5 comments about Others Unknown: Timothy McVeigh and the Oklahoma City Bombing Conspiracy.

1. This book was written by Timothy McVeigh's lawyer , it raises the questions: Were there Others Unknown? Were there other countries involved in this conspiracy? Why weren't the defense teams allowed their own independant investigation in the bombing? Why was evidence withheld by prosecutors? A very good book to read, try also reading Freedom's End by James Nichols.



2. As a citizen of Oklahoma and Oklahoma City, I was incensed when Stephen Jones, an Oklahoma Lawyer, wrote a book about his attempt to defend McVay--the man who blew up the Murrah Building in our town. Jones had to have a guard when discussing the first edition of his book in the Library in Perry Oklahoma (where McVey was jailed when picked up on Interstate 35 on the way back to Kansas after the Bombing). Oklahoma people, to say the least, were not happy with Mr. Jones. After McVay published his own book, thus releasing Jones from his Lawyer's oath of Confidentiality, Jones wrote what I call "the rest of the story." I was still not impressed, and I was not going to enrich him by buying one of his books. After 911, I realized that the second edition of his book was written AFTER both World Trade Center#1, and Oklahoma City, and BEFORE World Trade Center II (911). Much of Johes' wanderings about the world in his effort to defend McVay, suddenly began to seem like something I should know about, as a Citizen of this country at this time in history. I bought a copy, and am awe-struck by the information in that book that might have had a bearing on "911"...One must discount all of the "losing lawyer's grumbling" about his poor treatment by the winning side; that is normal in Trial Lawyer Books...It is the portrait of international terrorism that he discovered, and wrote about in this book while preparing for that trial,that is engaging.I doubt if there was anything in this book that would have prevented "911"..but looking back sometimes is the only view of the future that we can have in such times. Perhaps McVay's only patriotic deed near the end of his life, was to free Mr. Jones to write this book, by publishing his own work. Two of McVay's co-defendants are still alive...one is awaiting trial in Oklahoma City for his part in over 160 murders....Find this book at the Library or somewhere and read it. No,I DO NOT KNOW MR. JONES. Clarence Robison M.D.



3. I read this book in 1999 and have shared it with many friends and family. I had the privilege of meeting Stephen Jones and immediately got the sense this was a man with integrity and a very strong belief in the Constitution of the United States.

   After 9/11 my husband and myself re-read this book and again were passing it around to friends.

   It makes you wonder why the government didn't pay attention to the information Stephen and his investigators were uncovering. It is obvious there was a connection of the middle eastern radical influence in the OKlahoma City Bombing.

   With recent information connecting the 9/11 terroist and Tim McVeigh staying at the same motel makes a compelling argument that they are connected.

   This is a must read if you Love America and all the freedoms we enjoy in everyday life.




4. This book is too poorly written to read and understand. Problems in organization, narrative style and structure, plus an occasionally annoying narrative voice, make it difficult to figure out what is going on. The time sequence is random and much that is irrelevant is mixed in and has to be sorted through.

   The author's coy refusal to state whether he believes Timothy McVeigh is guilty is negated by McVeigh's own post-conviction confession.

   Had the author focused on his actual thesis, that Timothy McVeigh did not act alone and probably had the support of some organization, and had he offered well-organized, well-reasoned and well-supported evidence to support this thesis, this would have been a much better book.




5. Jones's investigation revealed many things that were they taken seriously, events like 9/11 and TWA800 might not have had to happen. The Yousef connection in the Philippines, and his link OBL, long before 9/11, was demonstrated in this book.
   
   Jones also demonstrated that McVeigh, while far from being a choir boy, probably bore the brunt of the punishment when many others were involved, and are still walking free. Strassmeier, for instance, is living a good life in Germany, while likely having the blood of 168 victims on his hands as well.
   
   This book will forever change the way you think about OKC, and more importantly, the way our government prosecutes cases without a lot of substantial evidence. The question is not about McVeigh's guilt, it is about the others involved and government's failure to go after them with the same zealousness.

3 comments about 9/11 & American Empire: Christians, Jews, and Muslims Speak Out.

1. Following hot on the heels of 9/11 and American Empire Vol. I: Intellectuals Speak Out comes Vol. II: Christians, Jews and Muslims Speak Out.
   
   Co-edited by Kevin Barrett, John B. Cobb Jr., and Sandra Lubarsky, Vol. II succeeds on several levels.
   
   First, the quality of writing and serious contemplative nature of each essay builds on what has been an amazing year for written output about 9/11. Second, apart from Griffin's volume, Christian Faith and the Truth Behind 9/11, Vol. II sets a standard for frank discussion of morality in the shadow of the US hegemon (in the wake of 9/11). Third, for someone who is devoutly or moderately religious, but has not examined the events of 9/11 in a critical light, Vol. II packs a powerful punch. Informed by Griffin's informative rundown of False Flag terrorism, and Nafeez Ahmed's thoroughly documented reinterpretation of "international terrorism", one cannot walk away from this book without being a little bit wiser about the Machiavellian nature of the War on Terror and the historical roots of state-sponsored terrorism.
   
   With Barrett's name on the lips of Wisconsin politicians and attack dogs on FOX News, his notoriety is assured. Cobb is known and respected as a pioneer in the fusion of Process Thought and Christianity. Lubarsky seems to have come on board with the other two editors via her association with David Ray Griffin; she co-edited a volume with him called Jewish Theology and Process Thought. Griffin is also a Process Theologian, so we can say that Alfred North Whitehead is well represented here.
   
   Other notable authors also contribute to Vol. II, not least the rabbi Michael Lerner, whose short piece reveals his willingness to contemplate the worst about 9/11, and also reveals his prior experience with infiltration of a political organization by agents of the state. Sage advice for the naive.
   
   Vol. II makes for an interesting primer to all three religions, with discussion inspired by the notion that 9/11 was a catalyst for geopolitical maneuvering that most Americans would not support without such a catalyst. It turns out that there is a lot of common ground for people of faith to stand on, to examine their priorities and formulate a response to 9/11 that is not afraid to stand apart from the Imperial ambitions of a "New Rome".
   
