21st Century Books - Page 6

Firefight: Inside the Battle to Save the Pentagon on 9/11

Patrick Creed, Rick Newman

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 15 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Amid all the stories of tragedy and heroism on September 11, there is one tale that has yet to be told–the gripping account of ordinary men and women braving the inferno at the Pentagon to rescue friends and co-workers, save the nation’s military headquarters, and defend their country.

Pentagon firefighters Alan Wallace and Mark Skipper had just learned the shocking news that planes had struck the World Trade Center when they saw something equally inconceivable: a twin-engine jetliner flying straight at them. It was American Airlines Flight 77, rushing toward its target. In his Pentagon office, Army major David King was planning a precautionary evacuation when the room suddenly erupted in flames. Arlington firefighters Derek Spector, Brian Roache, and Ron Christman, among the first responders at the scene, were stunned by the sight that met them: a huge flaming hole gouged into the Pentagon’s side, a lawn strewn with smoking debris, and thousands of people, some badly injured, stumbling away from what would become one of the most daunting fires in American history.

For more than twenty-four hours, Arlington firefighters and other crews faced some of the most dangerous and unusual circumstances imaginable. The size and structure of the Pentagon itself presented unique challenges, compelling firefighters to devise ingenious tactics and make bold decisions–until they finally extinguished the fire that threatened to cripple America’s military infrastructure just when it was needed most.

Granted unprecedented access to the major players in the valiant response efforts, Patrick Creed and Rick Newman take us step-by-step through the harrowing minutes, hours, and days following the crash of American Airlines Flight 77 into the Pentagon’s western façade. Providing fascinating personal stories of the firefighters and rescuers, a broader view of how the U.S. national security command structure was held intact, and a sixteen-page insert of dramatic photographs, Firefight is a unique testament to the fortitude and resilience of America.

A Tragic Legacy: How a Good vs. Evil Mentality Destroyed the Bush Presidency

Glenn Greenwald

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 64 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

To vote intelligently you must read this book 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.

If you want to know what happened, read Scott McClellan's book because he will tell you. If you want to UNDERSTAND what happened, read this book. It's hard going at first but stay with him. He makes the point that good vs. evil is not Bush's primary goal, it is his ONLY goal. The needs of American citizens are an annoyance to him because they cost money that might be better spent fighting "terror" wherever it might come up. The Katrina victims never penetrated his radar because there was nothing to be gained by saving them. Bush thinking goes, "all government protections should be abolished if they interfere with my agenda" and they pretty much do. The tunnel vision mindset as set forth in this book is the most frightening description of a presidency I have ever read.

Editorial Review:

The first true character study of a lost president and his disastrous legacy

In this fascinating, timely book, Glenn Greenwald examines the Bush presidency and its long-term effect on the nation, charting the rise and steep fall of the current administration, dissecting the rhetoric, and revealing the faulty ideals upon which George W. Bush built his policies. Enlightening and eye-opening, this is a powerful look at the man whose incapability and cowboy logic have left America at risk.

The 9/11 Report: A Graphic Adaptation

Sid Jacobson, Ernie Colon

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Total reviews: 56 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

The 9/11 Report for Every American
 On December 5, 2005, the 9/11 Commission issued its final report card on the government’s fulfillment of the recommendations issued in July 2004: one A, twelve Bs, nine Cs, twelve Ds, three Fs, and four incompletes. Here is stunning evidence that Sid Jacobson and Ernie Colón, with more than sixty years of experience in the comic-book industry between them, were right: far, far too few Americans have read, grasped, and demanded action on the Commission’s investigation into the events of that tragic day and the lessons America must learn.

Using every skill and storytelling method Jacobson and Colón have learned over the decades, they have produced the most accessible version of the 9/11 Report. Jacobson’s text frequently follows word for word the original report, faithfully captures its investigative thoroughness, and covers its entire scope, even including the Commission’s final report card. Colón’s stunning artwork powerfully conveys the facts, insights, and urgency of the original. Published on the fifth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States, an event that has left no aspect of American foreign or domestic policy untouched, The 9/11 Report puts at every American’s fingertips the most defining event of the century.

The Transparent Cabal: The Neoconservative Agenda, War in the Middle East, and the National Interest of Israel

Stephen J. Sniegoski

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Total reviews: 15 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

A Brilliant Account of the Neoconservative War Agenda. 5 out of 5 stars.
5 of 7 people found this review helpful.

