Editorial Review

Read more

Reviews (133)

Fiasco Is Very Misleading
As a Vietnam veteran, this book is worth reading. That is if one takes it with a grain of salt. I always have problems with a book when the author's historical data is inaccurate. For instance, the number of Israeli casualties he lists during the Yom Kippur War and the final outcome of the conflict was not at all consistent with the known data. Secondly, the number of reporters killed during the Vietnam War were much larger than he stated. Also, Rick's failed to connect the suspicious and untimely death of Sen. Paul Wellstone of Minn. in 2002 and the mailing of anthrax, which was later traced to a US Army facility, to the top media and Democratic figures as a way of coercing them to support Bush's invasion of Iraq. Ricks also failed to mention the fact that the overwhelming majority of the military establishment supports our occupation of Iraq, even though the reasons for being there are bogus to the extreme. Moreover, his odd conclusion to all this is that we should stay there to the bloody end, no matter the outcome, which is nuts to say the least. And finally, Ricks just doesn't understand the real purpose behind our involvement in wars like Vietnam and in Iraq. The Pentagon nor our government could care less about winning the war. Our involvement was never about winning, that's why the military never seriously learned the hard lessons in Vietnam. The whole purpose behind these wars is to prolong the conflicts for as long as possible using the most trumped up reasons, in order that corporations such as Haliburton and Brown and Root, just to name a few, can make billions of profits from the American taxpayer. Win or lose, the real benefactors of Iraq is corporate America. In a very real sense, these corporations not only run the Pentagon but our government as well. Sadly, all the generals and colonels can retire in protest, there will always be others ready to eagerly replace them. War is good business, it always has been and it will always be. Have a nice day.

Missing the bigger picture
As a critical analysis of military operations in the Iraq war and the ongoing troubles that the military faces there, this book is wonderfully deep and rich. Ricks writes in a very straightforward manner and uses rough language in parts, but the book is a easy to read and digest.
The title says it all...
This book is a thoroughly sourced examination of how we went to war in Iraq, how the war is being conducted, and the consequences that the war may have for the US.As a bonus, it is also a gripping, fast-paced narrative,
Read more

Subjects:  1. 21st century    2. History    3. History - Military / War    4. History, Military    5. Iraq War, 2003    6. Military    7. Military - Iraq War    8. Military - United States    9. Military History - 1990-    10. Military Policy    11. Military history    12. United States    13. United States - 21st Century    14. History / Military / United States   

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   

Features

• Abridged
• Audiobook

Reviews (81)

Solid, mostly objective reporting
I have read several of Woodward's previous works, and found this to be a solid piece of reporting, wrapped and shaped to provide believeable characterizations of the players.I was not particularly surprised by much in the book, since a lot of it was clearly in the public domain press and television.But, Woodward has managed to fill in additional details to provide a soild context for the 10-second sound bites we get from the White House, and others.
I'm a Republican and I liked it
I have read all of Bob Woodward's books going back to the early-80's, The Brethren - which was not very good. I have consistently found him to be fact-based and fair in his reporting and analysis. I read this one twice.
What are we going to do about it?
While reading this book, which is about the fifth one I have read that basically says the same things about Bush and this war, and which I agree with and appreciate having authors tell me about, but when is someone going to write a book with advice about what we can do about it? All this talk just frustrates me. The points made in this book cannot fail to upset any reasonable taxpaying US citizen. I love the way they are presented but to be honest, I couldn't finish the book.It was just making me feel sick and helpless to do anything. What can we do besides read books about it? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Misc. Nonfiction    2. Audiobooks    3. Foreign Policy Formulation    4. Government - Executive Branch    5. Government - U.S. Government    6. History    7. Iraq War, 2003    8. Military    9. Military - General    10. National security    11. Public Affairs & Administration    12. U.S. President    13. United States    14. United States - 21st Century    15. Current Events / General   

Reviews (66)