   Much of the value of the book can only be transmitted by a first-hand reading. The subjective nature of the 9/11 experience informed by each author's religious worldview is a welcome addition to the growing library of 9/11 skepticism.



2. This is in any case a very courageous book, even though the contributions vary in the extreme. Some authors accept the official 9/11 version. Most, however, see 9/11 as an inside job, a mantra for permitting preemptive war, disregarding human rights and personal freedom (S. Lubarsky).
   
   One big chasm between the contributors is the fact that some see religion as an end, not as a means.
   Religion is the institutionalization of people's irrational beliefs by the rulers to consolidate, enhance or justify their power and policies (J. Diamond). Fundamentalist followers are their best foot folk.
   In the 9/11 case, R. Ruether speaks of `misuse of religious language'.
   C. Heyward defines it more perfectly: `the problem with 9/11 is how religion was used to exploit the violence. The leaders of the US are justifying their behavior by faith in a god who is a concoction of their own lust of power.'
   
   Nearly all the authors stress that Muslim fundamentalist terrorism with its symbol Al Qaeda and `its legend Osama Bin Laden' (R. Griffin), together with `the axis of evil' is the focal point. By creating terrorism as the main global enemy a screenplay of endless war (R. Ruether) should justify endless defense budgets.
   But, there is not only Muslim fundamentalism. C. Keller exposes bitterly the Christian Right. She quotes one version of it: `war-making is precisely the work of killing people, and there is nothing wrong with enjoying one's work.' As Dante did already in the Renaissance, she pleads for a strong distinction between Religion and State.
   More, N.M. Ahmed in `Interrogating Terrorism' explains clearly that the link between Muslim fundamentalism and Western intelligence is in no way cut. Muslim fundamentalism is still used in `the strategy of terror' and in covert destabilization of important oil countries to counter Russian and Chinese influence.
   
   The most radical proposition comes from Rabbi M. Lerner `to use 5 % of the GDP to eliminate poverty, homelessness, hunger, inadequate education and healthcare and repair damage to the environment'. In view of R. McNamara's statement that `the US military spending could safely be cut in half' (quoted in E. Masud), the 5 % should be absolutely no problem.
   Rabbi M. Lerner has other very important propositions in his sleeve, thereby criticizing heavily the actual government: `eliminate the electoral college, instant run-off voting, fully publicly financial elections, firm public control of electronic voting.'
   In his critic he is not alone. For J. Cobb Jr. the US `is moving away from authentic rule by the people. Today we are more a plutocracy than a democracy.'
   And C. Heyward sees `our political system as inextricable from capitalist powerbrokers and that what we hear from government is bound up in greed, corruption, lies, and violence.'
   
   This book is a must read for all those interested in the future of mankind.
   The terror myth should not become a self-fulfilling prophesy (E. Masud) and the sovereignty of the people should be taken seriously (J. Cobb Jr.).



3. Many years ago, someone said that if there were some smart aliens out there in space, their first knowledge of our civilization might come from capturing a few "I Love Lucy" shows, as they were some of the earlier television shows to be broadcast. And while that would confirm the presence of life on Earth, it might leave the aliens wondering about the possible presence of intelligent life here.
   
   Well, I think they were wrong about Lucy. Sure, that was a mindless show. But I think our aliens would quickly guess that the characters might just be actors and actresses, rather than Important Leaders of Society. And they might even guess that the show was some sort of comedy or satire. I doubt that we'd have much to fear in this regard.
   
   I wish I could say the same for this book.
   
   I favor human rights for all. I value truth. I'm a Pagan and a Polytheist, and in my opinion, this book makes the monotheists look worse than any other book I have ever seen. It makes even "I Love Lucy" look honest, scholarly and sophisticated by comparison, and I'm not a fan of that show at all. If the monotheists do eventually become an insignificant minority and the Pagans become the majority, maybe some day, people will look at this book and say "Golly, no wonder the monotheists lost so badly." The contempt for facts and logic shown by the contributors to this book is incredible.
   
   I was sorry to see that a book such as "Debunking 9/11 Myths" by Popular Mechanics was needed. But I guess some of you folks out there ought to read it.
   
   By the way, I'm a liberal, and I do not like the present administration at all, and I think the war in Iraq has been a mistake. But books such as this one sure do not help those of us who say so. They tar us as immoral idiots and bullies.
   
   John Cobb talks about "the evil that results from erroneous beliefs" and wishes that the Christian churches would adopt a "commitment to truth." Very funny. David Griffin says that "as long as the church does not explicitly oppose this empire, it is, by its silence, a de facto supporter of it." That does seem a little arbitrary, given how many ochlocracies the church really could justifiably oppose.
   
   Next there are articles by Carter Heyward, Catherine Keller, and Rosemary Reuther.
   
   Well, so much for the "Christians." What about the "Jews?" Sandra Lubarsky tells of John Kennedy, who indicated that refusal to abide human rights for the Blacks would make us "forfeit the right to worship God." She thinks we might be similarly accused if we fail to promote and protect life. Well, she might be right about that, and I think she needs to work much harder at promoting and protecting life!
   
   Marc Ellis, Tamar Frankiel, Roger Gottlieb, and Michael Lerner also have some words for us. It's a pity that they did not use their talents to say something of value. Ellis may be the most outrageous of this bunch.
   
   I found the sections by the Muslim contributors to be the most amazing. Kevin Barrett makes no sense at all. Nafeez Ahmed appears to wonder why there was a Jerusalem Conference on International Terrorism. It sure looks suspicious to him! I'm not making this up, by the way. Faiz Khan has a fine title which refers to "the paralysis of discourse, the incompetence of academia, and the need for an accurate diagnosis." He should have stopped right there. We do indeed have a problem in academia, and we do indeed need the help of those who not only can but will provide us with an accurate diagnosis. And he's not helping! Enver Masud writes about "a clash between justice and greed." It makes me wonder if all the contributors are simply projecting. Yasmin Ahmed puts forth some fine questions. Are we indeed asking Muslims not to be "too Muslim?" If so, that would be arbitrary and immoral of us. But if we merely ask Muslims to agree to be law-abiding members of society, that would be reasonable. Which is it? And I think she does a poor job of answering this.
   