_The Transparent Cabal: The Neoconservative Agenda, War in the Middle East, And the National Interest of Israel_, published in 2008 by Enigma Editions of IHS Press, by scholar Stephen J. Sniegoski is a thorough examination of the role of the neoconservatives in pushing for war in the Middle East (beginning with the war in Iraq and pushing onwards towards Iran) in order to protect the national interests of Israel. Sniegoski makes the claim that the neoconservatives have been the fundamental force behind the war efforts of the United States and have played a particularly prominent role in the Bush administration. While these claims have now become common knowledge, Sniegoski makes an important contribution by tracing the history of the neoconservative movement and its links to prominent pro-Jewish and pro-Israel groups. In particular, Sniegoski claims that neoconservativism is a tool of Zionism and the Likudniks of Israel. Sniegoski traces out how following the attacks of September 11, the neoconservative war hawks had a profound influence on the thinking of President Bush and offered him a ready made solution to his foreign policy agenda. In this book, Sniegoski also considers and refutes other theories as to the root causes behind America's intervention in Iraq (such as the role of oil and war profiteering) but explains how these theories lack the validity of that which lays the blame on the neoconservatives and their goals for Israeli dominance in the Middle East. In a recently written best-seller two political scientists at the University of Chicago and Harvard (John Meirsheimer and Stephen J. Walt _The Israeli Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy_) broke a long-standing taboo in the United States and risked charges of anti-Semitism by exposing the role of the powerful Israeli Lobby (AIPAC) in the United States and its push for war against Iraq and with its future sights on Iran. This book echoes many of the claims made by Meirsheimer and Walt and further shows the agenda of the small circle of neoconservatives in directing American foreign policy. The author maintains that the neoconservatives are a "transparent cabal", in that they have operated as a tight-knit secret group but their actions remain transparent.

This book begins with a Foreword by Congressman Paul Findley (famous author of _They Dare to Speak Out_ and longtime opponent of the Israeli Lobby) in which he explains the importance of Sniegoski's book and deflects the spurious charge of anti-Semitism. Following this, appears an Introduction by noted paleoconservative Paul Gottfried who explains his admiration for Sniegoski's book, offers some comparisons between Sniegoski's claims and those of other individuals, and contrasts the old non-interventionist limited government form of conservativism with that of the neoconservatives.

The first chapter of Sniegoski's book is entitled "The Transparent Cabal" and notes the disastrous consequences that have followed upon the Iraq war spurred on by the neoconservatives. The author explains what he means in calling the neoconservatives a "transparent cabal" and notes the importance of their Middle East, pro-Israeli agenda. The author explains how following the events of September 11, they came to take on a prominent role in influencing the thinking of the president (who had previously shown little interest in the Middle East). The second chapter is entitled "The "Neocon-Israel" Claim: Bits and Pieces" and exposes the role of Israel's Likudnik party behind the neoconservatives. The author deflects claims of "anti-Semitism" which are frequently hurled at those who make these charges by showing that even many prominent Jews agree with this. Following this appears a chapter entitled "Who are the Neocons?" which shows how the neocons emigrated from their original home in the Democratic party of the McGovernite left into the Republican party as the New Left began to voice criticisms of Israel. The author shows that many of the neocons are actually socialists and Trotskyites parading under the label of "conservative". Further, the author shows the role of various intellectuals centering around New York City in creating the neoconservative movement. Next, appears a chapter entitled "The Israeli Origins of the Middle East War Agenda" which shows how the goal of Middle East war to further the interests of Israel has been supported extensively by hawkish groups in Israel. The author explains how these groups came to have such a prominent role in influencing the policy of the United States and in suppressing the native population of Palestinians in Israel. Following, appears a chapter entitled "Stability and the Gulf War of 1991: Prefigurement and Prelude to the 2003 Iraq War" in which the author explains the importance of the first Gulf War of Bush I in prefiguring the Iraq War of Bush II. After this, appears a chapter entitled "During the Clinton Years" in which the author shows the continuing role of the neocons during the Clinton years. Following this, appears a chapter entitled "Serbian Interlude and the 2000 Elections" in which the author explains how the war in Yugoslavia paved the way for the coming Iraq War of President Bush. This also explains the split that occurred among conservatives between those traditional conservatives who opposed the war and the neocons who firmly supported it. Following this appears a chapter entitled "George W. Bush Administration: The Beginning" in which the author explains the role that the neocons came to take in the Bush administration mentioning in particular the role of such figures as Wolfowitz and Cheney and the role of the Project for a New American Century (PNAC). Following this appears a chapter entitled "September 11", showing how the events of Sept. 11 allowed the neocon agenda to gain prominence in the mind of President Bush. Next, appears a chapter entitled "Move to War" explaining how the neocons pushed for war against Sadaam Hussein presenting their case to the American people by claiming that Hussein was in possession of WMDs which could be used against America. Following this appears a chapter entitled "World War IV" explaining how the conflict in the Middle East came to be dubbed World War IV by certain intellectuals among the neocons. Next, appears a chapter entitled "Democracy for the Middle East" showing the role of the neocons in foisting "democracy" onto various nations and their goal of global democratic revolution. The author also explains the role of the thinking of political philosopher Leo Strauss behind many of the neocons and his profoundly anti-democratic philosophy. Following this, appears a chapter entitled "Neocons' Post-Invasion Difficulties" showing how the invasion of Iraq turned out to be more serious and difficult than originally anticipated by the neocons. Next, appears a chapter entitled "Beginning of the Second Administration" showing the continuing role of the neocons under the second Bush administration. Then, appears a chapter entitled "Israel, Lebanon, and the 2006 Election" showing the role of Lebanon and Syria in relationship to Israel and that of the 2006 election. Next, appears a chapter entitled "2007: On to Iran" showing how the neocons continued to press for further wars in particular against Iran by alleging among other things that Ahmedinejad was a mad man with possible access to nuclear weapons. Following, appears a chapter entitled "The Supporting Cast for War" noting the role of Christian Zionists (which includes the beliefs of President Bush, although not his father), former Cold Warriors, and even prominent establishment liberals in supporting the Iraq war. The author notes however that the traditional foreign policy establishment elites and many in the intelligence agencies did not support the war, but were disregarded to further the neocon agenda. The author also contrasts the difference between the liberal elites who frequently were pro-war and the popular anti-war movement which had very little power. Following this, the author turns to a chapter entitled "Oil and Other Arguments" in which the author considers the claims that the war was fought to obtain access to oil or for the interests of war profiteers and shows that while both groups certainly benefited they are not the real reason for the war. The book ends with a "Conclusion" in which the author expounds upon the continuing role of the neocons in influencing American foreign policy and a "Postscript" in which the author notes that no matter who wins the 2008 election that the neocon agenda will likely continue and is not likely to go away anytime soon.

