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. 2001-    2. Government - Executive Branch    3. Government - U.S. Government    4. Iraq War, 2003    5. National security    6. Political Freedom & Security - International Secur    7. Political Science    8. Politics / Current Events    9. Politics and government    10. Politics/International Relations    11. United States    12. History / Modern / 21st Century   

Reviews (72)

Worth Reading, But Incomplete
This book is well written and well organized.It provides a useful big picture sense of how the war was planned, the internal friction between different governmental and military constituencies, and the failure of Franks and the NSC to provide a useful counterweight to Rumsfeld's attempt to turn the Iraq campaign into a showcase for "transformation."
Thorough but dry
This is a thorough, but distressingly dry, blow by blow account of the execution of the Iraq war. I had difficulty finishing the book. The build up to the war is better written and of more interest than the description of battles which follow, the latter a "laundry list" of exchanges between the Americans and the inevitably hapless Iraqi forces. If you see Rumsfeld as the demon in this episode in history, then this is the book for you. Of special interest, however, and to my great astonishment, is the difficulty (and often inability)of the American forces to communicate with each other in battle situations, despite all the super-advanced technology at their disposition. Unbelievable! I understand the concept of "the fog of war", but this aspect of the conflict came as an eyeopener. Surely, lives were lost as a consequence.
Excellent
This is the most definitive military study of the 2003 invasion of Iraq. It vividly records the planning and execution of the war plan, acquaints the reader with the view of military commanders on the ground, and records the battles they fought.
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Subjects:  1. History - Military / War    2. International Relations - General    3. Iraq - History    4. Iraq War, 2003    5. Middle East - General    6. Military - Iraq War    7. Military History - 1990-    8. Modern - 21st Century    9. Political Science    10. Politics/International Relations    11. Current Events / Military   

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
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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   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (822)

Friedman's history is great, but "Flat" has its drawbacks
Friedman's substantial, "The World Is Flat" is a summary of the dramatic changes in the economy of the world in the first few years of the 21st century.The book is full of great stories from all over the world that shows how, while the geography of our planet hasn't changed, that geography is becoming less and less an obstacle for business.The author shows, in a fairly amusing way, how certain dates in history (e.g. 11/9/89 - When the Walls Came Down and the Windows Went Up) represent major milestones in the progress to a flat world.These events, called flatteners, helped usher in the new globalization (version 3.0), which is exploding and resulting in a new world economy where India and China are on the same production and creative level as the United States.
The future is here, and it is starting to be evenly distributed
I have to admit I only read this book based on the fact it was topping all the best seller lists. I found it to be a worth while read. Even though I follow technology closely, I wasn't really aware of some of the points that the author made, so hopefully many will pick up something from this book. Many parts of the book I had difficulties relating to, but the new insights it provided were defently worth it.

How to destroy the United States 101 - What the book should be titled
It's a shame that US leaders have based a lot of its US policies on this book.It's like they want to make the US North Mexico or some Third World country. Really it's traitorous.
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Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - History    2. Abridged Audio - Misc. Nonfiction    3. General    4. History    5. History: World    6. Modern - 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.
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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   

Reviews (11)

A powerful blend of insights.
THE PUNISHMENT OF VIRTUE: INSIDE AFGHANISTAN AFTER THE TALIBAN comes from an NPR reporter who arrived in Afghanistan in 2001, leaving reporting as the Taliban left to help rebuild the nation by heading a non-profit founded by the brother of President Hamid Karzai. Her reporting background, access to top players in the post-war government, and personal participation in the rebuilding of the nation makes for a powerful blend of insights.
Sarah Cheyes is a Hopeless Romantic
Sarah address the problem of corruption in Kandahar, and her first hand account is a must read for anyone interested in the reconstruction of Afghanistan.
A sip of cool water in the desert
There is a handful of books in which the paper, the words, the very physical medium dissolves in my hands, and I experience something quite other than reading.Chayes' "Punishment of Virtue" is one of them.Every evening, after work, I give myself over to a voice weaving together insight, keen intelligence, experience, courage, wit, and above all, an insatiable curiosity about the people around her and their history and culture.Whether confronting Afghan warlords to wrest stone from their grasp for the rebuilding of villagers' houses, or hunting for the treasure of obscure historical references toconnections between Kandahar and the Mongols, Chayes gives herself to the moment and to the task with joy.
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Subjects:  1. 1962-    2. Afghan War, 2001-    3. Afghanistan    4. Asia - Central Asia    5. Asia - History    6. Chayes, Sarah,    7. History    8. History - General History    9. History: World    10. Islamic Government    11. Military - Other    12. Modern - 21st Century    13. War correspondents    14. History / Modern / 21st Century   