   I'm not a monotheist, but I'm still embarrassed that anyone would come up with the stuff in this book.

5 comments about America the Vulnerable: How Our Government Is Failing to Protect Us from Terrorism.

1. This book focuses practically entirely on the vulnerabilities of the American homeland, and offers some suggestions that could begin to lay the foundation for protecting those vulnerabilities. The book does not talk about the war on terror in the terms of the offensive operations such as Iraq, Afghanistan, intelligence matters, and targeted killings of Al-Qaeda at all.
   
   The author's cogent argument rests on the concept of defense in depth. In addition to offensive operations to route out the terrorists, we also need to make our homeland less susceptible to successful attack and more resilient to the aftermath of the inevitable one that slips through the net.
   
   The homeland is defined not just as American territory, but extends to include the global commercial, transportation, trading, and financial networks that are central to our way of life and our economy. This represents a rich field of targets for terrorists, with successful attacks being able to ripple through the networks and cause continuing and ongoing damage. Flynn opens his book with a scenario of an attack on shipping containers, and transportation links with radiological devices. The hypothetical comes off as very plausible and sobering.
   
   The remainder of the book talks about what the major vulnerabilities of America are, such as chemical plants, food distribution, overextended medical systems via biological or chemical attacks, etc. He shows that we currently lack the capabilities, organizational structure, and practices to adequately secure these vulnerabilities.
   
   He provides what are really "glimpses" of possible solutions to these problems, including RFID tracking of cargo containers and food shipments with embedded WMD sensors, government security standards for critical and hazardous infrastructure (nuke plants, water treatment facility chlorine gad tanks, etc.) continuing reorganization at the federal, state and local level to focus on security, insurance measures, and a particularly innovative concept to enlist private company participation patterned after the Federal Reserve system.
   
   However at the length of this short and easily readable (if not pleasently readable) book Flynn cannot go into detail. The cost and time of implementing such systems are not gone into in a satisfactory manner, but that's not the point of the book.
   
   The point of the book is that the government needs to do more to protect our homefront. Flynn convincingly makes his case, and provides reasonable guidelines about how to improve upon the situation.
   
   A good read for American citizens who want to ensure that we are doing the best we can to protect our civilization.



2. This is a clearly written, well reasoned book on how to provide real security for the U.S. homeland. To his credit, its author Stephan Flynn wastes no time either in partisan bashing of the current administration or in dissecting the many faults of the Department of Homeland Security. Rather he immediately shares his analysis of why domestic security in the U.S .is such an elusive goal. In the course of a number of chapters he builds a pretty strong case that in spite of all the talk, the U.S. is just as vulnerable to terrorist attacks as it was in 2000 before the 9/11 catastrophe. Flynn provides some specific examples what these vulnerabilities are and is especially effective in his analysis of shipping port vulnerabilities as a result of the exponential growth of containerized shipping. He also provides what appears to be a sensible and more importantly doable plan to actually reduce our vulnerabilities to terrorist attacks. He is an advocate of applying that long held business concept of `risk management' to the practice of homeland security. Like Richard Posner (Preventing Surprise Attacks - amazon.com) he points out the impossibility of making the U.S. completely immune to any terrorist threat and argues that it makes far better sense to rationally and logically identify which potential targets in the U.S. would cause the most loss of life and economic or social disruption if attacked and build a dynamic and multilayered defensive system to protect those targets.
   
   Of course, Flynn is a former Coast Guard officer so his prescriptions for protecting America are practical not theoretical. Having spent twenty years protecting U.S. interests in our coastal waters, his thought on how to protect this country is based on a realistic understanding of the threats we face and a knowledge of what actually can be done to mitigate those threats. It is a shame that the Department of Homeland Security has not seen fit to follow his example.



3. That is how one of the chapters starts. It's a matter of when the next terrorist attack will happen, not if it will happen, according to the author, Stephen Flynn.
   
   With absolute simplicity, common sense logic, and an irrefutable argument, he demonstrates how and why our government is failing to protect us from the terrorist threat. Industry and government are not willing to take the time and the money required to provide greater security for a war on terrorism that will never end.
   
   Our water and food supplies, our chemical plants, and our ports are alrmingly unsecure from terrorist attack. Flynn creates a terrorist scenario demonstrating how the terrorist threat can become reality. He asserts our enemies are willing to spend the time to create the act of terror, while we are not willing to spend the time defending ourselves to foil it.
   
   He blames industries which see no benefit in spending the money on security which will be passed on to their consumers, while non-security minded companies will maintain lower prices and take business away from the security-conscious ones.
   
   This means that congress must act. It must set security standards that will be implemented across each industry thus spreading the cost to everyone. So far, congress, not wanting to offend their million dollar contributors have done nothing. Flynn also suggests that Americans must be willing to make the sacrifices necessary for this security.
   
   We are operating on a World War II mentality i.e. the best defense is a good offense by taking the fight to their countries. That is not what Flynn recommends. Terrorists will always be able to get into this country. We must strengthen our security at home which will take years of dedicated preparation and action.
   
   The author's book is a siren song. The beginning of his fourth chapter bears repeating as a end to this review. "When it comes to dealing with the new security agenda, Americans need to grow up....Terrorism is simply too cheap, too available, and too tempting ever to be totally eradicated. We must have the maturity both to live with the risk of future attacks and to invest in reasonable measures to rein in that risk."
   
   For those who use the argument that we haven't been attacked since 9/11, remember, it took five years of planning. 9/11 is now more than five years ago. Truly, American apathy and complacency are the terrorists' greatest allies.