This book offers a fascinating history and account of the role of the neoconservatives in pushing the United States into war. The author makes clear the influence of the Israeli Likudnik party behind the neocons and their goal of strengthening the position of Israel in the Middle East. It is important to understand the fundamental nature of the foreign policy elites who have been pushing us into war against Iraq and now with eyes towards Iran.

Editorial Review:

Although it is generally understood that American neoconservatives pushed hard for the war in Iraq, this book forcefully argues that the neocons' goal was not the spread of democracy, but the protection of Israel's interests in the Middle East. Showing that the neocon movement has always identified closely with the interests of Israel's Likudnik right wing, the discussion contends that neocon advice on Iraq was the exact opposite of conventional United States foreign policy, which has always sought to maintain stability in the region to promote the flow of oil. Various players in the rush to war are assessed according to their motives, including President Bush, Ariel Sharon, members of the foreign-policy establishment, and the American people, who are seen not as having been dragged into war against their will, but as ready after 9/11 for retaliation.

The New Pearl Harbor: Disturbing Questions About the Bush Administration and 9/11

David Ray Griffin

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 235 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Comprehensive Breakdown of the 9/11 attacks... 4 out of 5 stars.
6 of 7 people found this review helpful.

Prof. David Ray Griffin presents a persuasive & realistic scenario, which, in short, suggests that (rogue) factions within the U.S. government were complicit in "terrorist attack(s)" on 9/11. And to reflect on the heedlessness of the official account, consider that the Clinton-Lewinsky investigation initially received more funding than the 9/11 (commission) investigation. That's right, the greatest structural malfunction in the world's history receives less cash than a petty inquiry into the promiscuity of our former President, Bill Clinton. Not only was the funding inadequate, but the evidence - steal beams, rubble, debris - was all removed from the scene and shipped to scrap yards. The evidence was destroyed and less than 1% of the steel actually exists today.

