Reviews (64)

A Beautiful and Heartbreaking Read
Lawrence Wright, whose 2003 New Yorker profile of Ayman al-Zawahiri is still the best source for biographical info on the al-Qaeda number two, has written an exceptional book on the development of al-Qaeda over the years leading up to 9/11.
YOU OWE IT TO YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY TO READ THIS BOOK!
I tyically read novels rather than non-fiction, so I put off reading this book for a while when a friend of mine gave me a copy. Finally, I got to the bottom of my stack and I just finished it. I am so glad I took the time and strayed from my normal fare. Informative, yet gripping, I learned volumes about the situation in the world from Mr. Wright's thoughful and timely book. Regardless of your political persuasion, I highly recommend reading this book!

detailed, yet entertaining....very well written!
Mr. Wright has made sense of the senseless by effectively tracing the roots of the Islamic terrorism which led to 9/11. His research paid off and the reader will find this book both easy to read and hard to put down. The best book I have read on the subject thus far. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Government policy    2. History - U.S.    3. Intelligence service    4. Islamic Philosophy    5. Political Freedom & Security - Intelligence    6. Political Freedom & Security - Terrorism    7. Political Science    8. Political Terrorism    9. Politics/International Relations    10. September 11 Terrorist Attacks, 2001    11. Terrorism    12. United States    13. United States - 21st Century    14. Current Events / General   

Editorial Review

Sam Harris cranks out blunt, hard-hitting chapters to make his case for why faith itself is the most dangerous element of modern life.And if the devil's in the details, then you'll find Satan waiting at the back of the book in the very substantial notes section where Harris saves his more esoteric discussions to avoid sidetracking the urgency of his message. Read more

Reviews (622)

deeply ingrained religious baggage
This is a provocative book - intentionally so - that hits the mark pretty much dead on.Harris argues with patient reason and considerable humor that we, as a nation and a global culture, have suffered terribly as a result of our deeply ingrained religious baggage.He argues persuasively for us to free ourselves of these persistent belief systems in order to rise above the intolerance and ignorance they too often promote.Most readers will be challenged, and many offended, by these arguments, but they will find it difficult to rationally refute them without lapsing into defenses of their preconceived belief systems.I found the book weakest in its stretch to address consciousness, and to contrast mysticism with religion, but these are relatively minor quibbles that detract only somewhat from the broad suite of empirical evidence Harris brings to the table (augmented with over 60 pages of supporting notes).The sooner we turn the corner on the road Harris lays out, the better we will all be in the long run.

Religion versus Spirituality
Harris is doing what so many are trying to do.He has reached a point in his life when the religion of spirituality doesn't make sense, yet his spiritual religion does.Religion is an institutionalized remedy used to control the masses, usually through fear, and that institution has nothing to do with faith.Religion and terror are key words, but Harris misses the most important part of being human, that we have a choice to be religious and therefore subjected to the terror of this institution, or to recognize our spirit as part of the the true "religion", non-denominational, non-secular, and therefore truly faithful. We need this book because it forces the questions and definition of religion versus spirituality.Pair this with "God Winks"and "Forget The Cures, Find The Cause," and we may actually get a spiritual education.

disappointing, says one anti-theist
while I looked forward to reading this I was immediately disappointed to discover that the author is in fact
Read more

Subjects:  1. Comparative Religion    2. Controversial literature    3. General    4. International Relations - General    5. Movements - Rationalism    6. Philosophy    7. Political Freedom & Security - International Secur    8. Politics / Current Events    9. Psychology, Religious    10. Religion    11. Religious aspects    12. Terrorism    13. Current Events / General    14. Miscellaneous Items    15. POLITICS & GOVERNMENT   

Reviews (34)

Brigitte Gabriel for President!!!!!!!!!!!
First off, she is amazing.Her courage, truth, wisdom, and awareness make her the person that she is.She shows the truth about radical Islam, and about the Palestinian society and how they manipulate the media and their people to hate Israel.There is not one thing that comes out of her mouth that I don't agree with.And I'm not kidding when I say I want her as my president!Anyways, the book is amazing and very easy to read and understand.She can definetely change the world.