4. This book is a must read for anyone interested in the short comings of our Homeland Security Department. I initially bought the book after thumbing through it and finding a section on the lack of security with our cargo containers, a specific worry of mine.
   
   This book not only breaks down where we are vulnerable, it explains why and offers workable solutions as to how to reduce this vulnerability. The book is a bit frightening in a way, when you read and realize how vulnerable we really are, even after 6 years of security measures. Why isn't more being done? What are the government officials covering up?
   
   What makes this book hit like a sledgehammer is the credentials of the author. He was a Coast Guard Commander for 20 years, an expert in National Security Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. He has been on Congressional Task forces studying the problems in homeland security as well as serving in the White House Military Office during President George H. Bush administration and director for Global Issues on the National Security Council during the Administration of President Bill Clinton. Stephen Flynn is obviously an expert on this issue and his words should be given their due weight.
   
   Bottom line, insightful, a bit frightening, definitely a book to read if you like current events or really want to know how safe we actually are.



5. This book, like Stephen Flynn's "Edge of Disaster" succinctly dissects the problems we face in warding off terrorism at home and exposes our vulnerabilities. They are large - ports, shipping, energy infrastructure, chemical plants, food processing facilities, for openers.
   Flynn describes the problem only too well,
   
   At the root of the problem is the Department of Homeland Security's secrecy, lack of internal coordination, turf battles, and incompatabile data base systems. Equally problematic is the complacency of the AMerican people, who are being shielded from the realities by a patronizing government.
   
   Flynn ascribes the current situation to be comparable to the "phony war" between the time of the nazi attack in Poland in 1939, and the invasion and capitulation of France in the SPring of 1940 because of failure to consider, plan and consider new battlefield tactics. In short, the French (and also the British, were using WOrld War I tactics to fight new German panzer tactics. The parallels of today's attitudes and the last days of the Roman EMpire also are, indeed, chilling.
   
   The government is not the only culprit that lulls our citizens into complacency. In my personal opinion, the news media does not help with its focus on the trivial, a hiding of coverage of the war on terror, and seldom reviewing the vulnerabilities Flynn covers so well and rallying our citizenry to the realities of what's at stake.
   
   The solutions?: Active involvement of citizens; Active involvement of government with relevant private industry; open communicatioan with all relevant players in state and local government; making infrastructure sufficiently resilient that terrorists no longer find a potential target attractive.
   
   WHat is needed, and implied, is a revival of an approach pioneered by NASA in the early 1960's when they had to establish operational paradigms and procedures for which there was no precedent. It's called 'conceptual blockbusting'. FLynn's book will help us get there, if everyone reads it.
   
   Flynn quotes Abraham Lincoln concerning new paradigms:
   
   "The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate for the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with uncertainty, and we must rise to the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act anew. We must disenthrall ourselves, and then we shall save our country."
   
   It's as relevant now in the war on terro as it was in 1962.
   
   BUY this book, and buy extra copies for your loved ones and closest friends.

1 comments about Crusading Realism: The Bush Doctrine and American Core Values After 9/11.

1. As a student of politics and philosophy, I have been waiting for the definitive book on the "whys" of the Iraq War to come out. Professor Colucci's Crusading Realism is that book.
   
   9/11 changed America's fundamental philosophy on National Security and gave us the Bush Doctrine, but what does that mean in practical terms? Was this simply 'blood for oil,' or was there something deeper and more meaningful at work? Colucci's thesis is that there was something much deeper and thoughtful at work than the popular media has been telling us.
   
   Professor Colucci's work is incredibly detailed, researched, cited, and is based on direct interviews wherever possible. The book makes two assertions: the 9/11 attacks weren't the 'beginning' of the Islamo-fascist movement, and also neither was the Bush Doctrine something new. Rather, Colucci asserts that it was something very old: a return to a foreign policy based on the beliefs of the Founders of the country and their notion of Natural Law.
   
   Crusading Realism is a landmark achievement, and represents something you literally won't find anywhere else: a scholarly, yet still engaging look at the philosophy behind the Bush Doctrine. If you are interested in the facts surrounding what those inside the administration were thinking and doing, you should pick up this book, no matter what your opinion on the war.

5 comments about The Third Basic Instinct: How Religion Doesn't Get You.

1. The Third Basic Instinct is a very real and moving book. It touches on many scientific explanations from Evolution to Self-control to war and how it is important for the future of mankind to not ignore our own impulses by using religion to answer these questions instead of science. The book is full of real life stories of religious absurdities. It is also filled with hope. As a reader of such a unique book, I recommend anyone to read this book. It will enlighten you in so many unexpected ways as it did for me.



2. This book is in four parts, each like its own small book with sub-sections.
   
   Part One: The Case Against Pleasure. (4/5) In this part, Key uses the three basic instincts to create a framework for understanding the mind and religion. His "case against pleasure" means convincing the reader that pleasure is not one of those basic instincts--so then what is it? He gives dramatic real-world examples to answer this. He reveals the third basic instinct, showing how it has been behind some of humanity's greatest achievements through the ages. Only at the end does religion come into the picture, where Key shows how religion takes advantage of how our minds work instead of explaining it.
   
   Part Two: The Origin of God. (5/5) In this part, Key explains how all religions began by using basic instincts as a guide. He again uses dramatic and sometimes stunning true stories to convince us, taking us as far back as pre-historic times, ancient Egypt, the American revolution, etc. Part Two is perhaps the most entertaining part of the book for its array of true-life stories and religious anomalies.
   
   Part Three: Selfish Morality. (4/5) Here, Key creates a rule called the "platinum rule", to improve upon the "golden rule". He describes scientifically accepted models for moral behavior and then shows how they all fall under the platinum rule. He shows how religion can go against true moral behavior and become a negative influence on society. He remains balanced between Islam, Christianity and Judaism, while positive role models like Warren Buffet, Mark Twain and others provide an optimistic tone.
   