Reviews (5)

Publisher's Weekly Reviewer is off the mark
The Publisher's Weekly Reviewer is off the mark in his closing statement that 70 percent of the Russian population voted for Putin.S/he has no clue about the true political situation in Russia.During elections, competing political parties have no chance in gaining votes due to the Kremlin's firm grip on campaign activities.What the Kremlin wants is what the Russian people get.Does this reviewer really think the elctions are free and fair and that 70 percent is anything close to an accurate figure?There is no real democracy in Russia, and the majority of voters are so impoverished economically and uneducated (through no fault of their own) that when it comes to elections that you can't really expect them understand how to vote when they can't even buy medicine or food.Politkovskaya was murdered today.Sure her work was often over-emotional and perhaps it isn't brilliant in translation, but she was one of the few brave journalists to tackle the tough issues and to not self-edit.Her death follows that of Starvoitova, Gongadze (Ukraine), Khlebnikov and countless other post-Soviet journalists.Do some homework next time you write a book review.
Anna is Dead; Does That Convince the "Publishers Weekly" Reviewer?
Or is that just more "anecdotal" evidence?
This book has the wrong title
Readers who buy this book with the hope of learning about the overall situation in Putin's Russia, as the title promises, will be sorely disappointed.It's really just an author rant about soldier abuse in Russia's military today - a serious human problem, to be sure, but a very small slice of what a Western reader would want to know about this vast and complicated country.And even on the narrow subject the author actually addresses, the level of writing and analysis is little above a blog posting. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1952-    2. 1991-    3. Europe - Russia & the Former Soviet Union    4. Government - International    5. History - General History    6. Modern - 21st Century    7. Political Freedom & Security - General    8. Political Science    9. Politics / Current Events    10. Politics and government    11. Politics/International Relations    12. Post-Communism    13. Presidents & Heads of State    14. Putin, Vladimir Vladimirovich,    15. Russia (Federation)    16. Russia - History    17. Social conditions   

Reviews (2)

Insightful and Riveting and Revealing
I read this book over the course of one weekend, it was that good. The book gets to the heart of what our severely wounded veterans face from the exact time of the injury on the battlefield to the care they receive in our military hospitals, to their day to day recovery, relationships with their families and how they cope with the loss of not only a limb but in some cases, their whole identity.This book made me realize how much they really do lose and sacrifice to defend this country no matter where or when.I have a new appreciation for the true heroes of our day, the men and women of our military, especially the heroes who lose limbs in the line of duty.

A Must-Read for the Wounded and All Who Care About Them
With great insight and compassion, Michael Weisskopf brings us the stories of the amputees of this generation's wars.Weisskopf himself lost his dominant hand while embedded with soldiers in Iraq in preparation for Time's 2003 Person of the Year edition. He picked up a grenade that landed in his vehicle and awoke to a whole new life: Ward 57 of Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
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Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Embedded war correspondents    3. History    4. History: World    5. Iraq War, 2003-    6. Military    7. Military - Iraq War    8. Military - United States    9. Modern - 21st Century    10. Personal narratives, American    11. United States    12. Weisskopf, Michael    13. Wounds and injuries    14. History / Modern / 21st Century   

Reviews (87)

Somewhat Unfulfilled Promise
I purchased this book for recreational reading -if that tells you anything about what I consider to be fun - shortly after it was published, expecting to read an insider's account of paramilitary forces in Afghanistan and how they interacted with military Special Operations Forces, and in that Berntsen did not disappoint.This book is a fairly quick read and as a first person accounting it makes for some interesting background and fills in some gaps in my understanding of the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, especially on the political aspects of how the CIA was willing, on one hand, to provide so much autonomy to a field operative, but yet could not seem to engage in a truly cooperative venture between the agency and military SOFs.
You have to read between the lines
The jacket cover for Gary Berntsen's "Jawbreaker" claims this is "The book the CIA doesn't want you to read!" I find that a little hard to believe since the CIA has already apparently had their chance at redacting sensitive information leaving wide swaths of black ink on about 75% of the pages. Sometimes one black line apparently stands for several pages of redaction while at other times a small rectangle of black eliminates a single word that obviously wasn't very important to the story. The book's subtitle is "The attack on Bin Laden and al-Qaeda: a personal account the CIA's key field commander". That's another good hint that the CIA isn't too upset about the book being published. I personally think they rather enjoy seeing a successful book which details a CIA mission that was exciting, action-packed, and 99% successful. Only at the very end of the book do we find that second guessing on the part of the White House or Pentagon may have cost us the opportunity to kill Bin Laden at the end of the Afghan war.
A Sandwich with no Meat
Gary Berntsen's book "Jawbreaker" is interesting reading, but it makes one feel as if one is eating a sandwich with no meat and the sandwich is wrapped with cellophane of red tape.The author was drastically limited in writing a complete story by the CIA censors.The CIA censors "redacted" a great amount of detail.As a result, the book falls into the category of being a summarized report rather than a story.Special Forces, CIA and FBI personnel with their experience in intelligence work would understand "Jawbreaker" better than the common everyday-person.Agency and SF personnel would be able to, imaginarily, fill in the blanks.
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Subjects:  1. Government - U.S. Government    2. Intelligence Operations    3. Political Freedom & Security - Intelligence    4. Political Freedom & Security - International Secur    5. Political Freedom & Security - Terrorism    6. Political Science    7. Political Terrorism    8. Politics / Current Events    9. Politics/International Relations    10. Prevention    11. Sociology    12. Terrorism    13. War on Terrorism, 2001-    14. History / Modern / 21st Century   