An excellent book
Normally, I'm not all that fond of anecdotal nonfiction.But I think Brigitte Gabriel has done a fine job with this book.
Fantasic and very disturbing. A GREAT READ

Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Islam    5. Lebanon    6. Personal Memoirs    7. Political Freedom & Security - Terrorism    8. Reference    9. Religious aspects    10. Terrorism    11. Victims of terrorism    12. Women    13. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (96)

Required reading
Ron writes another riveting story of 'The Decider' aka GW Bush.Everyone should read this book, particularly those who voted for him in 2000 and again in 2004.Anyone with a logical brain and half history of the ME Region could anticipate that the foray into Iraq was misguided at best and a breach of trust at worst.America will need years to recover from this Fiasco (another fine book) as well as all the lives and money squandered in this poor attempt at a war on terror.

Docudrama
This book is a "docudrama" where real people are placed in scenes with words and thoughts given to them.The book comes with no notes or references.Though most of it rings true, the reader cannot tell fact from fiction.The story-line seems plausible about a large organization facing a large new challenge, regaining its balance and developing a strategy to counter it.For someone to write a book of this nature, he would have had to interview many of the players, but you don't know who.I got a sense that the vast majority of the interviewees were middle level.Their frustrations with their upper management through all of this turbulence come through pretty clearly.
The 'one percent solution' says it all.
My take on this book is that we have lost personal liberties and have been deluded into believing that we are actually safer now than we were before 9/11. This book was outstanding. I have never been so embarrased at having voted for a politician TWICE as I was after reading this book. We have been so manipulated!
Read more

Subjects:  1. Political Freedom & Security - Intelligence    2. Political Freedom & Security - Terrorism    3. Political Science    4. Political Terrorism    5. Politics / Current Events    6. Politics/International Relations    7. Prevention    8. Terrorism    9. U.S. Government - Intelligence Agencies    10. United States    11. War on Terrorism, 2001-    12. History / General   

Reviews (4)

Political correctness has put us into this situation
Bill Gertz explains clearly the rationale for improving America's counterintelligence. He throws out all political correctness that has put us in this current situation. Gertz is a better man for exposing these problems in our intelligence community. Now they may get fixed properly. Gertz can not believe that the Intelligence community has not changed many of its tactics since 9/11. Gertz points out the lack of intelligence in Iraq before the war began. He describes the problem with bureaucracy and its blocking of new changes. Gertz in each chapter describes a spy case that has happened in the past decades. Some points that jumped out at me in the book.
Enimies:Another wake-up call to America from Bill Gertz
This book gives an inside look at our failing intelligence agencies and the extent to which politics plays a roll in keeping them that way.While our short and long term enemies gain intelligence and sensitive weapons information on us, our politicians and incompetent leadership throughout our government's defense agencies do nothing but the same.I don't know what else to say.I hope everyone can read this and other Gertz books.Highly Recommended *****

what a shame
It is exactly this kind of short term mentality in this book, looking on all other countries as enemies instead of friends, that has been isolating the US from the rest of the world. Talking about military intelligence expense and power, no country beats the US. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Espionage    2. Military - Intelligence/Espionage    3. Political Freedom & Security - Intelligence    4. Political Freedom & Security - Terrorism    5. Political Science    6. Political Terrorism    7. Politics / Current Events    8. Politics/International Relations    9. Terrorism    10. U.S. Government - Intelligence Agencies    11. United States    12. War on Terrorism, 2001-    13. Current Events / International   

Reviews (14)