   Part Four: Unnatural Selection. (5/5) By far the most controversial part of the book, but also the most concentrated in terms of the many theories it covers in short order. The controversy is provided by examinations of the origin of jihad, honor crimes against women, and other cultural horrors. He discusses these in the context of their impact on human evolution today. The science is also edgier as Key puts forward a shocking theory on how sports originated and how oil affects evolution. The book ends on a dramatic and optimistic note, but it is a conditional optimism.
   
   Although each part is self-contained, Key succeeds in maintaining continuity using basic instincts to tie the varying points together. Ultimately, this book is a success, with one caveat. Its ambitious aim, according to the foreword, is to provide a framework for understanding the mind and religion. In many ways it accomplishes this, and remains entertaining and sixth-grade readable along the way. However, it occasionally provides so much information that it may not be suited for every audience. Its four parts could easily have become four separate books and gained the benefit of allowing the reader more time to absorb each concept and breathe along the way.
   
   Though flawed in trying to take on so much (and losing one star in my rating as a result), it ultimately ranks among the upper echelons of secular popular science books and one of the easiest books in its class to read.



3. As a woman watching the opening ceremony for the Beijing Olympics, I was
   reminded of the importance of books like Alex S. Key's " The Third Basic Instinct."
   During the Saudi, Afghan, and United Arab Emirates' procession of athletes, we all heard Matt Lauer and Bob Costas discuss the fact that these countries do not allow women to play sports or compete. In many countries women are not even allowed to travel without a chaperone, ride a bike or drive a car. This book does a great job of highlighting the dangers of religious conformism, but it does so much more. It provides a new awareness of how the mind works and can actually educate people - and you don't have to have a PHD to read it. Living in the US were religious conformism is gaining a new foothold, I hope that more people will read this book to preserve our lifestyle of human rights and tolerance - and for some parts of the world, perhaps one day provide it for the
   first time.



4. This is a thought provoking, yet immensely readable book. The author articulates how religion may be inhibiting scientific discovery, innovation, and emotional intelligence. He respectfully makes his points with humor, science and historical data. The Third Basic Instinct is certain to open eyes.



5. As someone who grew up in a Christian household, I was really intrigued when I heard about this book as it gave a well-written, researched and thought-provoking study on the other side of religion - how science could be the greatest belief system of all. The author obviously knows his stuff and is very well educated on this topic. He uses humor, stories and real world events to really drive home the overall theme of the book - the conflict between organized religion and human nature. Highly recommended!

No comments about Bioterrorism: Guidelines for Medical and Public Health Management.

4 comments about Warrant for Terror: The Fatwas of Radical Islam, and the Duty of Jihad.

1. Since this book attacks some truly counterproductive behavior on the part of a politically strong element of Islam, I think we need to put this in perspective. As a Pagan and a Zionist, I strongly oppose religious fanaticism and tyranny. Islamic fundamentalism is just one more in a long line of bad ideas. But I think we need to be careful not to regard Islam as special in this regard. There is indeed a genuine threat to human society right now which is Islamic in nature, and that threat ought not be overestimated, nor underestimated, nor otherwise improperly described. And I think this book is fair here.
   
   It is true that people of other religions, even in recent times, have behaved very badly. One need only look at World War Two, or Rwanda for examples. In order to be intolerant, it is surely neither necessary nor sufficient to be a Muslim! Still, this short book deals, quite properly, with Islam. And it raises an immediate issue. Whether one is a Muslim or not, to what extent ought one tolerate intolerance? I do not have an answer for that question, but I strongly feel that in the long run, intolerance such as what we are seeing today is self-defeating. And at some point, it is best for everyone if it is opposed. Failure to oppose intolerance quickly turns into complicity with it, especially when silence often implies consent.
   
   This book shows that radical Islam is not merely intolerant but is also engaged in a fight against much of the world. And that Islam itself is indeed a characterizing element of Islamic aggression and terror. As the author explains in his introduction, some folks insist on dismissing all threats from Islam, going so far as to label concerned people (including even concerned Muslims) as "Islamophobic" or "bigoted." I think this book shows these folks to be not only wrong but a part of the problem.
   
   Is there a way to fight back against religious leaders who preach in favor of intolerance, aggression, and terror? The author says that there is. Such acts are criminal, and they can be outlawed, with consequences awaiting those who engage in them. Sooner or later, in my opinion, something of this sort will happen. Meanwhile, I think that the Muslim community has to figure out how to avoid constant and costly wars, both within the ummah and against, um, the giaours.
   
   I recommend this book.



2. This is an excellent book for those wanting to understand Jihad and the justification for Jihad. How do Muslim terrorists justify killing innocent women and children? What are fatwas and why should we care?
   
   Although somewhat scholarly, this book is readable and is perfect for those wanting to understand what motivates the evil doers.



3. The following are an abstract and some reviews on the book:
   Abstract
   Since September 11, 2001 much has been written about "Islamist terrorism," arguing that it is a perversion that has "hijacked Islam" in the service of social, political and economic grievances. However, such accounts cannot explain why other people that can lay claim to similar or more serious grievances have not developed such devastating religious terrorist ideologies. Moreover, many of the terrorists themselves have attested to their own religious motivation and their belief that they acted in accordance with the precepts of Islam.
   Warrant for Terror examines fatwas, which are legal opinions declaring whether a given act under Islam is obligatory, permitted or forbidden and which serve as a major instrument by which religious leaders impel believers to engage in acts of jihad. These fatwas come from all over the Muslim world, but mainly from the Arab world. And they should not be dismissed as a cynical use of religious terminology in political propaganda. Many terrorists testify that they were motivated to act by them. Indeed, this book shows that Islamic law plays a central role in determining for believers the practical meaning of the duty to jihad. It also examines the underlying religious, legal, and moral logic of these fatwas and the depth of their influence in contrast to alternative moderate Islamic interpretations. And the book explores the wide scope of issues that these fatwas deal with, covering almost all facets of Islamic "law of war:" the justification for declaring jihad; the territory in which the jihad should be fought; whether women and children may participate in jihad; the legality of killing women, children and other non-combatants; the justification for killing hostages and mutilating their bodies; and the permissibility of diverse tactics and weapons, including suicide attacks and even nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction. This book also delves into the contradictions between the radical and the mainstream narratives and the sources of the weakness of the latter in the face of the former. In the conclusion, the author raises a number of provocative questions relating to the "religious policy" of the West in the face of the threat of Islamic extremism.
   
