3 comments about Kafka Comes to America: Fighting for Justice in the War on Terror - A Public Defender's Inside Account.

1. This past week I lost several hours of sleep as I devoured Steven Wax's well written book that reads like a crime thriller and tells the sadly true stories of two innocent men caught up in a tangle of legal roadblocks and deceit as the Bush administration has abused its power and taken away the rights of Americans and foreigners alike in its overzealous "war on terror". I had expected a dry treatise on rights and justice laced with legal mumbo jumbo and instead found myself unable to put the book down - it is an engaging read as the twists and turns of the two cases unfold and eroding rights endanger innocent people with tragic results.
   
   Most importantly, wrapped up in the two cases are harrowing and chilling lessons for all people who value freedom, democracy, and the simple right to a fair day in court to defend oneself against unfounded and erroneous charges drummed up by a government Administration gone bad. The tragic stories of the two innocent men at the core of the book clearly illustrate the insidious effects and dangerous impact of abdicating our rights. The 2 tales show how lost rights mean we lose the moral and ethical high ground and undermine the strength of our democracy when we need it most.
   
   Lastly, the book exposes the inspiring courage of not only the victims, but also of those who work tirelessly to defend our freedoms, rights, and responsibilities. Judges who uphold the law and Constitution, insiders who risk censure or worse by shedding light on hidden unfair or illegal practices, and lawyers like Steven Wax and his team who are tireless in their defense of the Constitution and our rights.
   
   A gripping read on one level, an important illumination of the erosion of Constitutional rights on another, and a motivating call to arms for all citizens who value democracy, freedom, and the rule of law (not to mention common sense). I highly recommend this book.



2. 
   Kafka Comes to America by Steve Wax tells the harrowing story of two of the author's clients who had the misfortune of being terrorist suspects under the Bush Administration's new legal regime. Brandon Mayfield, an American lawyer, was arrested and held as a "material witness" after the FBI misidentified a fingerprint linked to the Madrid bombings even in the face of disagreements by their Spanish counterparts. Adel Hamad, a Sudanese hospital administrator, was arrested at his home in Pakistan and held at Guantanamo even after Steve and his team compiled substantial evidence of his innocence.
   
   Neither of these stories should seem unfamiliar or even all that surprising to those who have spent even the smallest amount of time just reading the news. Yet, Kafka Comes to America presents multiple, disturbing revelations. Beyond just the details of Brandon and Adel's individual stories, which are horrifying but important to know in their own right, the book discusses how each of these awful stories is not only possible but likely to be repeated in the U.S. Kafka Comes to America makes it impossible for the reader to dismiss all of the things that happened to Brandon and Adel as anomalies or because of a "few bad apples" or something that happened to a few guys who are different from the reader and therefore somehow to blame. Rather, the book explains how what Brandon and Adel have endured is due to a systematic perversion of America's legal system. It happened through executive coup, legislative complicity, and judicial cowardice.
   
   In addition, the book discusses how all of this has grave implications for all of us. First, we should be outraged that it has been done in our name. I always have felt that way, but this book heightened that feeling. Steve's prose is straightforward, which matches what, at heart, is a very simple turn of events: our government grabbed for power and, for the most part, no one including the law stopped them. It is so easy to understand that it is scary. That is the second implication: we should all be scared that what happened to Brandon and Adel could happen to us. If it is too difficult to imagine being accused of terrorism (which it should not be after reading about Brandon), is it really so hard to imagine being accused of something more mundane but being subjected to the enhanced powers of the authorities now that many checks and balances have been removed?
   
   Steve makes the important point in his book that we should take some comfort from the fact that our government does pay him to fight these fights against the government. He is right, and it provides hope that we can regain what we have lost. I will take at least two things from Steve's book. First, while we are rightly focused on closing Guantanamo and restoring habeas corpus, there are other laws and concepts that have started seeping into our national consciousness that we will need to address to ensure Guantanamo never happens again. Second, I know that I will read ever more critically news reports of suspected terrorists, including American citizens and arrested, even when there is a supposed 100% certain fingerprint match. Thank you to Steve for writing this book. Now go read it.



3. Stars, that is! If there is anything sure about today's "new world order", it's that Americans need to think deeply about what being "American" actually means. Innocent people locked up, tortured, harassed and humiliated is as Un-American as is possible, and "we the people" should be incensed. Steve Wax has written a fast paced, engaging, "fair and balanced" first hand account of our civil liberties run amok, and the passionate folks who tirelessly pursue justice. Let there be no doubt- Liberty requires the courage to illuminate the truth so the world can see.
   