Not as good as he says or as bad as his worse enemies make him out to be
One can accept the Soros version of Soros , or one can search elsewhere and find far more critical versions. Soros is to himself someone dedicated to making the world a better place, someone strongly committed to the idea of the open- society for mankind as a whole. He believes his own rare combination of great wealth, an original set of principles of life,a strong desire to help humanity,make him uniquely suited to understand what the world needs now, and how to give it to it.
It's a Worthwhile Education
Soros probably writes too many books and doesn't spend enough time crafting them. Certainly he stuffs each book with too many ideas and topics, some of them decidedly under-developed. For all that, the insights are well worth the slog.
yet another hopeless philosopher
After reading Mr. Soros's book, which is not an easy task, I believe he had to deal with his conscience. It must be extremely difficult for a forteen year old Jewish boy escaping Hitler's racial vilification and death sentence, by false identity-papers.
Read more

Subjects:  1. 21st century    2. Civilization, Modern    3. Democracy    4. Essays    5. National characteristics, American    6. Political Advocacy    7. Political Freedom & Security - General    8. Political Ideologies - Democracy    9. Political Science    10. Politics / Current Events    11. Politics/International Relations    12. Sociology    13. U.S. - Contemporary Politics    14. War on Terrorism, 2001-    15. Human rights    16. USA   

Reviews (12)

Must-have resource on PMCs for the casual reader, the academic, and the policy wonk
Licensed to Kill is Robert Young Pelton's broad survey of the modern world of mercenaries. Strike that, of contractors. Mercenaries, after all, as Doug Brooks of IPOA (International Peace Operations Association) said in the movie Shadow Company: anyone convicted as being a mercenary should be shot along with his lawyer (Doug, pardon my paraphrasing). Regardless, Pelton's subtitle captures what these guys are: hired guns. Or as one of the contractors in the book put it: "guns with legs".
Excellent overview
This is the kind of book you read cover to cover and want more. Always running the fine line between fly-on-the-wall and sarcastic-historian RYP's latest post-fact diary of life in gun infested environments doesn't disappoint. I made a documentary about this subject and still found plenty of nuggets of humour and information that were totally new and set this apart from the usual media nonsense on the subject.
the profit of war is not a cliche
Robert Young Pelton documents and brings to life one of my favorite characters in fiction:Milo Minderbender. Agree or not, one has to be rather awe-stricken by the runaway success of Blackwater and the capitalistic abilities of Halliburton, conducting their "awful" business, while reseving a degree of awe for RYP, who gets right in there in the kill zone to get to the core of truth contained in this book, with some mighty interesting characters to boot. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Government & Business    2. Government - U.S. Government    3. History    4. Iraq War, 2003    5. Mercenary troops    6. Military    7. Military - General    8. Military Operations    9. Military-Political Relationships    10. Political Freedom & Security - International Secur    11. Politics / Current Events    12. Sociology    13. United States    14. War on Terrorism, 2001-    15. Current Events / Military   

Reviews (50)

Most depressing book I have read in a long time
Phillips nails it. And it's coming here to a city near you.

Bilious rant spoils otherwise thoughtful and penetrating analysis
The first thing that strikes one about Melanie Phillips' impassioned broadside against radical Islam run amok is its cover (UK edition). A snapshot from the anti-Danish cartoons protest in London shows 20-month old Farisa Jihad sporting `I Love Al-Qaeda' headgear while the angry features of one keffiyeh-clad demonstrator grace the upper part of the picture. It is a poignant image of innocence soon to evaporate, the first steps of an apprenticeship in hate watched over and encouraged by the representatives of a fanatical ideology who, Phillips argues, too easily find quarter in our midst and do so at our peril.
The birth process of Islamic Fundamentalism in London
This book expertly describes how and why the Muslim community within London gives birth to a group of radical men whom go on to committ terror throughout the world. The author questions why England has not confronted these sects more head on without the worry of insulting Muslems. An interesting and worthy point is one that indicates that living in England does not give anyone the right to denounce the goverment to the point ofproclaiming death to the goverment officials. Maybe its time to send these people back to the 'war torn' areas from which they came from and allow them to express their 'freedoms' and collect ' state financial aid' there. This point is raised and the reader has the option of agreeing or not. The best thing about this book is that it was written and demands that action be taken place to quell an uprising taking place. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Government policy    2. Great Britain    3. International Relations - General    4. Islam    5. Islamic Studies    6. Muslims    7. Political Freedom & Security - Terrorism    8. Political Science    9. Political Terrorism    10. Politics / Current Events    11. Politics/International Relations    12. Religion, Politics & State    13. Terrorism    14. Non-Classifiable   