   Reviews
   
   "Non-Muslims rarely pay attention to the religious struggle within Islam. They must, urgently. Radical clerics, wielding the deadly accusation of apostacy, have silenced most mainstream Muslim clerics and regimes in the Muslim world on the issues of jihad and terrorism. We are at serious risk of having hundreds of millions of religiously-driven enemies and deferential followers."--R. James Woolsey, former Director of Central Intelligence
   
   "Shmuel Bar has written one of the most important and compelling books in recent years. If you want to understand Islamic terrorism and jihad, this is the book to read. He has written an absolutely brilliant page-turning analysis of the dynamics underlying radical Jihad today--and for policymakers, analysts and the public, Warrant for Terror will provide you insights that few other books even dare try. This is one of the best books I have ever read on the dynamics of jihad and fatwas. Read it to be educated and to truly understand. Ignore it at your peril. Dr. Bar has performed a wonderful public service by compiling and analyzing the fatwas for us. This book is a bench mark in the literature on Jihad."--Steven Emerson, Executive Director, The Investigative Project on Terrorism, and author of American Jihad: The Terrorists Living Amongst Us.
   
   "If you are sick of instant experts offering sound-bite style insight into the phenomenon of Radical Islam, then Warrant for Terror is the right medicine for you. Through an exhaustive yet refreshingly readable analysis of fatwas -- Muslim religious injunctions -- Shmuel Bar takes us deep into the minds of both those who issue calls for jihad and those who heed them. As a tool to understand the logic, the rationale, and the motivation of the enemy in the war on terror, this book is sure to be assigned in counter-terror training courses around the world. Thankfully, the rest of us can read it, too."--Robert Satloff, Executive Director, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy
   
   "Drawing on Arabic sources not typically available to English readers, Shmuel Bar outlines the way that fatwas from Muslim religious authorities have in recent years laid a basis for jihadism and terror. Warrant for Terror is critical reading to understand the nature of the challenge posed by radical Islamism today."--Francis Fukuyama, Johns Hopkins University



4. Plenty has been written about Islamist terrorism, but these writings can't explain why other groups who have even more to complain about haven't developed such religiously-based terrorist ideologies. Warrant For Terror: The Fatwas Of Radical Islam And The Duty To Jihad narrows its focus to the fatwas, legal opinions declaring whether a given act under Islam is permitted, forbidden or obligatory. From how Islamic law operates to how it determines the duty to jihad, Warrant For Terror offers many insights.

3 comments about God's Terrorists: The Wahhabi Cult and the Hidden Roots of Modern Jihad.

1. GOD'S TERRORISTS: THE WAHHABI CULT NAD THE HIDDEN ROOTS OF MODERN JIHAD provides a history of the reform movement of al-Wahhab and his followers, who in the 18th century sought to restore Islamic purity. So what does this early history of the Wahhabi sect hold in meaning for modern readers? Plenty: it follows a sect that spread throughout the region and whose concepts today form the foundation for modern extremists. His history isn't filled with solutions, but it is filled with understanding of past events, key to understanding modern jihad.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



2. Since 9/11 we have been forced to look into the dark and mysterious world of the Islamic militants. It almost seemed that they emerged from the deserts of Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan fully grown, already angry, and holding a Kalashnikov.
   
   Of course, as this book points out, they have a history. They began as one of many groups wanting to reform Islam to restore the purity and ideals which they believe existed when the religion was formed. He concentrates his investigations into the Wahabi sect and explains how they became more and more extreme as the grew in size.
   
   He draws some interesting parallels between the Puritan reform in Europe and the Wahhabi's. I'm not so sure, however, that he shouldn't have looked further back, say to the time of the Inquisition. It seems like something happens to religions when they are about a thousand years old.
   
   He leaves a lot of open questions. For instance there seem to be several splits between the branches of the Wahhabi. Osama bin Laden seems to split his hatred between the government of Saudi Arabia and the US. How might this affect us. And why is he so angry with us anyway?



3. Interesting historical look at the spread of radical Islam throughout colonial India and its ties back to the rise of radical Islamic theology in the declining Ottoman Empire. It exposes roots to terrorist movements like al Qaeda and ties the roots of this radical movement to the House of Saud like few other accounts have.
   
   There are clearly lessons to be learned here and insights about what the West is up against - particular in this region of the world where Bin Laden is believed to be given safe-harbored but I was completely let down by the author's brief and poorly argued conclusion. It seemed thrown-in as an after thought.
   
   Otherwise it was a fascinating historical read that I would highly recommend.

5 comments about Entebbe: A Defining Moment in the War on Terrorism--The Jonathan Netanyahu Story.

1. Yoni Netanyahu courage at this time, his ability to plan, and lead this rescue has become legendary. The fact that the rescue was carried out without the "unit commander" is a testamony of his great ability. All of Israel knows and the Netanyahu family knows, even more so, what Israel lost when Yoni died. Even though I knew the outcome of the book (as it happened 30 years ago) I cried, and cried and cried when the book stated he died. And I was reading it on July 4th, the 30th anniversary of his death. This book also takes you into the mind set of Israel and why some things have been done. I now see Israel in a new light. Thank you Iddo, for writing this book about your beloved brother.



2. If there is one book that everyone needs to read about the so called War on Terror, this is it.
   
   A superbly written account of the last few days in the life of Lt. Colonel Jonathan Netanyahu, the late commander and architect of the famous Operation Entebbe, now also called Operation Jonathan in his honor.
   
