5 comments about The Last Jihad (Political Thrillers Series #1).

1. I've been told by a number of people that I should read this book and I FINALLY did!! I've read a lot of "post" 9-11 novels and this one ranks up with the best. I kinda see what all the hype was about. Since 200+ before me have already put in thier two cents I'll just say that you should join the rest of us and read this book.
   
   The ending is wonderful and literally makes you go out and get the next book. Since I'm reading this series "late" all of the books are published already. Thank god!! I'd hate to have to wait for the next one in this series.



2. I could not put this book down, it is so intense! My heart was pounding through the whole thing I couldn't wait to see what was on the next page!!! If you like action and suspense I highly recommend this book!!!!



3. I have read Ezekiel Option, The Copper Scroll, and Epicenter by Joel Rosenberg. I decided to go back and read the first two books in the series to get more of a background (same characters throughout) before going on to Rosenberg's newest release. The Last Jihad is definitely a thriller from the very first page. I love these books and recommend them highly. The Last Jihad is a page turner if you like political intrigue; very hard to put down. Informative and exciting!!!



4. In Rosenberg's feverish book, copyright 2003, the President and Vice President are given heroic personas - if only that were true. Not only is the economy going great guns but the pair are presented as all-knowing, far/decisive thinking greater than life heros. In adition, Saddam is proven (remember how Bush/Cheney were so certain) to have not only Sarin and other poision gases but actual nuclear bombs with rockets to launch them. Of course, in the book the President has no choice but to launch a massive bombing campaign against Iraq again with no plan of what to do next - just like what happened.
   Although this is a 'book' where actual events have evolved completely differently, I am sure Christians and Republicans will love its delusions.



5. In this book we enter a world where Iraq launches simultaneous terror attacks against Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the West. In one of the first attacks the president of the U.S.A. is wounded and he enlists a former Wall Street guru Jon Bennett to help broker a peace settlement. But the threat of a desperate nuclear offensive by the rogue state looms. The book is a fast read. It contains violence and some strong language.

4 comments about The Bin Ladens: An Arabian Family in the American Century.

1. As someone who lived in Saudi Arabia for 12 years, and who personally knew members of the royal family, including two of their Kings, I rushed out to purchase this book the first moment I heard about it. Additionally, my friends in the royal family used to share plenty of stories about the Bin Laden family and their reputation for being the "pet company" of King Abdul Aziz and his two kingly sons, Faisal and Fahad. Therefore, I have greatly enjoyed the read which brought back many memories of my 12 years in the Kingdom. I was there when King Khalid, one of the nicest men in the Al Saud family ruled, and when he died my boss, Dr. Nizar Feteih, was in Taif with Khalid, so I heard firsthand everything that happened on the king's deathbed. Dr. Feteih loved King Khalid like a second father, and from my years of observing, I believe that King Khalid loved Dr. Feteih like a son. King Fahd then assumed the reins and I always found him to be a very kindly person who could not turn down helping anyone with a sad story. He even listened to me when I complained about the tragedy of so many homeless animals in Riyadh, even as my boss was standing to the side seething that I had brought up such a topic to the king! But, King Fahd was patient and kind and listened to me with a sweet smile on his face and later even made a few changes in the way homeless animals were treated by the municipal authorities. Now, they have King Abdullah, who is one of a kind. The Kingdom is in good hands with their current king, and I am hoping to see stability and good change in various arenas. But, enough of the memories. I would like to say that I admire the author for all the time devoted to this writing project. It's clear that he has done extensive research, and that he has written well on these two very important, wealthy, and influential families. I see where the author states that he was unable to get cooperation from the Bin Laden family, so that takes away slightly from the credibility of any personal accounts, because unless it is from a member of the family, it is delegated to "hear-say." Despite this one drawback, I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the the history of Saudi Arabia and of the ruling family, as well as the Bin Laden story. I admire the author for his hard work and first rate book. Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia;Mayada, Daughter of Iraq: One Woman's Survival Under Saddam Hussein;Love in a Torn Land: Joanna of Kurdistan: The True Story of a Freedom Fighter's Escape from Iraqi Vengeance



2. I enjoyed this book a lot - It's a fascinating history of a family's rise from nothing to high influence in Saudi Arabia. Steve Coll and his team have researched this very well and provide a high resolution story of the Bin Laden family. By their close association to the Royal Family, we find out about the secretive ways in which decisions are/were made.
   