Reviews (116)

YES!
For all who want to read a no holds barred critique of how the West simpers and grovels before the tower of political correctness read this. For those who say that is to harsh, I just watched today on the news that The London Star has just pulled a parody of itself because it might offend some Muslems. Never, never, never would a newspaper think of doing that for anyone else. As for the guy who trashed it after admitting he hadn't read it Huh? Nuf said. This should be required reading in every classroom in Europe and the U.S. It is time the truth is yelled from the rooftops as Fallaci does so well. One piece of advice, read it straight through in 1 sitting (it will take 4 or 5 hours) I wish I had. I think you will feel the full force that way. By the way, as it is wrong about the entire book so is Publisher's Weekly wrong about her translation. She explains it in the beginning ( they must have missed that part ) and it makes it all the more real, as well as reminding us that she is writing to Italians which I forgot occasionally.

The Rage and The Pride
I have been a fan of Oriana for the last 30 years. Her objectivity, fairness and compassion has impressed me when reporting on Vietnam, Mexico City, her interviews with History, her letter to a child never born.
Publishers Weekly has a distinct bias of its own
A forceful and emotional "sermon" - we see ourselves in the looking glass through the words of Fallaci.Laughably, Publishers Weekly declares (in a statement thoroughly fearful and utterly dripping of politically correctness - exactly what Fallaci chastizes us for) that the book "will not sit well with American readers".Such utter rubbish from Publishers Weekly... If you think we're not facing a war for the soul of this nation and you want to sit around the campfire and sing happy songs and hold hands, then please, by all means, have at it.
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Subjects:  1. 1995-2005    2. Biography    3. Fallaci, Oriana    4. History    5. History: World    6. Italy    7. Journalists    8. Middle East - General    9. Modern - 21st Century    10. Political Freedom & Security - Terrorism    11. Politics / Current Events    12. September 11 Terrorist Attacks    13. September 11 Terrorist Attacks, 2001    14. World politics    15. History / General    16. POLITICS & GOVERNMENT   

Reviews (24)

Parents & law enforcement must read this book
Terror at Beslan by John Giduck is an absolute must read by anyone who has a child in school and by anyone who is in law enforcement that may need to respond to such an incident. This book is heart wrenching and difficult to read but this must not prevent you from gaining the needed knowledge that this book provides.
Schools in danger
I am in middle school so when I read this book, all I could think about was it can happen here! In any school in America, like it happened in Beslan. When I read about the kids, how the terrorists killed the older boys and raped the teenage girls, and terrorized the little ones, I can feel it along with them and imagine if it were my own school. I hope our police and soldiers are training as Mr. John Giduck tells how in this book. But I also was interested to learn how I can protect my own self, such as planning in advance, being aware, and taking martial arts. (I'm in karate.) At Beslan, fear was the way the terrorists controlled the crowd. Some kids and teachers managed to hide or escape, and others managed to survive. I just want to say God Bless the Alpha and Vympel soldiers who risked their lives and some gave their lives for the children. I know our soldiers and police will be inspired by this book. You should also check out Archangel's website and check out the training schedules and also, the cool things they have for sale, besides this book. To Mr. John Giduck, I wish I lived near your dojo, because I would love to learn the Russian Hand to Hand Combat Training, and take the Archangel anti-terrorism course for women! This book was so sad and horrible but so important to read for kids and teachers, police and parents.