   Although several written and video accounts are available of this operation, this is by far the best. Operation Entebbe, was the hastily planned and executed rescue operation of about 100 Israeli hostages, held by Palestinian terrorists at the old airport terminal in the east African nation of Uganda's town of Entebbe. For those not familiar with it,
   suffice it to say that it was probably the boldest, most audacious, best executed, most dangerous, and most successful rescue operation ever carried out.
   
   Iddo Netanyahu is in a unique position to give to best accounting possible of the details of the operation. Youngest of the three Netanyahu brothers, Jonathan (Yoni), Benjamin,and himself, the latter had access to public and private interviews with other participants in the mission, ranging from its lead pilot, Joshua Shani, to many of Yoni's fellow
   expert commandos and members of the raiding party, to political figures such as then defense ministers, Shimon Peres.
   
   For skeptics, I suggest the begin with the last chapter of the book, only 4 and a half page pages written by the publisher, entitled "Publishers Afterword." I cannot improve on it to explain why this book is so important, and should have the largest possible audience. Aside from the obvious, i.e Yoni being the greatest fighter Israel (or possibly the world) has ever known, this chapter explains that Operation Entebbe defines terrorism - those who are willing to give their lives for the purpose of taking lives,to the absolute opposite, the soldiers engaged in the fight against terrorism, for the purpose of saving lives. Aside from being a fascinating and riveting account of the details of the operation, the larger "lessons learned" are much more important in sustaining us in the current war against those who would destroy the whole Western way of lifeRaid on Entebbealong with it's Judeo-Christian values.
   
   This book is definitely not for Jihadists, Anti-Semites, Israel bashers, or knee jerk anti-war people. I ask that all of these refrain from rating this review.



3. To my deep regret I can't give this nice looking book a good rate. The heroe in question deserves all the credit in the world (and I respect the author -his brother) and his selflessness and dedication to others -to the point of ultimately giving his life to save others- truly merits our love, gratitude and admiration. But this book does not provide the readable qualities one would wish to find in a book of these characteristics. It gets entangled in trivial details, endless and boring talk. I recommend that people interested in knowing the story of the rescue at Entebbe watch the documentary "Against All Odds", with a reenactment of the action.
   
   Here's a sample of the book's style: "To bring in the armored vehicles would require two more Hercules transports, each carrying two armored personnel carriers (APCs). Altogether then, the Unit's operational requirements alone called for three transport planes. If indeed only four Hercules were taken, with one designated for..." you follow me? Do you know what we are talking about? And how many of what? Me neither. And so forth for too many pages. Past half of the book and the actual action hadn't started yet. You understand that I gave up right about that page, don't you?
   
   I honestly would like you to know more about this young Jewish heroe, and me too. And that's why I can't understand how one can make such an interesting story so irritatingly boring. There are whole paragraphs dedicated to insignificant details. Details that don't add anything, believe me, anything at all to the story. And when you think it may start getting close to the point... there you find a flashback to somewhere and sometime not connected to the story. I want to stop.
   
   Here's the summary in one sentence using the author's own words: "They settle together into my mind -not in a jumble but in a line, each memory leading to the next". Yes, in a jumble, yes.



4. Netanyahu alternates between a eulogy for his brother, Jonathan, and a history of the Entebbe rescue.
   
   This book draws heavily upon first person accounts gathered years after the event. As one would expect, due to individual perspectives, there are inconsistencies between the people interviewed. In my mind, this adds to the authenticity of the story.
   
   The fluid nature of a crisis and rescue attempt is vividly portrayed in the many interviews. They were already enroute to the site before the GO order was given and the plan continued to evolve until the moment they landed.
   
   An amazing story that will be told for generations to come.



5. This is a book that on looks is not too inspiring, as the binding leaves a lot to be desired, however, the subject matter is inspiring.
   Written by Iddo Netanyahu, you couldn't get closer to not only the 'unit'comanader Lt Colonel 'Yoni' Johnathan Netanyahu, or the story behind the planning, execution and aftermath of the 1976 raid on Entebbe. The author has been able through military and familial connections been able to draw on the raid form those who were there, and of his own memories of his older brother. I felt that the deviations into Yoni's past was a look into the circumstances that made him the man and professional soldier he was, and is entirely justified, unlike some previous reviewers who have thought otherwise. I would have liked to have seen more photographs, but that small critsim aside, I was enthralled by this book, and throughly recommend it to anyone interseted in not only the Raid on Entebbe, but the spirit and determination of the Isreali people and the IDF (Israeli Defence Forces) in particular. The afterword by the publisher is strongly biased to the U.S. public and experience post 9/11, but the lessons of Entebbe and the Isreali reaction are no less pertinant today as they were in 1976.

4 comments about Networks and Netwars: The Future of Terror, Crime, and Militancy.

1. This is a timely, well researched and thoughtful book about the world we have come to inhabit over the past decade, with a punctuation mark added for September 11. That said, it is not like so many 'quickie books' written to take advantage of recent events. Authors John Arquilla and David Ronfeldt of the RAND Corporation have been among the most thoughtful writers about security and diplomacy in an information age. Their previous works include Cyberwar is Coming, The Advent of Netwar, In Athena's Camp, and Swarming and the Future of Conflict. Their latest work is Networks and Netwars. Here they look inside "the lower-intensity, societal-level counterpart to...the mostly military concept of Cyberwar."

   The editors are joined by Michele Zanini, Sean Edwards, Phil Williams, John Sullivan, Tiffany Danitz, Warren Strobel, Paul de Armond, Dorothy Denning, and Luther Gerlach, and focus on the nature of what has been thought of as an emerging form of conflict and competition. They explore Netwar's "dual nature...composed of conflicts waged, on the one hand, by terrorists, criminals, and ethnonationalist extremists; and by civil-society activists". The essays lock in on an overarching theme. "What distinguishes Netwar as a form of conflict is the networked organizational structure of its practitioners-with many groups actually being leaderless-and the suppleness in their ability to come together quickly in swarming attacks."