   Steve's book is important, amazing and enthralling. You will not be disappointed.

5 comments about Understanding Terror Networks.

1. Sageman brings a great deal of insight to his examination of the behavior of individuals and groups within terror networks. The book is very strong as advertised: an empirical examination of how terrorists relate to each other, and a series of logical conclusions given the available data as to how such networks originate and act.
   
   Small weaknesses: some of the more tangential discussions within this book are relatively bereft of citation, and those parts tend to be correspondingly weak arguments (such as the straw man about ISI funding). Additionally (and in conjunction with that), Sageman's analysis of JI's situation is dated and has been proven inaccurate - instead of disappearing, it has tended to adapt in much the same way as the rest of the global jihadists (International Crisis Group has a great report on Noordin Mohamed Top's networks throughout Indonesia, as of Jan 07). Sageman might be able to argue that the jihad has changed to a more local form, despite the bombings of the J.W. Marriott in Jakarta in 03, the Australian Embassy in 04, and the second Bali bombing in 05, all related to Top's network... but the ICG report argues it is merely a more autonomous cell than previously known in Indonesia, and the danger is that more low-level cells will take up the fight (additionally, Ba'asyir was never sentenced for more than a few years, and thus never 'out of play' as Sageman treated him). Several of the ICG reports also list Southeast Asians and their ties. Many of them are not connected heirarchically through Pondok Ngruki or the Malaysian school, as Sageman states, but rather through training in Afghanistan or actions (jihads) in Maluku or Poso.
   
   I wouldn't say that this book is any sort of substitute for a thorough history of global jihadist terrorism (recommend Jason Burke's 'Al Qaeda', though it pays little attention to Southeast Asia, for which you could suppliment with Maria Ressa's more sensational but still illuminating book 'Seeds of Terror'). I would say that it is essential reading for ANY law enforcement, community members, or mosque-goers who might be on the alert for terror suspects.
   
   Overall, it is VERY strong for, as advertised: "Understanding Terror Networks."
   (Just ignore the parts about JI).



2. Understanding Salafist Sunni Muslims Extremists Would be a better title. The author concentrated mainly in Sunni "the enemies of the US" no Shia. While Hizballah is shia. He make some interesting points saing that In - group love is a better way to see terrorism than Out - group Hate. Why not a combination of both?
   We know every individual have his psychological make - up and his own reasons to join a movement. A lot of them goes because indoctrination and they don't know anything beside the cultural doctrine and probably less about Islam, Sayyid Qutb or Hassan Banna, others might go to fill his self vaccum, looking for afilliation with somethng that it's respected - "Inasmuch as I'm not being respected and will be"..., so filing personal security necesities joining. Leftist, racist right movements, and so forth need to be see in difference perspectives. With so many arm groups in the middle east shia and sunni it will be very unwisely name all the same thing. Each one need to be observe in their community inmediate historical context than simply base on Egypts muslim brothehood (HAMAS, Qaeda, Palestinan Islamic Jihad, Egiptian Islamic Jihad and many other inspiration) fascits roots. Almost half of the book is centered in the brotherhood.
   The author relies in a interesting personal statistical analysis. The problem is that statistics don't give psychological explanations neither sociological.



3. A most useful work on terrorism, with a focus on the origins of the Salafi jihad. His method? He examines the biographical data on 172 terrorists to study this "network." He, in essence, debunks a number of theories of terrorists, e.g., psychological theories. His thesis is clearly and simply stated thus (page vii): "[The data] suggest. . .that this form of terrorism is an emergent quality of the social networks formed by alienated young men who become transformed into fanatics yearning for martyrdom and eager to kill."
   
   His study of the linkages among four networks, the Maghreb Arabs, Core Arabs, Southeast Asians, and Central Staff (Osama bin Laden and his core supporters), leads him to describe the actual linkages in a nice diagram on page 138.
   
   He begins the volume with an historical analysis, tracing the roots of what has evolved into, as he puts it, the Salafi jihad. He looks at early figures, such Mohamed ibn Abd al-Wahhab. He describes the emergence of a particular view of jihad. He notes the emergence of groups across a number of countries and how some of these, over time, developed into his putative Salafi jihad network.
   