Reviews (4)

5 stars does not do this book justice
All the stories are very short 2 to 3 page stories that really touch the heart of animal lovers. Makes a great read.
Mrs. Bauer's efforts come to wonderful fruition for all to share
This book is a major tribute to all K9 Search/Recovery Teams throughout the world and to the many long, long hours of training and hard work preparing for such a grueling service.The content brings forward the various personalities; human and K9 which make a dedicated team who give 120 percent to the community; "bringingthose lost home to their loved ones".It's through the eyes and ears of great authors that the public becomes increasingly aware of the many facets in the lives of K9 search teams. Thank you... Michael, Annie & K9 Boomer

Awesome
Each story gives you a small insight of what it was like to work the mountain of ruble that was once The World Trade Center.There has never been a book like this one to give such honor to Search and Rescue teams. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Disaster Relief & Rescue Operations    2. Dogs - General    3. Essays    4. Pets    5. Photography    6. Rescue dogs    7. Search dogs    8. September 11 Terrorist Attacks, 2001    9. Subjects & Themes - Plants & Animals    10. United States    11. Dogs   

Editorial Review

Few political memoirs have made such a dramatic entrance as that by Richard A. Clarke. During the week of the initial publication of Read more

Reviews (475)

Read this book, learn the truth behind the administration.
After hearing Bill Clinton's superb retort against Fox's hatchet man and kept hearing him tell the dude to read Clarke's book I said to myself, why not read it and see what he's talking about.Wow...it's an incredible insider's look at the fight against terrorism past and almost to the present.The conservative sound machine can try and spin Clarke's words however they want, but the man served 4 administrations while trying to secure our country so he's not a partisan clown.Basic upshot, Clinton tried tons of things to stop terrorism and it was a top priority in his administration, and when the chimp in chief got in to office, he was more concerned about a failed anti-missile program than terrorism and down-graded terrorism priorities; failed to properly respond to the attack by al-Quaeda by not doing enough in Afghanistan, and then started this war in Iraq that was basically a recruiting poster to even moderate islamic people to take up arms against an invading nation.I don't recommend many books, but this was a real eye-opener by a man who seriously knows his stuff, and who sinecerly cared about the security of his nation.His conclusion, be afraid people because we don't have the terrorists on the ropes and many things needed to be done to secure our nation haven't been done, and there doesn't seem to be any plans.
Continuity is Key.........
Either fight or scuttle.
Fightingthe Enemy; Fighting Ourselves
Clarke's first-hand account of the circumstances leading to his exclusion from the discussions of the counterterrorism "experts"--Wolfowitz, Rumsfeld, and Cheney--followed by this terrible triumvirate's acting on the foregone conclusion that nothing but an invasion of Iraq would slake America's thirst for revenge and restore America's pride and power is, if not the only book you need to read about the post 9/11 fiasco, certainly among the more lucid, level-headed, and edifying accounts about the arrogantly myopic thinking that got us into Iraq.
Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Government - U.S. Government    3. Government policy    4. History    5. History: World    6. Political Freedom & Security - International Secur    7. Political Freedom & Security - Terrorism    8. Politics / Current Events    9. September 11 Terrorist Attacks    10. September 11 Terrorist Attacks, 2001    11. Terrorism    12. United States    13. War on Terrorism, 2001-    14. Current Events / General   

Reviews (13)

The Power Of Love
This book is a testament to Our Lord Jesus Christ and how His love frees people from Satan's grasp.Mr. Shoebat was brought up learning to hate.In this book he stated, 'My lullibies and many of the poems we memorized were about flying body parts and rolling heads'.Sweet.This is the influence of Islam in Arab lands.He now preaches a different gospel.The Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Good information
There is a lot of excellent information - quotes from various sources, excerpts from the Koran, etc. - but I had expected a somewhat different book.I thought it would be about his experiences as a terrorist, what the terrorist organization was like from the inside, and his effort to remove himself from it.It really is a book about what Islam really is and then a long part at the end is an interpretation of End Time references in the Bible.There is nothing personal in the book.