My only problem with this book is that Griffin did not take the time to verify all the facts that he cites in his 168 pg book. He instead takes a large amount of the 'facts' from the books & essays by Nafeez Ahmed, Michel Chossudovsky, & Thierry Meyssan. Regardless of this, if you are interested in learning about the inconsistencies and implausibilities found in the official account, this book is worth your time & money. Griffin thoroughly covers the majority of the issues - the NORAD "stand-down" (fighter jets stayed on the ground for 60 "decisive" minutes), the Standard Operating Procedures, the "implosion" (as used by NIST) of WTC 1, 2, & 7, the Pentagon damage area, Shanksville crash site, cell phone calls at 20+k altitude, etc. However, the information provided on the collapse(s) is less than stellar. I expected to see questions such as - "If the official account is true, then explain how gravity (and pockets of air) cause 4-ton steel girders to be launched 600 ft away from the WTC building?" Griffin focuses on a rather weak, but still valid point; ALL of the concrete turned into dust and formed a pyroclastic flow (which contained asbestos and many other deadly toxins). Overall, Griffin's book serves as a great introduction to the (lesser-known) facts of 9/11. Buying this paperback will not dissatisfy, nor will it disillusion you from "reality"; instead, by the time you reach the heart of the book, you'll be gnashing your teeth in contempt at our nation's obdurate acceptance of the "official account". When you arrive at the book's conclusion, you will undoubtedly discover that the "official account", as supported by NIST, 9/11 Comission Report, U.S. government, the general populace & the US media, stinks to the high heavens!

Editorial Review:

Taking to heart the idea that those who benefit from a crime ought to be investigated, here the eminent theologian David Ray Griffin sifts through the evidence about the attacks of 9/11 - stories from the mainstream press, reports from abroad, the work of other researchers, and the contradictory words of members of the Bush administration themselves - and finds that, taken together, they cast serious doubt on the official story of that tragic day

Imperial Hubris: Why the West is Losing the War on Terror

Michael Scheuer

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 176 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

required reading 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

This book should be required reading for any one that has an opinion is going to form one and be involved with the future of this country.Hubris is the only way that the present administration's view of Islam can be described. This is an attitude that forces Islam to see the west by default as the enemy.If our "leaders"military and diplomatic could read this book and try to begin to understand some of the thinking of the muslim world, we might just be able to get along with them and remember the fate of all emperors .Imperial Hubris: Why the West is Losing the War on Terror

Editorial Review:

When Imperial Hubris first came out in 2004, the greatest danger for Americans confronting the Islamist threat was to believe—at the urging of U.S. leaders—that Muslims attack us for what we are and what we think rather than for what we do. The now-classic showed that a growing segment of the Islamic world strenuously disapproves of specific U.S. policies and their attendant military, political, and economic implications and demonstrated that they will go to any length, not to destroy our secular, democratic way of life, but to deter what they view as specific attacks on their lands, their communities, and their religion. Imperial Hubris remains a must read for an in-depth look at Al Qaeda and the War on Terror.

Roughneck Nine-One: The Extraordinary Story of a Special Forces A-Team at War

Frank Antenori, Hans Halberstadt

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 36 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Good book if you cant sleep. 2 out of 5 stars.
3 of 6 people found this review helpful.

This book isnt bad, but its not great either. The first third of the book is the author telling you how great his team is and how they built it up from nothing. Though lacking in modesty of any kind the story plods along at a slow but steady pace.

When the book ( finally ) gets to the combat sections, those are more intersting but still a little preachy. Overall it would recommend other books written by soldiers returning from combat over this one. LONE SURVIVOR is excellent.

Realism! 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Despite some minor writing flaws (which actually round out the Roughneck theme) this is a great book! I was surprised by the few negative reviews. I think many reviewers miss the point. Decisive combat not is not about luck, it's about having the courage to do a quick risk/reward evaluation and put your training to use. The Army is full of officers like Major X, who hamper our capabilities by being anally safe. I commend MSG Antenori for having the courage to train hard, stand up to Major X, and write about. If you're looking for a perfectly constructed novel try The Grapes of Wrath. If you want a book about America's best soldiers kicking [...] in spite of politically correct and tactically unsound officers, you have got to read Roughneck Nine-One.

Editorial Review:

A decorated combat veteran and a seasoned author of military books take a powerful look inside a Special Forces A-Team and its dramatic and controversial battle against a huge opposing force in Iraq. Unabridged. 8 CDs.