   Then, to the heart of the matter. Why do some people become jihadists within this movement and others not? He ends up dismissing many standard theories and asserts, instead, that social networks are the key. The basis for this conclusion, again, is the perusal of the biographical data set that he developed (see the appendix listing those about whom he has gathered data on pages 185-189.
   
   In the final chapter, he speaks of how his analysis might assist in attacking the movement and reducing the odds of future terrorist actions from them. Whether or not readers will be convinced will be a matter for each person to judge. Nonetheless, he does make an effort to use his analysis to address strategy and tactics in the campaign against terrorism.
   
   This is a useful book to read, in juxtaposition with others by Bloom, Pape, and so on. As a package, these works help to illuminate the reality of terrorism--not the often simplistic views depicted in the media.



4. An outstanding book that provides the reader not only with the structure of terror networks, but also information as to why and how individuals and groups join the global jihad. Based on extensive research of known terrorists, the author, in my opinion, has drawn the proper conclusions and supports each of his claims in an easily understood manner.
   
   I especially liked the author's attempts to provide feasible actions that the government should consider to better attack these networks and improve the security of our nation. Additionally, I found the author's description of the type of individuals (age, marital status, education level etc.) that join these terrorist networks extremely interesting and surprising.
   
   I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a fresh look inside the terrorist networks.



5. 2004's "Understanding Terror Networks" is a detailed look at al-Qaeda and its associated networks, the new Mujahedin of radical Islam. Author Marc Sageman is a Doctor of Psychiatry and Sociology, with intelligence and foreign service experience in the effort to expel the Soviets from Afghanistan in the 1980's. Using open source data, he examines a large sampling of information on individual terrorists to determine what makes them tick and how they network. The end result is far more useful than the anecdote-based journalism that fills bookstores.
   
   Sageman documents that the typical Islamic terrorist is a young man from a loving middle class family, often well-educated, who becomes alienated through work or study in a foreign country or even a large city in the Middle East. He reaches out to fellow Muslims, typically some combination of kin and close friends, for a sense of identity and belonging. For those few who become terrorists, a combination of exposure to a radical Islamic message, reinforced by his bonds with fellow radicals, is coupled with access to the Mujahedin for training and direction. The popular image of the poor, uneducated, psychotic suicide bomber does not survive Sageman's analysis.
   
   Sageman also identifies the hubs of the current Mujahedin movement, the Central Staff around Osama bin Laden, the Southeast Asia group, the Magreb group from North Africa, and the Core Arab group from Egypt and the Saudi Peninsula. He traces the nature of the networks that link these groupings and how bin Laden has expertly exploited these connections to carry out his particular jihad. The loose, self-recruiting nature of the various groups and their general lack of a rigid hierarchy makes them hard to find and harder to eliminate. On the other hand, the dependence on communications within the groups and with the major hubs makes them vulnerable to attack, as recent U.S. and allied efforts have succeeded in disrupting or defeating a number of plots since 9/11. Sageman provides some suggestions in his conclusion for more focused intelligence and law enforcement efforts against the terror networks.
   
   "Understanding Terror Networks" is very highly recommended to the intelligence, military, or law enforcement professional seeking a better understanding of our terrorist opponents. Sageman's prose tends to be quite dry, but the persistent reader will be well-rewarded.

5 comments about The New Pearl Harbor: Disturbing Questions About the Bush Administration and 9/11.

1. One of the best books I have read. BASED ON FACTS with a well educated person giving the details.
   
   Folks, it's plain sight to see what happened on 9/11. No debunking needed. If you look at the facts and not folklore, you will understand the perspective that 9/11 was an inside job. Couple of Middle Eastern guys from a cave did not do this.



2. Like living in denial? Then don't read this book; it's filled with referenced facts.



3. Let's say the Bush administration, or a cabal of Neo-cons, pulled off this incredible deception. Why didn't they then plant at least the elements used for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq? The former is so hard, the latter comparatively simple. Bush would be vindicated and marching through Tehran by now. And it's not like he didn't have a huge window of time to "discover" some fissionable material. This whole conspiracy idea makes no sense without that crucial next step.



4. I was a low level IntelGrunt funnelling TOP Secret crap to big daddy,
   NSA a long time ago; plus, after that very interesting, very educational stint in what we called 'The Association of Presidential Whipping Boys,'
   I became a first responder---a firefighter with DeKalb County Fire Dept.
   in Georgia. Plus, for two quarters, I worked for Law Engineering which
   tested building materials.
   