   The middle east is a vastly different place from any other on earth - here's a great insight into a very different culture. If you're into the history of interesting places that influence your every day life, this will not disappoint.
   
   Not sure why a previous reviewer felt compelled to review his life in Saudi instead of the book, but for sure the book is more interesting than his life.



3. Here are 671 well written pages about the family we wish we did not know. Unfortunately, the American (and World) public know of the evil Osama even if none of the other family members rest in our memories.
   
   Steve Coll gives us more insight into that family than we really need, but, we are craving to know. He does it so well that it does not take as long to read over 600 pages than one might think.
   
   The reader will be "pleased" when it is revealed that Osama's father died in a plane crash in 1988.
   
   Author of Mr. NewHeart (New Heart): Heart Attack to Transplant and Beyond
   
   
   I also recommend A Step of Faith - an inspiring story to help get you through the month.



4. What a tale. Except it is all true. Whereas Mike Moore threw out facts without much context, Coll provides well-researched history and explanations, making our weird relationship with The House of Saud that much more clear. And Murky.
   
   The Bin Laden Family is far more complex and interesting than I would have thought possible, and as alien and strange, when compared to western society, as you could imagine.
   
   This is an important book, one that provide the curious with information, background, and a glimmer of understanding as to how Osama became who he was, and how his family life, Muslim marital and divorce practices, and the strange, complex, and bizarre entity we know as the Bin Laden family came to be.
   
   The only thing worse than learning how US policies led to 9/11 is seeing how we have coddled and knowingly supported one of the most corrupt family dictatorships in the world - the Sauds. Eye-opening, fascinating and hard to put down. I highly recommend this book.

5 comments about War and Decision: Inside the Pentagon at the Dawn of the War on Terrorism.

1. The inside story of a defining moment of American character. Want to know what Colin Powel is really like? Want to know how much control the President really has over foreign policy? Read it.



2. Fact #1: State Dept is competent & trustworthy (anonymous sources say so)
   Fact #2: CIA is competent & trustworthy (anonymous sources say so)
   Fact #3: DoD is secretive and incompetent (anonymous sources say so)
   So how can anyone write a book that disproves those facts?
   Well, actually, it turns out it's really really easy to disprove those facts.



3. Wow this is an important definiton of managed major media news -- as well ad the agenda driven, risk adverse CIA and Department of State -- "Let's go along and get along, we will pay the consequences some other time" and "My mind is made up, don't confuse me with the facts.
   
   I marvel at the detail of notes and memory of the author -- some times a bit more than needed to make the point. So, we are required to do a bit of digging through the meetings and conversations to get to the meat. But so be it.
   
   The author also defines that one of the unfortunate points in the Iraq war coverage is the administration's lack of P.R. capabilities, leaving the public to the twisted interpretation of the initiation and conduct of the war to the major news media.



4. This volume is an attempt to cover the tracks of a gang of immoral, devious, vicious, neocons who fabricated the evidence and devised the strategy of propaganda used to propel the US into an illegal war. Feith was one of many back-room boys who fed a dim president the words that were used to sell the Iraq fiasco.
   Watch him squirm and whine when interviewed by Jon Stewart.
   In a proper and just World Feith would be made to stand before a Court and defend a charge of War Criminal.
   Don't buy this book. He should not benefit from evil.



5. Just because I disagree with something (as I do with most of this fairytale), I'm not one to give it a bad rating. However, this was simply the most poorly written book I've read in ages. There are too many footnotes to distract, and it's hard to ignore the common liars techniques - An example would be repeating a story 4 times with extra details added each time.
   
   If this book sells many copies, it'll be due to the "Nancy Grace effect" - wherein people want to see why something is so bad and will buy it to find out - Not unlike the movie "Plan 9 from Outer Space."