Highly recommended.
Failed States: The Abuse Of Power And The Assault On Democracy is a stinging criticism of American arrogance and its failures to live up to the spirit of democracy by esteemed linguistics and philosophy president Noam Chomsky. In an era where the United States repeatedly asserts its right to use military might against 'failed states' around the globe, Noam Chomsky reveals the dangerous features that the United States shares with other failed states - nations that are unable or unwilling 'to protect their citizens from violence and perhaps even destruction' and 'regard themselves as beyond the reach of domestic or international law.' Failed states, Chomsky observes, are characterized by a 'democratic deficit' that leeches any real democratic substance from their governmental institutions.
Seven Excellent Suggestions!
The United States is not the foremost example in the world of a failed state. However, in the process of trying to make such a ridiculous claim, Noam Chomsky has set forth an excellent critique of the U.S. for not living up to its own exalted ideals. In addition, Chomsky has set forth an excellent critique of some recent actions of the U.S. government. From his critique Chomsky makes seven excellent suggestions, which are worth quoting here in full:
Nonsense On Stilts
As the saying goes, you're entitled to your own opinion, but not to your own facts.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Government - U.S. Government    2. History & Theory - General    3. International Relations - General    4. Iraq War, 2003    5. Political Science    6. Politics / Current Events    7. Politics/International Relations    8. Security, International    9. Unilateral acts (International law)    10. United States - 21st Century    11. Political Science / General   

Reviews (7)

BUY THIS BOOK!! It might save your life.
This is a slightly edited copy of mail I sent to Andy Borowitz. I seriously needed and loved this book. Please take a chance and buy it. As I said, above, it might save your life. Or at least your mental health!
It's not really a play ...
but it is a tragicomedy. The manipulation and betrayal of American voters may not seem hilarious, but Borowitz shows us humor galore there.
Sharp Satire Shocker!
Andy Borowitz is a genius of political satire! I ordered "The Republican Playbook" and Frank Rich's "The Greatest Story Ever Sold" at the same time. One is fiction, one is non-fiction. One makes me laugh, one makes me cry.
Read more

Subjects:  1. American Satire And Humor    2. American wit and humor    3. Form - Parodies    4. Humor    5. Political Process - Political Parties    6. Political satire, American    7. Republican Party (U.S. : 1854- )    8. Topic - Political    9. United States - 21st Century    10. Humor / Parodies   

Editorial Review

After September 11th, 2001, the Ground Zero site in New York City was classified as a crime scene and only those directly involved in the recovery efforts were allowed inside. The press was also prohibited from the site, but with the help of the Museum of the City of New York and sympathetic city officials, award-winning photographer Joel Meyerowitz managed to obtain unlimited access. By ingenuity and sheer determination, he was the only photographer granted unimpeded right of entry into Ground Zero. Read more

Reviews (7)

Shocking with a presentation that brings a fresh unseen angle
The images of September 11th are ones that are familiar to anybody in the western world and beyond. The death tolls as well as the political and sociological ramifications of these events on the following years and years to come have also been the subject of much discussion. However the glory of Joel Meyerowitz's photographic collection is that it ignores all the larger political manoeuvering and focuses on the minutia.
A Fitting Memorial on the Fifth Anniversary of September 11:
We still struggle with knowing how to think about the events of 9/11/2001 - and with how to depict them in the popular media. The reactions to the films "World Trade Center" and "Flight 93" have been all over the map. For some, it seems too soon to reopen the raw wounds that the tragedies of that day inflicted on our national psyche. For others, remembering the events and trying to make sense of them is part of the healing from those wounds.
Astonishing
I recently purchased this book from Amazon.It was worth the $$$ to add this book to my 9/11 book collection.The photos are stunning.Joel did an excellent job with his project.This book is a must-have book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architectural & Industrial    2. History    3. Individual Photographer    4. Photo Techniques    5. Photoessays & Documentaries    6. Photography    7. Subjects & Themes - Travel - U.S./Mid-Atlantic    8. 21st century    9. American history: postwar, from c 1945 -    10. Local history    11. New York    12. Photographic reportage    13. Photography / History   

Reviews (3)

A RealisticApproach To Solving Problem
Once again George McGovern makes a logical and realistic view on an important world issue. I would suggest all read this volume and give serious consideration to the plan suggested. Thank you to both authors!