   During Disaster Pre-Plan classes, we discussed:
   
   1. Trade Towers collapse predicted since 1974!
   2. Terrorists using commercial airliners as human guided missiles have
   been predicted since WWII.
   3. Commercial Pilots carrying US Mail were required to carry firearms AND be proficient in their use since early days of Airmail.
   3. Terrorist profiling put in place in late '60s by Johnson Administration---primarily targeting Muslims.
   etc...
   4. Presidents Eisenhower and Truman in the late 40s and early 50s set a goal for the US to become totally energy independent by YR2000 so as
   to empower the US, prevent Islam from gaining power due to flood of US
   petro Dollars AND to prevent a nuclear world war between Christians and
   Muslims.
   Unfortunately for US AND nations of Persian Gulf, the Military Industrial
   Complex wanted war.
   
   From 1969 onwards, Nixon, Kissinger, Ford, Carter, Bush, Sr., etc...
   wanted war, put a stop to US energy independence, stopped profiling
   Muslim terrorists, outlawed effective fire suppression systems for
   Commercial high rise buildings (Except for 'critical' Government buildings like The White House, Pentagon, 911 Comm Centers), destroyed
   the Shah, encouraged Muslim radicals, betrayed Kuwait by giving green
   light to Iraq to invade, betrayed Turkey, Israel, Saudi Arabia, etc...
   
   Long story short. The morning of 911, I called Atlanta FBI and Atlanta
   FEMA minutes after the second airliner hit and advised them to warn NYC
   via their dedicated comm system that the 2nd tower hit would collapse within 4 hours and the other would collapse shortly thereafter and warned
   them to evacuate 1 mile from Ground Zero.
   
   I recorded the calls to FBI and FEMA, NSA has record of my call.
   Recordings sent to Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and other
   major news outlets. No one contacted me.
   
   Now Conspiracy nuts with little training in materials testing write
   books that muddy the waters by saying that the Tower were brought
   down by set charges , the Israelis did it and other rot.
   
   Bill Bryan
   IntellGrunt at yahoo dot com



5. Prof. David Ray Griffin presents a persuasive & realistic scenario, which, in short, suggests that (rogue) factions within the U.S. government were complicit in the cataclysm of 9/11. To reflect on the heedlessness of the official account, consider that the Clinton-Lewinsky investigation initially received more funding than the 9/11 investigation. 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 - the steal beams, the core, literally everything - was all removed from the scene and shipped to scrap yards. The evidence was utterly 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 by Nafeez Ahmed, Michel Chossudovsky, & Thierry Meyssan. Regardless of this, if you are interesting 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 - and appealingly so. The information provided on the collapse is less than stellar. I expected to see questions such as - "If the official account is true, why did gravity (and pockets of air) cause 2-ton steel girders to be launched 600 ft from the building?" Instead he focuses on the pulverized concrete. Overall, Griffin's book serves as a great introduction to the attacks of 9/11. Buying this paperback will not dissatisfy, nor 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 stinks to the high heavens!

3 comments about My Guantanamo Diary: The Detainees and the Stories They Told Me.

1. This book is one of those books that you will not be able to get out of your thoughts. The book beautifully written. It is almost impossible to put down. What I enjoyed most about My Guantanamo Diary, is that it it transcends the story of Guantanamo. It is a human story about relationships, love and betrayal that I think many people will be able to relate to.
   
   Mahvish Khan is a brilliant writer. The book is joyous, and smart and at the same time distressing. She has a pleasingly cynical sense of humor, one that cuts right through the material. This is such good material that is well considered and presented.



2. A MUST read book - An insightful, heartrendering, and beautiful piece of literture. I laughed, shed tears, vacilated between the shock of the governments torture methods and pride of the author's courage and determination to uphold the tenable principles of the United States Constitution.
   
   The author allows readers to experience events, tribulations and personalities through her eyes, cultural knowledge and objectivity. I vicariously journeyed the route - Florida - Guantanamo -Afghanistan with Mavish talking to me.



3. May the blessings of God always be with you. You have put your life at risk while working on this book to save the life of the Gitmo detainees. Not only have you opened up our eyes but our hearts as well. May this book be read by EVERYONE because the TRUTH must to be told. I shed many tears by reading this book... just imagine
   how and what they went through EVERY single day....

5 comments about The Ghost: A Novel.

