the role of passive supporters, some times neglected in the analysis of this phenomenon and calls for distinguishing unwilling host of terrorism.

Byman provides more than that - he presents comprehensive typology of character of support and more interestingly state's incentives for support of terrorism. This framework is very handy for anyone who thinks about writing a case study of state support of terrorism.

Byman than illustrates his framework on case studies of Iran and Hizbu'llah, Taliban and al-Qa'ida and Syria and Palestinians groups. In the end presents some ideas about stopping state sponsored terrorism. I have just two reservation towards his work:

- when dealing with Hizbu'llah he does not take in account the relationship between Party of God and Syria (see Palmer-Harik)

- Byman focus only on state sponsored terrorism, neglecting rising self sufficiency of terrorist organizations thanks to illegal global economy (see Napoleoni). It can create uncomplete image, but probably is not the intention of Byman to argue that self sufficiency does not exist, just prefers to deal with different topic.

Byman's work is original, academically sound and very useful, even more for students or academics who could use it's framework, for them definitely 5 stars, for other readers 4 stars.

Petr Zelinka,
Journal of Security Issues

Not A Great Read but Loaded With Information
I am always excited when another book by the Saban Center is produced so when Deadly Connections was released I had to get my hands on it. The book, while dry, is loaded with facts and diagrams on top terror supporting nations. If you aren't interested in Middle Eastern affairs or terrorism than this won't be worth your money.

The author does a supreme job with describing state connections to terrorist groups across the globe, from Syria sponsoring groups like the PFLP-GC to Iran giving aid to Islamists and Hizbullah. The graphs and diagrams presented also give the facts more credibility in addition to making it easier for some to understand. For most people studying Middle East history or writting a paper on Middle Eastern nations connections to terrorist activity I would highly recommend this book. For the average person just wanting to have basic knowledge on terrorism, this may not be for them. ... Read more

Product Description
These candid conversations capture the difficulties ofreporting during crisis and war, particularly the tension betweengovernment and the press. The participants include distinguishedjournalists—American and foreign, print and broadcast—andprominent public officials, past and present. They illuminate thestruggle to balance free speech and the right to know with the need toprotect sensitive information in the national interest. As theInformation Age collides with the War on Terrorism, that challengebecomes even more critical and daunting.

Cosponsored with the Shorenstein Center on the Press, Politics andPublic Policy at the Kennedy School, Harvard University. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Provocative Discussion About Embedded Reporting!
This is a superb collection of essays, first-person observations, and recollections of so-called embedded reporters and photographic journalists, edited jointly by Marvin Kalb, a former CBS reporter turned Harvard resident scholar, and Stephen Hess, a senior fellow at the prestigious Brookings Institution. Written in the first person, each of the collected essays takes the reader up-close and personal and shows how difficult it is to know the degree to which such observations are typical or representative of what is going on the overall conflict in which they are embedded. And therein lies the rub, for to some extent it is apparent that even embedded reporter can be manipulated and co-opted by the military, and in several cases that is apparently the case for the individual reporters recounting their war tales.

The pieces are both candid and raw; in the sense they somehow manage to catch the very essence of the intricate dance between accurate reporting and the tension with the host army to whom they owe their sustenance and their safety. This tension between the ostensibly objective reporters, on the one hand, and the very partisan military representatives overseeing them, on the other, is what drives the considerable insight the correspondents manage to extricate from the madness of the ongoing battle they cover. This is especially true for electronic media journalists, whose products are almost immediately available to the general public, and who still find themselves both physically and existentially with the troops.

The latest tendency to meaningfully embed reporters with elements of the shock troops racing across Iraq, seen in context, is just another of many such attempts by the military to deftly manage the reporting from the front, and indeed, to prejudice the reporters by forcing them to live alongside the often valiant and sometimes suffering soldiers, whose personalities and sacrifices do indeed win the reporters over to see the war through their eyes. The experience in Iraq, upon reflection, will likely show that reporters and journalists were kept "on the reservation" by sequestering them into small groups seeing only limited actions, and seldom allowing them to see aspects of the conflict not consistent with military goals and objectives. Once again, the omnipresent tension between the needs for security on the one hand, and the rights of the citizens of a free society to know what is being done in their names, on the other, is all too apparent here. Enjoy! ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

For the Love of Life
A New Shoah preserves the memory of Israeli victims of the Second Intifada which started 10 years ago. Giulio Meotti gathered the testimony of many Israeli families and individuals that have been affected by these terror attacks that have claimed more than 1700 lives and injured over 10 000 people. Most of the victims were unarmed civilians going about their daily lives - the young, the old, children, men and women who were murdered just for being Jews.