5 comments about Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Fight Terrorism and Build Nations . . . One School at a Time.

1. I have told everyone I know who reads a lot to buy this book. It is very good



2. Greg Mortenson lives a truly inspiring life. Three Cups of Tea is a well-written story that is filled with adventure, challenges, and proof that a dream and persistence can have far-reaching results. Friends and family have thanked me for guiding them to this wonderful book. Enjoy.



3. I was sold on what this book was going to be about. I mean who doesn't want to read about great things! But it's too bad that they couldn't get a better writer to tell a great story. What a SHAME!



4. A perfect read - I don't even know how to accurately describe it. The incredible impact one person can have on the world. I finished reading a few days ago and it has made me constantly think of my life and what I can do. The writing isn't perfect but it isn't bad and I think it gave the book a REAL quality. It didn't feel overly written and composed. Don't get so caught up in grammar and nit picky items that you aren't completely inspired. A brilliant story about an amazing individual selflessly improving the lives of others. I expect this book will be life changing .



5. The cover and title make it sound like a chick book. This is a book for everyone. There is high adventure throughout. The story is amazing and will touch your heart as well as your need for speed and your need to identify with various tough guy heroes. The tone stays mostly neutral on the pros and cons of the Islam/US strife, just sicking to telling the story. You will not want to put this book down.

5 comments about America Alone: The End of the World As We Know It.

1. Steyn does his homework. If you like information on demographic trends, certain projects of what the future might be for Europe, Japan, and the U.S. then this is a great read.
   
   It is quite sobering and may even depress you a bit based on how Europe is changing with a massive influx of muslims coming in from Moracco the Middle East and Southeast Asia. There are a few points I would disagree with Steyn on Japan. I do believe the Japanese purposely want their population to go down slowly given the size and resources of their archipeligo nation, it isn't diminishing because of mass infusion of new workers from the Islamic world. For the Japanese, it's a shrewd move on their part.
   
   However, Europe is another issue. It's a mess. The caucasian races are not producing children and to keep their over-inflated social systems in place (something we may have contributed in the formation with the Marshall Plan)... they need new workers, blood, even if it comes from the places vastly different in values to their own. The French city riots that happened a few years ago had substantially large numbers of youth from muslim households. Certain laws in England have been changed to accommodate a more aggressive Islamic population living there. These are only a few of the changes being seen today.
   
   Steyn gives some provocative points and a decent level of raw and refined data to show this demographic shift. The long-term ramifications are what shaped the title of the book... "America Alone." That sense that we might be alone among the nations may happen sooner than we imagine. Although there are some who would say we always have been "alone," and that America has always marched to a different drummer than the Europeans.
   
   Overall, a good read, and definitely a source of discussion for many. I do recommend his work. Admittedly, it focuses on demographics, and I feel Steyn could have expanded this further.



2. For anyone concerned about the threat of radical Islam and had always planned to research more about it, Mark Steyn has done us a great service. He lays out clearly the depth and breadth of the threat, and it is sobering to behold. Insightful and well-written. In fact, it's so well-written it cost him a star - there are plenty of times he is so eager to show you what a gifted writer he is that he fails to communicate. Well worth your time, though.



3. Interesting and griping fact centered book. However, authors attempt at humor while writing of such a serious subject did not sit well with me. I am so afraid he is right, just not funny.



4. I read Mark Steyn's America Alone, when it came out last fall, I haven't had a good night's sleep since.
   
   The whole time I was reading this book, I kept hearing the Gwen Stefani cover of "It's the end of the world as we know it" (but I didn't feel fine) for all those who think America is not that great, try to imagine a world without the USA. The only country in history that had the power to subjegate the world, that didn't try. You can take all the conspiracy theories for what you think they are worth, but the demographic trends oulined here are truly frightening.



5. Heard great review on talk radio and had to read it myself. Great book. Perhaps too many attempts at humor, but still a great read.

5 comments about Infidel.

1. Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali is the perfect out-look into a very different, intriguing life-style. Ayaan Hirsi cleary illustrates what her life was like growing up and living as a Muslim woman.
   Ayaan Hirsi Ali is now known as a woman who has received threats for her life after she openly left the religion of Islam behind her, and argued about Muslim ways. However, after reading Infidel, it is evident that she wasn't always like this. In fact, you might be surprised at how religious Ayaan Hirsi Ali was growing up. She was a strong follower of Islam in her youth, she prayed to Allah five times a day, facing the holy city of Mecca. During her teenage years, rules of Islam were drilled into her head. For example, she learned that she in no way was superior to any male, and that she needed to cover her body, because if she didn't, she was committing a sin by tempting men with her looks. She was at first afraid to deny her religion. The Quran that she believed in told her hell was, "sores, boiling water, peeling skin, burning flesh, dissolving bowels, the everlasting fire that burns you forever, for as your flesh chars and your juices boil, your form a new skin. These details overpower you, ensuring that you will obey (Ayaan Hirsi Ali)."
   After reading this book, there is a certain insight to Ayaan Hirsi Ali's life. It's clear that there are reasons for how she is today. In Infidel, the most interesting part of the book was when she went into depth about how she was treated. She told the brutal truth about every aspect of her life. After reading this book, it was so easy to respect her. She had so many difficult times in her life, from being outcast from her family for not marrying someone, to being beat so hard her scull was cracked. Although the book was very well written, there were some parts that didn't seem to work well in the book. For example, Ayaan Hirsi Ali included several insignificant details that did not deal with her main ideas. This made it difficult to read, along with the fact that she jumped around a lot, and had so many characters that it often became unclear who she was talking about. In the end, Infidel was definitely a book worth reading. It will change the reader's look on their life and the world in general.



2. I am one of those people who would insist, in conversation, that Islam is Really a peaceful religion. After reading this book I have definitely changed my opinion. The book, Infidel, reads more like a novel than a memoir and should be required reading for all young people. The book recalls Hirsi's personal journey, it also recounts the history and tribal battles of Somalia and other countries in the area. She takes the reader on her travels through Islam and also the Quran. Infidel gives the greatest insight into why our battles in Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan have not been successful and an understanding of the teachings of Islam. She explains why she believes that many Westerners have problems understanding Islam due to their misguided feelings of "political correcness". The book is a MUST read for anyone who wants to enlighten themselves on our ongoing terrorist fight and an undestanding of the terrible treatment of women in many parts of the world.



3. I found this book to be spell binding. It is the best explanation of Islam and it's role in society today that I've ever read. I think it should be required reading in high schools and universities all over American.



4. If you're interested in an inside look at the way Muslim women are viewed and treated, this is a book you need to read. Ayaan Ali's writing is engaging from the first sentence. Although many of her experiences were shocking and sad, she doesn't wallow in self pity. She's a woman to be admired for telling the truth about a controversial subject.



5. I found Infidel absolutely riveting! The early mapping of clans, and their names was somewhat difficult to follow, but necessary to the story line. This woman speaks the unspeakable which nearly cost her her life and still may. She makes us realize that just the ability to think and have opinions is not a right, it's a privlege we westerners take for granted. She is an inspiration in honesty and courage that sets the bar very high for the rest of us.

2 comments about Willful Blindness: Memoir of the Jihad.

1. Andrew McCarthy writes with clarity, depth and self-effacement about the lead up to and the successful 1995 prosecution of Omar Abdel Rahman, the Blind Sheikh, and his terrorist followers. As lead Assistant United States Attorney, McCathy's knowledge and attention to detail fascinate. The intricacies in mounting the prosecution, avoiding the pitfalls and foibles of the FBI and New York's Joint Terrorism Task Force, keeping a difficult informant from refusing to cooperate, struggling with the rules of admissible evidence, rival the best in any police procedural mystery; this is not Sam Waterston spouting the script of "Law and Order," this is the argot of a real life Federal prosecutor and it is daunting. No Hollywood script can capture the nuance and judgment needed to bring a case like this to its successful conclusion.
   