1. I only picked it up because it was the latest novel by Harris, my new hero since he wrote Imperium - (read it several times). I can't say I was disappointed at all, however you can tell this plot was not the object of any great concentration of this author's time. This book is meant to entertain you for a couple hours and possibly get picked up by Hollywood for an okay movie. But if you're looking to actually BUY a book, get Imperium! That's a book that will earn its place on your bookshelf many times over.



2. 
   I thoroughtly enjoyed Harris' latest for its wit, authenticity, pace and well crafted plot that doesn't resolve til the final pages.



3. Terrible writing, mediocre story.
   
   Had me cringing from beginning to end. Aweful metaphores, fifty percent of the text could have been binned. On top of that it was a massive book but with huge text and double spaces between the lines. But really a short stork that goes in to no detail. If you have to do that to sell you books there must be something wrong.
   
   First book I have thrown away after reading.



4. Not the author's best work, but a fairly good read nevertheless. As a writer I found Harris' depiction of the publishing industry interesting and informative, while the story itself took the back seat. I'd wait for the paperback editon. This Side of the Gate



5. Extraordinarily inept book from a previously sure-footed writer. A ghost-biographer, thinly and unconvincingly characterised, is suddenly drawn into a politcal furore as former British PM Adam Lang, whose memoirs he is ghosting, becomes embroiled in a Hague investigation into war crimes. The action unfolds with laborious slowness, most of it on Martha'a Vineyard, where Lang and his small entourage are holed up. The story has the virtue of first person simplicity but rapidly degenerates into feeble wish-fuflilment with the narrator suddenly becoming a central speech-writer for the former PM (after having just met him!), before enjoying an entirely unconvincing bout of sex with the former's PM's wife. Even that is capped by a ludicrous episode where a jammed SatNav directs him to the CIA villain's lair. The truth finally appears on page 331 where he admits: "It was like a Feydau farce, each new scene more far-fetched than the last." Exactly. In 'Archangel' the twist was dazzling and scary, here it is laugh-out-loud stupid. You can only assume that the author's rage against Tony (or Cherie) Blair has paralyzed his literary judgement. And the moralizing doesn't even work as an anti-war polemic for, as we move further into a post-Blair world, most of this feels as if it is from another age.

5 comments about The 9/11 Report: A Graphic Adaptation.

1. While I disagree with some of the conclusions in the report, I found most of it very informative. The comic format works well for at least 90% of the pages, the rest just resort to showing logos and text boxes.
   
   I really appreciate the effort to publish this as a graphic novel, which makes it more accessible to a broader audience (including myself) who are not likely to read the lengthy report.
   
   Now, can someone please publish a graphic version of the Bipartisan Iraq Study Group?



2. This has to go down as something our children will be reading in school. What happened on that day can not be forgotten nor will it be with books like this.



3. 9/11 Report
   By Sid Jacobson
   This book is about the plane crashes on September 11th 2001. It's a comic book with lots of information. It has all the planes and terrorists that crashed into New York, Washington D.C. and Virginia. It's like the book, "9/11 Commission Report," only in a comic book. It also talks about what the government knew and how Bin Laden and Al Qaeda planned the attack since 1993.
   We enjoyed this book because it had clear, nice pictures and was organized well. We also enjoyed it because it was descriptive and explained a lot and it was pretty easy to follow. It was also nice because it was facts, not opinions.
   We wish it could have been different by having less boring information that didn't matter. We also wish it was different by having it more understandable for younger readers.
   We would recommend this book to the ages: 15 and Up. We recommend it to both males and females because it's important to know the crisis that happened and how we could avoid a terrorist attack next time!
   We would recommend this book because it has lots of useful information and tells facts that many people don't know about the terrorists and the attacks.
   
   Written by: Jacqui, Alena, Pascal, and Adam



4. When I saw this volume on the bookshelf, I shook my head. I picked it up and examined it a couple of times before finally deciding to take it home. I did not believe that a graphic version of the 9/11 Commission report would be anything more than an inadequate summary at best, or a sad joke at worst. I was wrong. The graphic version of the 9/11 Commission report is fascinating, communicating in words and pictures the most important concepts and vents of that fateful day.
   