Must read which will help one think Biblically
What an excellent book with many things I had never heard before!Be prepared to rethink many of your assumptions concerning the end times.Gives good reasons to support why I am a Christian Zionist.God has spoken, and His Word is clear.The book ties together Israel's prophets and the book of Revelation. If I had to recommend one book on prophecy, this would be it!As Walid Shoebat says, "To all who seek Israel's destructiion, I say, 'Think Again.'" ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Islam    2. Islamic fundamentalism    3. Jihad    4. Meditations    5. Political Freedom & Security - Terrorism    6. Religion    7. Religious aspects    8. Terrorism   

Reviews (4)

A great lesson practical diplomacy
Brady is an old college friend of mine, and I was eager to buy his book when the security-clearance guys let it out.I was not disappointed.Brady tells a good story, and has some good stories to tell. Through his many examples of diplomatic life and diplomatic problems, he provides an insightful analysis how foreign policy is really implemented on the ground--and how it can easily fail.
Any who would understand modern world issues and interactions must have DIPLOMACY LESSONS.
Author John Brady Kiesling was a political counselor of the U.S. embassy in Athens, but resigned in 2003 to protect the Bush administration's forthcoming invasion of Iraq. DIPLOMACY LESSONS: REALISM FOR AN UNLOVED SUPERPOWER surveys the methods and processes of American diplomacy overseas, providing background history, surveys of changing strategies, and ideas on how it works and sometimes - especially lately - fails. Any who would understand modern world issues and interactions must have DIPLOMACY LESSONS.
Diplomacy Lessons by John Brady Kiesling
John Brady Kiesling's Diplomacy Lessons are exactly what they say they are, and nowhere have I seen a clearer explanation of how America has gone wrong in its dealings with the rest of the world. The latter, it appears, is far more intricate and in need of care than the current administration would have us believe. On the contrary, the skill and wisdom with which our career diplomats interact with foreigners is a primary factor optimizing our place in the world and in all that serves the best interests of America. Playing fast and loose these past five years with so essential and hard-won a system of good will and reciprocity has been an incalculable blunder. Kiesling carefully explains, often by citing examples from his own long experience in Greece and elsewhere, the principles of effective diplomacy and how we might regain our footing through smarter behavior. His book should be required reading for anyone concerned with foreign policy and, indeed, it promises to be a fine gift for that favorite smirking blowhard who thinks he understands the world. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Diplomacy    2. International Relations - Diplomacy    3. Philosophy    4. Political Science    5. Political aspects    6. Politics / Current Events    7. Politics/International Relations    8. Realism    9. United States    10. War on Terrorism, 2001-    11. International relations    12. Political Science / General   

Reviews (6)

Very Insightful
"Never Again" is a book that has been ignored by much of the so-called mainstream media, probably because it is not scandalous and takes positions they don't want to hear. AG Ashcroft was attacked by bitter Democrats during his hearings for the position and during his four years in office, but he's a strong man with a deep sense of right and wrong. His observations before, during and after 9/11 are another view of that horrendous day. The book is not entirely about 9/11 and other chapters are very informative and interesting.
Rise to vote, Sir
With all the books being published by former and current government officials it is refreshing to read a piece that does more to explain the recent historical situation than to blame others for how it came about.
John Ascroft -'Never Again'
John Ashcroft has written a book detailing his job as attorney general for president George W. Bush's first term.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Attorneys general    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. National Security Issues    7. National security    8. Personal Memoirs    9. Political    10. U.S. Departments    11. United States    12. War on Terrorism, 2001-    13. Biography & Autobiography / Political   

Reviews (176)

The Real World
If you are looking for a spy novel or 007 thriller, this book is not for you! If you you interested in the truth about the world around you and the business as usual in our government, then read it!
Rambling
I am motivated to write this review (my first) because the last chapter was so bad.I thought I may slept through parts, so I started to re-read it.No, I handn't slept, the chapter was disjointed from the rest of the book and itself.I couldn't finish re-reading it because, like the first time, I got tired of the rambling and griping.In this final chapter, the author missed the obvious.He was the problem and would have been forced to leave regardless of national and organizational leadership.