   McCarthy, a talented writer, draws deep insights from his experience into the shortcomings of prosecuting terrorists as criminals. He ends with a thoughtful exposition of the disconnect between national security and criminal law. He is a voice of clarity, reason and experience in the dialogue now going in America on issues of law and national security.



2. Ohmygosh, I just read this on the train and I'm glad I was moving when I did. I share friendships with many journalists who are not "liberals" with "agendas," both in the US, the UK and South Asia (India and Pakistan). My impression of Andy's book is that it lay somewhere on the continuum between Vincent Bugliosi's iconic memoir and analysis of the Manson case, "Helter Skelter," and Cracker Jack candy and gorp-entertainment for the right-wingers to gobble up. I will say that Andy is somewhat successful at avoiding the usual prosecutor/police procedural trope and heroics, yet the plunge in the other end of the pool without the float of context and analysis, and tossing away ideology, is a bit weird. It's almost a bugle call to arms against an evil empire of classic Hollywood vintage. Or perhaps Andy has has "channeled" Richard The Lionhearted and we must follow against the evil, ragged and Unholy Arabs. In short, I don't think it adds anything to the decourse beside this basic "Helter Skelter" review. I am sure the right wing will eat it up, however, and there it seems to have found it's only audience.

5 comments about American Heroes: In the Fight Against Radical Islam (War Stories).

1. If you want to know why we must fight and prevail in the war against Jihadist fascism, Oliver North provides us with a series of inspiring stories. This is a book for all Americans to read, and to remember. Bravo Zulus, Ollie, for once again giving us a ground-level sit-rep that we all must take to heart.
   John Weisman



2. This book is a great addition to the conversation about our troops overseas. Oliver North is such a class act and really understands the plight of the men and women serving our country. With the addition of Chuck Holton (a former Army Ranger), this book is a sure bet to giving a true depiction of our American Heroes.



3. With all the different opinions and false information shown in the media the war on terror has become something we are unsure and confused about. This book comes out and clears things up. A Must Read!



4. It has been a challenge to gather accurate, encouraging information and insight into this conflict due to the fact that it is an unpopular endeavor among leading media outlets. I know Chuck Holton personally and have been following his work with Oliver North so that I know how much time and effort has been invested in delivering this insightful book. It is very refreshing to get my hands on information written and compiled by men with integrity who are committed to truth.



5. This is a high quality book in the National Geographic style. Well illustrated with scenes of the young people that are doing the job and relevant articles about their heroics. Not all heroics is dodging bullets and bombs. Sometimes it's taking the time to comfort a child or give aid to a civilian. Even enemy combatants are cared for by the troopers after the shooting stops. I give this book my highest recommendation. This is money well spent.American Heroes: In the Fight Against Radical Islam (War Stories)

5 comments about Moment of Truth in Iraq: How a New 'Greatest Generation' of American Soldiers is Turning Defeat and Disaster into Victory and Hope.

1. Mike Yon is a "hands on" reporter...he doesn't talk about theories of the war--he walks his readers through it. He doesn't tell readers what to think about the war--he describes the details and allows the readers the freedom come to their own conclusions. Deep. Thought provoking.
   
   Another thing I really value about Yon's writing--he humanizes the Iraqis. They are so "far" away from the American public, that they are often not even considered when discussing the tragedies and losses of this war. If you ask the average citizen here how many they think have died in Iraq, they will almost always just refer to the Americans.
   
   Yes, this is a war influenced by and affected greatly by media...and Yon's journalism is one of our greatest assets in this fight. His words are brutally honest in describing what he saw, encountered and experienced, but then, that is exactly what makes this work, so refreshingly unbiased, so valuable. Way to go, Mike!



2. I got turned on to this book by Instapundit, Glenn Reynolds, [...]-- who often links to Michael Yon. MY review is choppy, but the book is not. I'm just shepherding a couple of children and it's tough to get my thoughts together. In contrast, Yon's writing in Moment of Truth is very lucid. Don't judge the book by my writing style, please.
   
   I didn't know it would be such a good read. My first impression was that Yon brought clarity to the myriad units fighting, and he clarifies the relationships between our allies and our enemies. This alone would be reason to buy the book -- current media war reporting runs to lazy, ill-informed, agenda-driven, or incomplete stories. It has been almost impossible to decipher WHO are our allies, and WHO are the enemy. Clarity.
   