   The book lays out many aspects of 9/11, from a side-by-side chronology of the attacks of the four jetliners used that day by terrorists, to the history and operation of Al Qaeda, to the way our government did and did not respond to the crisis, to the experience of first responders and victims of the attacks. Laying out its findings in neutral tones, the report details the confusion and dysfunction that allowed 19 terrorists to enter the country, train to fly, obtain access to airliners and wreak destruction and death on America. Americans are portrayed in our multi-racial realities. Terrorists are portrayed fairly frequently as menacing, with sneers and scowls that some might consider unneeded and even approaching racist. Others might find this portrayal appropriate and even subdued, given the mayhem they eventually produced. But this is a minor criticism and id not unduly ruffle my sensitive feathers.
   
   This book is fascinating and instructive, and not at all heavy on gore. A person assassinated by a hand grenade, for example, ifs shown without blood. Politicians of oath sides are depicted accurately and without attempts at personal caricature. Definitively a good choice for the age 10 and up, and would be a helpful primer to those who plan to read the full report. The forward by Thomas Kean and Lee Hamilton, he the Commission's Chair and Vice Chain, lends credibility to the volume. A winner and a real public service.



5. The 9/11 Report is a straightforward, full-color graphic novel adaptation of the final report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States. Featuring a foreword Thomas H. Kean and Lee H. Hamilton, the Chair and Vice Chair of the 9/11 Commission, The 9/11 Report distills the report's findings concerning how the attacks happened, America's subsequent response, and the glaring weaknesses in America's security. Perhaps the most troubling part of The 9/11 is its postscript, which lists letter grades of America's actions to make itself more secure up through 2006 - most of the grades are C's, D's, and F's. "Progress in many important areas has been slow or nonexistent. While the terrorists have been learning and adapting, we have been moving at a bureaucratic crawl." A plain-terms, respectful presentation accessible to readers of all backgrounds, the 9/11 Report is recommended reading for all American citizens - and therefore a "must-have" for public library collections everywhere.

5 comments about Sleeping with the Devil: How Washington Sold Our Soul for Saudi Crude.

1. Easy 1-2 day read...a book you CAN'T put down! Excellent and exciting writing style with occasional humorous comments by Baer...an informative, entertaining book!
   
   The only negative aspect in reading many reviews here, is the failures of many reviewers to recognize the deeper implications of this publication being ONLY ONE example of internal causes and weaknesses of the US government and corporate powers that Baer points out, has led to potentially serious current and future economic concerns and failures in US foreign and domestic policy. Baer's narrative voice parallels a "Fall of Rome" syndrome. Readers MUST remember that this relates to the deterioration of our nation's infrastructure, however Baer does blatantly reveal and address failures of State Department policy and other contributing factors of governmental policy weaknesses and failures of policy cohesion, adherence and logistics.
   
   Baer does an EXCEPTIONAL job in exemplifying the weaknesses that DO currently exist within US Foreign and domestic policies, especially in regards to lack of policy cohesion between agencies, professionals, and related administrations that are failing the "American Public."
   
   It is awesome to see Baer's recognition of HUMAN GREED (not just "WESTERN GREED") that exists in ALL administrations of the world, as presented by Baer, as he relates these to direct causes of "radical religious extremism" and "terrorism" as related to the Saud family's greed and contributing lifestyles that compel and contribute to extremist agendas in many Saudi subjects, as well as other extremist groups.
   
   Baer's book teaches American citizens valuable lessons about "American Complacency" towards our own government. I am glad to see Baer address the aspect of UNIVERSAL HUMAN NATURE in his book as a recognition that it's NOT the RACE, RELIGION or CULTURE, but it's the PERSONAL INTEGRITY within EACH OF US that REALLY matters, as well as in world administrations and policies. Baer makes it clear how and why the PEOPLE of the world are suffering, while governments and corporation are flourishing at the expense of the common citizen. Baer explains "WHY" and "HOW" terrorists have become so violent, acting out with extremist behaviors through their own frustrations of inept and greedy entities that have thrown basic principles of "good government" out the window!
   
   Baer also reveals how the power struggle within the Saudis monarchy causes even more abuses of power and wealth that seems to generally care relatively little about (paraphrasing) "efficiently running a country for its own best interests" vs. "personal greed and luxurious lifestyle." For Americans, Baer reveals aspects of our own country's administration and corporate sectors who do not exemplify concern for "AMERICA'S best interests" either, but simply their own "private" agendas! Baer is brilliant in bringing this to light on such a large scale, and connecting the barrels!
   
   The 'political' implications of a national struggle for control of "National Security" vs. "invasions of privacy" becomes quite evident in Baer's book! Take a deeper look! You will NOT regret buying this book, unless you can't handle the truth!