In the foreword, Roger Scruton provides the background to the never-ending war against the Jews. For a moment, the world showed remorse when the United Nations recognized the State of Israel in 1948. The country was meant to be a safe haven and a refuge but at birth it was attacked by its neighbors notwithstanding the UN vote. Since then, there have been open conflicts like those of 1967, 1973 and 2006 but the war against the Hebrews has never ceased.

Today it rages on all fronts: the media, international diplomacy, boycott initiatives and by means of the Iran - Syria - Hamas - Hezbollah axis armed by Russia. More and more the Jewish State is being demonized in the global media and international forums. This anti-Zionism, a thinly veiled form of antisemitism, thrives in the Arab World but has also become the default position of the European Union and much of the Western media where even ancient blood libels are being resurrected.

For four years the author trekked through Judea, Samaria and Galilee, conducting interviews with the families and friends of the victims. The book also serves as a profile of Israeli life. Despite the relentless onslaught, Israelis celebrate life in the shadow of death. They will not succumb to the death wish of those who would annihilate them. Since the media ignore them, this book serves as a monument to the martyrs.

They are Jews and that is the reason why they are hated and hunted. Shamed by Europe's responsibility for the Holocaust, the European media concentrates on Palestinian suffering in order to project European guilt onto the survivors and their descendents. The media ignore or minimize the suffering of Israelis whilst at the same time undermining and dehumanizing Israel. The odious terminology reserved for Jews in the Arab media is a continuation of the verbal dehumanization used by the Nazis.

Meotti investigates the themes of dehumanization and the suppression of Hebrew identity. In Europe the trend mirrors that preceding the Holocaust and the book establishes a direct link between the victims of the Holocaust and the victims of Arab terror. The great betrayal followed the Yom Kippur War of 1973 when certain interests in Europe started promoting the deligitimization of Israel, as revealed by Bat Ye'or in Eurabia. The author exposes the propaganda network in politics, the media, the universities and trade unions and how terrorist organizations are funded by the EU, indicting a Western World in which the collapse of values and moral degradation have led to the suppression and distortion of truth.

To counteract this campaign of dehumanization, Meotti gives a voice to the martyrs and their loved ones while revealing the humanity and the decency of the people of Israel. Despite being surrounded by enemies that seek their destruction and constantly condemned by international bodies and powerful enemies in the West, Israelis persist in embracing life and in blessing the world through their valuable scientific and cultural contributions, their expertise in various fields that they share and the assistance they so generously offer when natural disasters occur. In this regard, see Israel in the World: Changing Lives Through Innovation.

The book Israel: Life in the Shadow of Terror, covers similar terrain up to 2003 and is also well worth reading. As the globe enters turbulent times, the Jewish community and those who stand by them must take heart and remain strong. The spirit of Israel cannot be killed and life will triumph over death and those who worship it.
... Read more

Product Description
These candid conversations capture the difficulties ofreporting during crisis and war, particularly the tension betweengovernment and the press. The participants include distinguishedjournalists—American and foreign, print and broadcast—andprominent public officials, past and present. They illuminate thestruggle to balance free speech and the right to know with the need toprotect sensitive information in the national interest. As theInformation Age collides with the War on Terrorism, that challengebecomes even more critical and daunting.

Cosponsored with the Shorenstein Center on the Press, Politics andPublic Policy at the Kennedy School, Harvard University. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Provocative Discussion About Embedded Reporting!
This is a superb collection of essays, first-person observations, and recollections of so-called embedded reporters and photographic journalists, edited jointly by Marvin Kalb, a former CBS reporter turned Harvard resident scholar, and Stephen Hess, a senior fellow at the prestigious Brookings Institution. Written in the first person, each of the collected essays takes the reader up-close and personal and shows how difficult it is to know the degree to which such observations are typical or representative of what is going on the overall conflict in which they are embedded. And therein lies the rub, for to some extent it is apparent that even embedded reporter can be manipulated and co-opted by the military, and in several cases that is apparently the case for the individual reporters recounting their war tales.