   Yon relates events even-handedly. There is no lip gloss on this book -- you are going to get the straight story. Did we execute poorly at the beginning of the war, to the detriment of our credibility? We did. Did it nearly cost us the war? It did. Have things changed? They have.
   
   Yon is trustworthy. He has been embedded with US and British units since 2004, fighting with them. He's not a cheerleader. He's a professional. We will win counterinsurgency with media reporting such as his.
   
   Yon lays out story after story of how Iraqi governance is being built through watching the example of American soldiers.
   
   The book is up to date, with reporting into January of 2008.
   
   It's a fast read -- takes maybe 2 evenings, but it's the war coverage the American public should have been getting all along.
   
   For me, the most hopeful takeaway from this book is that the US Army is becoming competent at counterinsurgency and urban warfare. This is encouraging news. Our soldiers have always been the best among us. It is the hearts of the American soldiers that is turning Iraq into a success story.
   
   Get it and read it -- I am so glad I did.



3. The book is 3 things:
   
   - First-rate first-person war reporting
   - An account of what is going on tactically in Iraq
   - A partial handbook on COIN/4GW and the importance of the non-kinetic activities
   
   I highly recommend it.



4. Michael Yon has been giving great dispatches from this front for years and his book takes it to a whole new level. Alongside the men of our armed forces in small teams, Yon is able to get a front row seat for the courageous battles, subtle diplomacy and true scenes of bravery. Only a former Green Beret would actually participate in the battle he is writing about. Its about time someone talked about the magnificent job that our brothers and sisters are doing in an incredibly difficult situation. Thank you, Michael, from all of us.



5. This is one of the few citizen journalists whom I will grant any credibility, and he has written a supurb book. He does not write so people will agree or disagree with him. I disagreed with him about the civil war in Iraq which he says started a year before anyone took notice. That is not his concern. The FACTS on the ground are his concern, and that is what he writes about in this book.
   
   When you wrote about the successes, the losses, the children, the living and the dieing, you had me in smiles and tears and awe. Especially when you wrote about the times you'd see 'that look' on our mens faces after losing a brethren. How awful! We must not let them down.
   
   It may amaze many people who have only watched TV to get their news, but we are actually winning over in the Iraq theater!
   
   You may also read Michael's reports on his website, [...]. He is an incredible writer, and this book just esteems this fact. It seems to have written itself. That is because Michael makes it appear so easy. Trust me, it is not.
   
   I'm grateful we have someone who is willing to go over there on his own (without any financial backing) seeking the truth as his only agenda, instead of having a closed mind either way. Thank you, Michael Yon. I love the book, even though it is emotional for me. Excellent job.

5 comments about Dead Heat (Political Thrillers Series #5).

1. A great boook is always a great reading. Very inspiring and really..really..really.....thrilling reader's heart. A good one, I will encourage others to read it. Ha..ha..ha...such a great book.



2. In the beginning it was scaring. I didn't want to believe that this could ever happen, at least not in my life time. What was scaring became so inspiring and heart invigorating. The manifestation of human inability and total dependency on the One who empowers the faithful. The most unexpected moment was the Christ's appearance, and how could it not be! My heart almost stopped at that moment. I hardly could manage feelings of joy and sadness simultaneously. Joy for the redeemed and sadness for those staying behind. I just could not let the book down until I got to the end or almost to the end, as it seams that I just reached a new beginning.



3. Having purchased the previous selections by Joel Rosenberg, I expected a great read. It was much more. His character development, political scenarios, and excellent writing combined for a wonderfully entertaining, yet sobering, look at our world today and for the future.
   
   I highly recommend it.



4. Wonderful read but its strong Rapture theme was surprising to one expecting more of a Vince Flynn genre novel.



5. Last of Rosenberg's series will keep you on the edge of your seat! One must pray for our country as we see these things unfold. I am so grateful that the opportunity to accept Yeshua into your heart is presented often throughout this novel.