2. * It's all about the oil. Obviously, were there no oil in the Saudi Peninsula, the have-nothings would have no reason to resent the billionaire princes. The Royal family pays off the radicals to avoid massive revolts. 'Let them eat cake,' as Marie Antoinette once said. Without these petrol-dollar pay-offs from Royalty, the extremists would have no money to arm and indoctrinate their young. Without petrol-financing, the fundamentalists would have hardly any means to carry out coordinated operations.
   
   * Several factions within Saudi Arabia--the Wahhabis, the Shi'as, the Muslim Brothers, among others--pursue the formable goal to bring down the West--including the Al Sa'ud royalty because of its U.S. alliance.
   
   * The House of Sa'ud is corrupt, decadent, incompetent, and perhaps far beyond redemption after more than forty years of its tyrannie royale , making Louis XIV seem like a nice guy.
   
   * The truth is often a tough pill to swallow. U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East has resulted in terrorist attacks like 9/11.
   o The White House's policy to support the Al Sa'ud regime has contributed directly to the various terrorist attacks over the last fifteen years with bombings: starting in 1995 with the National Guard barracks, and less than a year later, al-Khobar, the U.S.S. Cole, the World Trade Tower basement, among others.
   o The Petroleum industry has bought up so much of Washington that elected officials don't see any alternatives to--energy or foreign--policies further than their own wallets fattened by Middle Eastern bribes.



3. This book so fasinated me that as I was finishing the last chapter, I was already on my way to pick up Baer's previous book, "See no Evil". I found Baer's story ringing true throughout and neither Republican or Democrate slanted. Moreover, if any negative is to be gleaned, it would likely be the reality of what has come with the need for fuel oil. See No Evil: The True Story of a Ground Soldier in the CIA's War on Terrorism



4. I really enjoyed this book. It gave a really honest view of the us-Saudi relationship. My only problem was the third chapter, the background, which was pretty useless in affecting the rest of the book.
   
   I like how this books was non-partisan. Much better than "house of bush, house of saud." i would recommend this book. Though it could of been a little longer.



5. ... and one more reason to be angry an the gas pump. This book was much better. or should I say revealing than I thought it was going to be. Mr. Baer's knowledge of the subjects and the way he weaves the reader through this tangled web of money. oil. backroom deals, blind eyes turned against the actions of our so-called "allies", and the way Washington politics works is a true wake-up call. The book is jammed with information and is kind of like a tell-all, revealing many of our leaders as just more powerful people who are looking out for their own interests while everyone else is getting bent over. The book would probably need to be read a couple of times to truly understand all the information.
   
   I am giving it 5 stars even though the book really pissed me off. What I don't know is what I am most angry at? That part of my gas money will find its way over to the Middle East, or that we Americans are truly trapped by our dependence on foriegn oil, or that just about every politician who is someone (and many of the high ranking employees of the government) are in the pockets of the Saudi's and/or Big Oil, or that other than a few cars sold, many manufacturers still refuse to develop cars with better mpg. Hey Ford, GMC and Chevy, you know why you keep having losses year after year and are losing out to Toyota? It is because you have not designed a dependable, efficient fleet of cars most people want.
   
   Back to the book. Everyone interested in Washington politics, the energy crisis, etc. should read this book. It may just make you mad, but getting mad may just be the first step to action. By the way, I just sold my gas guzzling SUV.

5 comments about Night Fall.

1. This could have been a great book if it weren't for the last chapter. I really enjoyed the story, even if it was fiction based on fact. However, it appears that Nelson became extremely bored or rushed as he was trying to finish the book. That or he suffered from writer's block. To blame the fact that we will never know the truth about TWA 800 on the horrible events that happened on 09/11 is disrespectful and disappointing. I will NEVER pick up another DeMille book again.



2. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Writing a gripping piece of fiction amid factual events can't be easy. The book is masterfully done.
   I'd like to defend the ending of the book against those who found the ending very disappointing. I was surprised by the ending & didn't see it coming until just before the event happened. Anyone who could have proven the missile theory of flight 800 is vaporized along with the evidence. The ending takes the reader out of the novel back into reality which smacks of cover-up & is the authors vision of why we'll never know the truth. The entire book revolves around this piece of evidence & by a twist of fate it's lost forever.
   If you don't look at the ending as a quick way to end a story and see the ending for what it was intended, you'll love the book



3. Basic to decent plot writing is to DO SOMETHING with the elements that are introduced. This book drags us through a slow slow slow introduction of elements, and does NOTHING with any of them. The story HAS NO ENDING. A shameful waste of the reader's time.