The pieces are both candid and raw; in the sense they somehow manage to catch the very essence of the intricate dance between accurate reporting and the tension with the host army to whom they owe their sustenance and their safety. This tension between the ostensibly objective reporters, on the one hand, and the very partisan military representatives overseeing them, on the other, is what drives the considerable insight the correspondents manage to extricate from the madness of the ongoing battle they cover. This is especially true for electronic media journalists, whose products are almost immediately available to the general public, and who still find themselves both physically and existentially with the troops.

The latest tendency to meaningfully embed reporters with elements of the shock troops racing across Iraq, seen in context, is just another of many such attempts by the military to deftly manage the reporting from the front, and indeed, to prejudice the reporters by forcing them to live alongside the often valiant and sometimes suffering soldiers, whose personalities and sacrifices do indeed win the reporters over to see the war through their eyes. The experience in Iraq, upon reflection, will likely show that reporters and journalists were kept "on the reservation" by sequestering them into small groups seeing only limited actions, and seldom allowing them to see aspects of the conflict not consistent with military goals and objectives. Once again, the omnipresent tension between the needs for security on the one hand, and the rights of the citizens of a free society to know what is being done in their names, on the other, is all too apparent here. Enjoy! ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

For the Love of Life
A New Shoah preserves the memory of Israeli victims of the Second Intifada which started 10 years ago. Giulio Meotti gathered the testimony of many Israeli families and individuals that have been affected by these terror attacks that have claimed more than 1700 lives and injured over 10 000 people. Most of the victims were unarmed civilians going about their daily lives - the young, the old, children, men and women who were murdered just for being Jews.

In the foreword, Roger Scruton provides the background to the never-ending war against the Jews. For a moment, the world showed remorse when the United Nations recognized the State of Israel in 1948. The country was meant to be a safe haven and a refuge but at birth it was attacked by its neighbors notwithstanding the UN vote. Since then, there have been open conflicts like those of 1967, 1973 and 2006 but the war against the Hebrews has never ceased.

Today it rages on all fronts: the media, international diplomacy, boycott initiatives and by means of the Iran - Syria - Hamas - Hezbollah axis armed by Russia. More and more the Jewish State is being demonized in the global media and international forums. This anti-Zionism, a thinly veiled form of antisemitism, thrives in the Arab World but has also become the default position of the European Union and much of the Western media where even ancient blood libels are being resurrected.

For four years the author trekked through Judea, Samaria and Galilee, conducting interviews with the families and friends of the victims. The book also serves as a profile of Israeli life. Despite the relentless onslaught, Israelis celebrate life in the shadow of death. They will not succumb to the death wish of those who would annihilate them. Since the media ignore them, this book serves as a monument to the martyrs.

They are Jews and that is the reason why they are hated and hunted. Shamed by Europe's responsibility for the Holocaust, the European media concentrates on Palestinian suffering in order to project European guilt onto the survivors and their descendents. The media ignore or minimize the suffering of Israelis whilst at the same time undermining and dehumanizing Israel. The odious terminology reserved for Jews in the Arab media is a continuation of the verbal dehumanization used by the Nazis.

Meotti investigates the themes of dehumanization and the suppression of Hebrew identity. In Europe the trend mirrors that preceding the Holocaust and the book establishes a direct link between the victims of the Holocaust and the victims of Arab terror. The great betrayal followed the Yom Kippur War of 1973 when certain interests in Europe started promoting the deligitimization of Israel, as revealed by Bat Ye'or in Eurabia. The author exposes the propaganda network in politics, the media, the universities and trade unions and how terrorist organizations are funded by the EU, indicting a Western World in which the collapse of values and moral degradation have led to the suppression and distortion of truth.

To counteract this campaign of dehumanization, Meotti gives a voice to the martyrs and their loved ones while revealing the humanity and the decency of the people of Israel. Despite being surrounded by enemies that seek their destruction and constantly condemned by international bodies and powerful enemies in the West, Israelis persist in embracing life and in blessing the world through their valuable scientific and cultural contributions, their expertise in various fields that they share and the assistance they so generously offer when natural disasters occur. In this regard, see Israel in the World: Changing Lives Through Innovation.

The book Israel: Life in the Shadow of Terror, covers similar terrain up to 2003 and is also well worth reading. As the globe enters turbulent times, the Jewish community and those who stand by them must take heart and remain strong. The spirit of Israel cannot be killed and life will triumph over death and those who worship it.
... Read more