Everyone should read this book
I could not put this book down. Robert Baer's life story in the CIA is compelling and fascinating. Its very eye opening in to the politics of the war on terror and how the politics and the bureaucracy is crippling the CIA and in turn, leaving America so incredibly vunerable to another terrorist attack. He is a straight shooter and a true patriot, and talks candidly about the current state of America's war on terror - and I gotta say, I don't feel safe. The government is clearly failing to protect America on every level and the incompetence of the government agencies charged with protecting America is staggering. However, Baer goes after both democrat and republican administrations equally, which is refreshing. I think it adds to his credibility.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Baer, Robert    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Central Intelligence Agency    5. Intelligence officers    6. Political    7. Political Freedom & Security - Intelligence    8. Political Freedom & Security - Terrorism    9. Political Science    10. Politics/International Relations    11. Spies    12. Terrorism    13. United States    14. Current Events / American   

Reviews (76)

A Few More Thoughts (more myth debunking)
Ok, As many have pointed out the book doesn't address the problem of towers falling at near-terminal velocity all the way into their own footprint.
Open your eyes people!!!
People....Please..Do you honestly think Popular Mechanics can set straight all that is wrong in the world?Who owns Popular Mechanics?Hearst Publications!Who is Hearst Publications?Do they have any connection to our government or any aspects of the government?Can they be COMPLETELY trusted to give factual, unbiased opinion?There are hundreds of unanswered questions regarding the events that took place on Sept. 11th. yet they think they can dispell them in one book?Let's look at just 2 issues shall we.First of all, World Trade 7.Sorry folks, buildings made of steel and reinforced concrete don't just fall down because a building nearby fell down.Fires or no fires this building absolutely just fell like the footings were just removed instantaneoulsy..Buildings that have been subjected to earthquakes and hurricanes see more violent shaking and yet at least some of the building remains intact if not compltetly intact.This building was demolished by explosive charges placed well in advance of Sept. 11th.Why?We may never know but it obviously was to hide something or to use the event to sway public opinion towards war.Secondly, crashed airplanes leave debris.LOTS OF DEBRIS!!!The crash at the pentagon left no signs of a crashed BOEING 757!First of all, have any of you ever seen a Boeing 757 besides in photos???They are a huge, heavy, loaded with flammable jet-fuel, aircraft.You don't crash a jet of that size anywhere without leaving debris.The hole in the side of the pentagon is NOT big enough to be caused by a Boeing 757 and that is the simple truth!A person could drive themselves crazy with all the information out there but the simple fact remains..NO WRECKAGE..NO PLANE and buildings don't just fall by themselves..I am a republican and I voted for BUSH but this whole situation stinks of a government cover up!Does Bush know anything?Doubtful.I've come to realize the man is a complete idiot.Probably why he was elected in the first place.The people in high places needed a patsy and they found him.You gotta love it!!!

Careful, Logical Look at 9/11 Attacks & Surrounding Hysteria
Debunking 9/11 Myths provides a straightforward, lucid response to many of the far-fetched claims that the hijacked-airliner attacks on September 11, 2001 were somehow perpetrated by elements within the U.S. government.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Conspiracies    2. Conspiracy & Scandal Investigations    3. History    4. History: World    5. Miscellanea    6. Modern - 21st Century    7. Political Freedom & Security - Terrorism    8. Politics / Current Events    9. September 11 Terrorist Attacks, 2001    10. United States - 21st Century    11. Controversial Knowledge & Mysteries    12. Current Events / General    13. LITERATURE - ESSAYS TRD PB    14. Terrorism, freedom fighters, armed struggle    15. USA    16. Sale Books