4. This book was so boring and drawn out. The first 300 pages were so repetitive that they could have been condensed to 75 pages....Hating not to finish any book I trudged on hoping.... but nothing. At page 400 I just couldn't waste anymore time with this book so I stopped and skipped to the last 50 pages. Sadly, I was able to pick up the story from there and then when I finally thought something was actually going to happen, Mr. DeMille used a national tragedy to end this horrible book leaving unanswered questions and dangling storylines...Having suffered lose in 9/11 I find his use of this event insensative and cheap. Mr. DeMille should be ashamed and it certainly does give hope to any amatuer writers because if he could get this published than anyone could.



5. In my opinion this was a very skillfully crafted story and the pages turned quickly. If you enjoy police procedurals and anything regarding the terrorist activity prior to 9/11 you will very likely enjoy this book. I found the main character's humor very entertaining and added a lot to the story. I found the premise of the plot to be very believable and that the investigation proceeded in a plausible manner. I do agree with some of the criticism that the end came sudden and a bit too easy, and I would have found it more palatable had the author not given credit to someone at the end of the work that gave him an easy way out of the problematic corner he had painted himself into with his plot. No matter. In the end, I found this to be a most enjoyable book and would recommend it to anyone that enjoys a well told mystery.

5 comments about One Tuesday Morning (September 11 Series #1).

1. This is the first book I ever read by Karen Kingsbury. Actually, it was the cover that caught my eye but even as I gazed at the picture of the twin towers, I thought to myself, "I....don't know about reading something on this order." I am SO glad I took the plunge because I found out well-written Christian Fiction is the best! Here's a tip. Make sure you have "Beyond Tuesday Morning" waiting in the wings for you'll kick yourself if you don't.
   
   I am now an avid reader of Ms. Kingsbury's work and have a whole shelf dedicated just to her in my own personal library. All I have to do is see her name on a book and it's mine. It is so great to be able to say that about an author, isn't it?
   
   "Oceans Apart" and the "Redemption" series would be my next recommendations to a new Kingsbury fan.
   
   PS I GAVE THIS BOOK 5 STARS BUT THE COUNTER SLIPPED AND I COULD NOT EDIT IT! WHAT A BUMMER.



2. Excellent 10 out of 10! This author is fabulous! I have read many of her books and have not read 1 I did not like.



3. Kingsbury handles a very difficult story line with grace, offering testimony of God's amazing love even through horrible times. The author says the story was given to her during the 911 attacks, and this book will help us all heal. Difficult to put down, this beautiful story lifts spirits out of the ashes of that dreadful day and its aftermath and into hope for times to come.



4. I couldn't put this book down and I have two small children to care for! I was able to stop only towards the end because I was crying so hard and couldn't see the pages. After a short break, I went back to it. The book showed how one person's life can have a huge impact on other people. It was inspiring!



5. I love Karen Kingsbury and I enjoyed this book. It's not one of her best, but it is a great story. I have to say I had the ending figured out about half way through, but I was still interested enough to finish the book. Kingsbury did a great job of bringing the day of September 11th back to life. Everyone has a different story about that day and I think we can all relate to the pain and fear that you feel reading this story.

5 comments about Beyond Tuesday Morning (September 11 Series #2).

1. By: Jeffrey W. Bennett, author of Under the Lontar Palm and ISP Certification-The Industrial Security Professional Exam Manual
   What can I say, I love a great story that has a great ending. Okay, for a guy, this story provides great role models. Karen Kingsbury demonstrate the great things that can happen when men take the lead to keep Christ in the forefront of their families. We all can benefit from heroes and we never know where we will find them. I'd say they can be found inside the pages of Beyond Tuesday Morning within the characters of Clay, Eric and Jake.



2. Karen Kingsbury did it again. Another fantastic story. Another, I can't put this book down until I finish it. I loved it! Great Christian fiction!



3. Great. A must if you have read One Tuesday morning.



4. It is an awesome book. I stumbled on to Karen Kingsbury kind of accidentally and it was one of the best things I have ever done. She is an excellent writer. This book must be read after One Tuesday Morning.



5. Received this book within a few days of ordering. Like new condition. I am very satisfied with this purchase.