Exposes the common denominator
Although I read this macabre but critically important book more than a year ago, I have put off reviewing it that long because I just could not again face the gruesome realities it contains. But a few weeks after the July 10 death of Russia's Osama bin Laden, the Naqshabandi Sufi murderer, Shamil Basayev, there is no longer any excuse.
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Subjects:  1. Beslan    2. Europe - Russia & the Former Soviet Union    3. History    4. History - General History    5. History: World    6. Modern - 21st Century    7. Prevention    8. Russia (Federation)    9. Safety measures    10. Schools    11. Terrorism    12. United States   

Reviews (7)

Brilliant
Excellent, Brilliant and full of wisdom. This is from a philosopher who has the ability to see things from more perspectives than black and white. His book is concise and not too academic. He makes philosophy trendy. He is a new generation of thinkers that will reshape our thoughts. He tackles sensitive issues with respect for all parties. One cannot tell his sentiments due to his fairness and objectivity. The first book I will read a second time.

Accept the complex
Although K. Appiah starts on a very solid and sometimes difficult philosophical ground, the essay seems to lost itself into the richness and the complexity of humanity. Which does not necessarily make it uninteresting. On the contrary. The parallels drawn from personal experience, archeology, capitalism and so forth are at times enlightening and original. Besides the advices on how to converse properly, I was left with a taste of subtle fatality hidden behind a veil of optimism.

Citizens of the World: Please Unite
Appiah has written an intelligent, urbane, and concise analysis of, and prescription for, the global world we have come to inhabit. His title "Cosmopolitan" is intended to evoke its etymology, that we are "citizens of the world." Unlike Robert Wright in "The Moral Animal," Appiah rejects a one-world government, insisting we need to maintain a pluralistic system of governments for the ostensible purpose of creative enhancements, e.g., changes to the existent models through new insights, programs, and trial-and-error (hopefully, with errors corrected).
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Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Cultural    2. Conduct of life    3. Cosmopolitanism    4. Ethics    5. Ethics & Moral Philosophy    6. History & Theory - General    7. International Relations - General    8. Modern - 21st Century    9. Political    10. Political Science    11. Political Science (General)    12. Politics / Current Events    13. Politics/International Relations    14. Current Events / General    15. POLITICS & GOVERNMENT    16. Social & political philosophy   

Subjects:  1. Causes    2. History    3. History - U.S.    4. History: World    5. Influence    6. International Relations - General    7. Intervention (International law)    8. Iraq - History    9. Iraq War, 2003-    10. Middle East - General    11. Military - Iraq War    12. Modern - 21st Century    13. Modern World History (Circa 1450 To Present)    14. Persian Gulf War, 1991    15. United States - General    16. History / General   

Reviews (3)

Quick & Very Fast
I received my books within days NOT weeks as thought, had a chance to review the book before my classes started.
The best textbook on corrections available!
I'm using this textbook in my community college course on corrections -- and I can't image how any book could be better.The book is built around a theme of professionalism in corrections and makes me want to work as a corrections officer -- and makes me want to improve the field.If you are interested in a career in corrections this book is for you -- whether or not you are currently in school.

The best textbook on corrections available!
I'm using this textbook in my community college course on corrections -- and I can't image how any book could be better.The book is built around a theme of professionalism in corrections and makes me want to work as a corrections officer -- and makes me want to improve the field.If you are interested in a career in corrections this book is for you -- whether or not you are currently in school. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History    2. History: World    3. Modern - 21st Century    4. Penology    5. Sociology    6. Law / Criminal Law   

Reviews (24)

De Oppresso Liber
A compelling first hand account of the impressive skills and qualities of these well-trained soldiers.

A-Teams in Iraq War 2
Napoleon once stated that he preferred generals who were lucky over those who were good. Sgt. Antenori's account of the battle that occurred in Debecka Iraq showed two and a-half A-Teams were able to defeat a superior Iraqi force comprised of 4 T-55 tanks and 12 MTLB APCs, with infantry in support; with both skill and a little bit of luck too. Had some suggested that a light infantry outfit would be able to defeat an armored column, they would have been ridiculed. Sgt. Antenori's account shows how these SF soldiers were both good and lucky during this engagement. The good part is displayed by their training and steadfast dedication to getting the jobs done dispite the obstcles caused by the enemy and REMFs; the lucky part is the foresite to include Javlin missiles in their TO&E.
A Story of the Best Our country Has
Having been out of the Army longer than Sgt. Antenori has been alive I read this book to see how today's army compares with when I was in. All in all, I was reminded of the old French expression that 'the more it changes the more it stays the same.'