A decent,sound way to make Americans and Iraqis safer.
This book is so much more than a lot ofextremely important information about Iraq.It proposes an American withdrawal based on our highest American ideals -- treating the Iraqis as we would want to be treated in similar circumstances.
Best Book on Iraq Yet
.
Read more

Subjects:  1. 2001-    2. Foreign relations    3. History - U.S.    4. International Relations - General    5. Iraq War, 2003    6. Military - Iraq War    7. Military Policy    8. Military Science    9. Modern - 21st Century    10. Politics / Current Events    11. Politics and government    12. Science/Mathematics    13. Technology    14. U.S. Foreign Relations    15. United States    16. United States - 21st Century    17. History / United States / 21st Century   

Reviews (25)

Homage to Dad
I gave this book 2 stars because the first 2 fifths of it were good.The rest stunk.
Useful account of a failed, corrupt occupation

Sad But True
The title says it all.In fact, it echoes a remark made by a citizen of the country, who said "We may be seeing the death of Iraq."From the gassing and torture of civilians to America's nonchalant reaction to the looting of Iraq's treasured museums,to the current mess and mayhem created by our ignorance and incompetance, the author sums it all up by stating that America lost the war on terror the day it won the battle for Baghdad.
Read more

Subjects:  1. 1991-2003    2. 2003-    3. Foreign Relations    4. History    5. History: American    6. International Relations - General    7. Iraq    8. Iraq - History    9. Iraq War, 2003    10. Military - Iraq War    11. Military - United States    12. Political Freedom & Security - International Secur    13. Politics / Current Events    14. United States - 21st Century    15. History / United States / 21st Century   

Editorial Review

Read more

Reviews (2)

Opens with Summary, Good Series, May Underestimate Cheney
By virtue of being an organized series of past short columns, most two pages to three pages in length, this book may be off-putting to the average reader, but for either insiders or those who care deeply about moral legitimate governance, this is a real page turner.
Read this book before you vote.
No one understands the radical right like Sidney Blumenthal. He writes about it in a clear, concise, measured way, though his revelations can make your blood boil. This book is must reading for anyone concerned about what is happening in the United States. I hope it influences the way the country will vote in the mid-term elections this year. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Conservatism    2. Executive power    3. Government - Executive Branch    4. Government - U.S. Government    5. History & Theory - General    6. Political Ideologies - Conservatism & Liberalism    7. Political Science    8. Politics / Current Events    9. Politics/International Relations    10. Radicalism    11. United States    12. United States - 21st Century    13. 21st century    14. American History    15. American history: postwar, from c 1945 -    16. International relations    17. Political Science / History & Theory    18. Political Science and International Relations    19. Political leaders & leadership    20. Political science & theory    21. USA   

Reviews (15)

Isn'tManish Gyawali stupid enough?
This is in response to Manish Gyawali who wrote a review of "The Face of the Tiger" even though he didn't read the book.Manish uses the words "clown," "buffoon," and "stupid" in his review.
Wasn't rightwing radio stupid enough?
Now we must have this guy? A better title for the book should have been "The Face of Idiocy--Mine". For the record, I have not read the book in its entirety. Ten percent was what it took to convince me that the other ninety percent would be exactly the same; I'd be smarter spending my time somewhere else.
To the Bone
Steyn is a supurb polemicist -- sharp unto the dividing of joints and marrow.There isn't a false note in his prose, and even if you don't subscribe to his warmongering right-wing madman bigotted homophobic ... am I leaving anything out? -- I quote from memory his own self-description ...oh! intolerant views, you can still admire the clarity and self-assurance of his style.
Read more

Subjects:  1. History / United States / 21st Century    2. Sociology    3. History    4. United States - 21st Century   

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