1 Dead in Attic: After Katrina

Chris Rose

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 28 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Accurate, Amusing, and Well Written 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Nearly three years after the tragic events surrounding Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, I am still amazed that something like this could occur in America, professed leader of the free world. We, I hate to say it, actually I don't hate to say it because it needs to be said...America, we failed the people of the Gulf Coast and we continue to fail them. FEMA trailers dotting fields as far as the eye can see, but completely unoccupied by those who need to occupy them...FEMA trailers that are occupied, filled with noxious chemicals that will more than likely cause the inhabitants irreversable physical damage, on top of the mental damage that has already been done. We all should be ashamed of this adminstration's lack of humanity and decency. Imagine flooding again, but in the Midwest this time, and STILL nothing is being done?! Have we not learned from our mistakes? Contrary to popular belief, by those who shall remain nameless, you DID NOT DO "a helluva of a job, Brownie!" I gave a helping hand and went to Louisiana after the storm, just like many other people did and it changed me forever. Chris Rose's book is so wonderful and gives such an accurate depiction of what was going on day-to-day. It is written in a manner that makes you feel what he and the other people around him were experiencing at the time. There is no sugar coating, there is no dressing it up. It is what it is and was what it still remains. I could not put the book down and it made my flight to South Africa, all 19 hours of it, much more enjoyable and managable. I love New Orleans and the people of the Gulf Coast and hope that no one ever forgets what has happened and what continues to go unrepaired.

Editorial Review:

Dead in Attic is a collection of stories by Times-Picayune columnist Chris Rose, recounting the first harrowing year and a half of life in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Celebrated as a local treasure and heaped with national praise, Rose provides a rollercoaster ride of observation, commentary, emotion, tragedy, and even humor -- in a way that only he could find in a devastated wasteland.

They are stories of the dead and the living, stories of survivors and believers, stories of hope and despair. And stories about refrigerators.

Dead in Attic freeze-frames New Orleans, caught between an old era and a new, during its most desperate time, as it struggles out of the floodwaters and wills itself back to life.

Longitudes and Attitudes: The World in the Age of Terrorism

Thomas L. Friedman

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Total reviews: 100 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

From the Pulitzer Prize–winning New York Times columnist and bestselling author of From Beirut to Jerusalem and The Lexus and the Olive Tree comes this smart, penetrating, brilliantly informed book that is indispensable for understanding today’s radically new world and America’s complex place in it.

Thomas L. Freidman received his third Pulitzer Prize in 2002 “for his clarity of vision, based on extensive reporting, in commenting on the worldwide impact of the terrorist threat.” In Longitudes and Attitudes he gives us all of the columns he has published about the most momentous news story of our time, as well as a diary of his private experiences and reflections during his post–September 11 travels. Updated for this new paperback edition, with over two years’ worth of Friedman’s columns and an expanded version of his diary, Longitudes and Attitudes is a broadly influential work from our most trusted observer of the international scene.

Daydream Believers: How a Few Grand Ideas Wrecked American Power

Fred Kaplan

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 78 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

what went wrong 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Let me start out by saying that this is the first 'current affairs' book I've read about the current administration so this book probably impressed me more than if I had some more knowledge when I began reading it.

Positives: Well-written and interesting chapters - one on the rise of 'transformation' weapons that have been utilized in the current wars, a very eye-opening chapter on the USA and North Korea, another informative chapter on the history of missile defense, and then a couple dryer chapters on the Bush administration and Iraq. What I enjoyed about the first three chapters and the book overall, is that it was more than a anti-Bush diatribe but an interesting history of advanced weaponry and foreign policy from the Cold War to present.

Negatives: Kaplan's account suffers heavily from the narrative fallacy - it is easy to see in hindsight the blunders of the Bush administration; it is easy to explain the muck of Iraq in terms of definite strategic and tactical errors; but were those mistakes so apparent as they were happening? The last chapter especially comes off as a chapter more or less saying 'Bush can do no right".

Despite the negatives, the reader will learn a great deal on what the author sees as the major blunders leading to the continuing occupation of Iraq (the de-Baathification in Iraqi politics, the dispersement of the Iraqi army, and the failure to capture Iraqi ammo depots). Ultimately, Rumsfeld is blamed for these issues - the primary one being the low amount of troops assigned to Iraq initially.

W. Bush comes off as a highly principled leader yet woefully uninformed in the reality of world politics. Kaplan takes Bush at his word that he sincerely desires to promote democracy and freedom - and that these are attainable when dictators are deposed (democratic freedom being the natural state of man).

Much of Kaplan's book hinges on his interpretation (?) that Bush and the neo-cons saw a chance to get rid of evil regimes and extend America's power when the Cold War ended. They believed that America would naturally fill the vacuum left by the Soviets and thereby exert an even larger influence on the world. What was not expected, is that much of the world was out of our control and did not want to be in our control - in short we were blinded by our hubris.

Editorial Review:

America's power is in decline, its allies alienated, its soldiers trapped in a war that even generals regard as unwinnable. What has happened these past few years is well known. Why it happened continues to puzzle. Celebrated Slate columnist Fred Kaplan explains the grave misconceptions that enabled George W. Bush and his aides to get so far off track, and traces the genesis and evolution of these ideas from the era of Nixon through Reagan to the present day.