   While our attention is focused on Afghan campaign in the news every night, not all Netwar is of the type practiced by Al-Qaeda and Osama Bin Laden. The broad range of Netwar is demonstrated in the complementary essays. But for those who are interested in what they have to say about the recent terrorist activities, their insights are exceptional: see their essays "What Next for Networks and Netwars" and the Afterword (September 2001: The Sharpening Fight for the Future).

   The latter essay was added to the book after the attacks on New York and Washington. "Theory has struck home with a vengeance. The United States must now cope with an archetypal Netwar of the worst kind. The same technology (and infrastructure) that aids social activists and those desiring good of all is also available to those with the darkest intentions, bent on destruction and driven by a rage reminiscent of the Middle Ages."
   
   Networks and Netwars is a well written addition to their body of work. Arquilla and Ronfeldt are the internationally recognized experts in this area; together with their contributing essayists, they have written an essential volume to read and discuss as we press forward in the post-911 life of America.




2. 
   Although their references lean toward "the usual suspects" among the beltway bubbas, and none of the authors demonstrate real access to the various hacker groups with deeper insights than any government bureaucrat will ever achieve, this is without question one of the best sets of articles, put together by two people I view as being the most capable in this area of inquiry, and therefore I recommend it very strongly as a starting point.

   As with most publications by RAND it lacks an index, for which I deduct one star. The value of an index does not appear to be appreciated by those who publish these taxpayer-funded collections, and I continually lament the myopia that prevents the publishers from making such a useful collection even more valuable by taking the time to create an aggregate index.

   I hope this is the last of the theoretical volumes. While it has some operationally-oriented contributions, one of the best being by Phil Williams on Transnational Criminal Networks, it is too theoretical overall, and much too US-centric. There are French, Nordic, and Singaporean, and Australian authorities, to mention just a few, that the editors must now make an effort to bring into a larger dialog. At the same time, it is now vital that we get on with much deeper study and discussion of the actual networks and specific practices--we must do much more in documenting the "order of battle" for netwar. One article, for example, lists a sample of Arabic web sites but goes no further--I would have liked to see some discussion of the 396 terrorist, insurgent, and opposition web sites, including the "Muslim Hackers" who asked for a clerical ruling on whether the Koran encouraged hacking as a means of war (it does, according to the same people that support bin Laden's views), and I would like to see much more integration with the investigative efforts of both law enforcement authorities and private sector security and fraud authorities. I am especially disappointed that all of these authorities appear to be largely oblivious to or at least not making substantive reference to the ten-year-long track record compiled by Winn Schartau and his InfoWarCon speakers and web site, an event that is arguably the only serious international venue for addressing these issues in a serious manner, with a commensurately valuable web site.

   There is one other major gap in this book's approach to networks and netwars. With the exception of Paul de Armond's article on netwar against the World Trade Organization, there are no references to intelligence failures and intelligence requirements vis a vis this threat domain. The editors and authors need to establish intelligence concepts and doctrine for this threat.

   This book represents the very best that DoD money can fund in isolation, and therein lies the problem. What few taxpayer funds are spent by DoD in addressing such important matters and not being spent wisely because there is no serious commitment to creating a data warehouse of all studies related to networks and netwar; there is no commitment to accessing and understanding the considerable lessons learned outside the somewhat nepotistic DoD network of standard experts; and there seems to be no commitment to creating a center of excellence that can nurture *public* understanding and new *public* standards for protecting both our critical infrastructure and the vital data that circulates on that infrastructure.

   The editors and the authors are of the very highest caliber. They are also operating in a vacuum. I for one would like to see them get serious funding, to include the establishment of a public international center of excellence on netwar, with branch offices in London and Singapore.

   We are losing the Third World War, between governments and gangs, in part because the military-industrial-congressional complex continues to define security in terms of very expensive mobility and weapons systems--communications, computing, and intelligence are an afterthought, and the authors are quite correct in the aggregate when they suggest that we are our own worst enemy in failing to redirect substantial funds toward cyber-war and cyber-peace. The editors and authors could be very helpful if they address in their next volume, both an intelligence order of battle against which capabilities might be created; and specific proposals for establishing international, national, and state & local capabilities. What should they be, what will it cost, who should manage them? "It ain't real until its the budget." The authors are gracious to a fault, but it is clear from their work in the aggregate that they share a concern with our lack of preparedness for a 9-11 level of effort against our financial, transportation, power, and communications networks. They merit the greatest of respect and a full hearing from the public.




3. This is the best 'network theory' book I've read. The book is a collection, and the 'field work' is more enthusiastic than thought provoking. Binding together the fieldwork, at front and back, is the analysis of Arquilla and Ronfeldt. Though only 20% of the text, their comments make the reading exceptionally rewarding.

   The deep dynamic guiding Arquilla and Ronfeldt's analysis is that the information revolution favors the rise of network forms of organization and thus redefines cooperation and conflict. According to their terminology, the really bad side is 'cyberwar', an earlier book. 'Netwar' is a more ambiguous form of network conflict, one that can be used by social activists for the benefit of all. While I find their scholarship excellent, I'm less than sanguine regarding our ability to distinguish enthusiasm from cohersion.

   The term netwar calls attention to the prospect of network-based conflict becoming pervasive at all levels of social interaction. Just as romance is now streamlined by online match-makers, so too will the new technologies enhance and focus aggression, both the good and bad kind. According to the authors, 'Netwar' is a form of 'just warfare.' Most of the book covers examples of non-violent, democratic netwar-warriors.There is a brief review of traditional crime going online for drug distribution efficiencies, but most is devoted to friendly political activists ranging from Zapatistas to anti-globalists.

   Fortunately, the authors forget their preoccupation with Zapatistas when trying to make sense of the field work. In particular, they focus on the remarkably vague notions we attach to the term 'networks'. It seems everyone knows what it means, but no one has the same concept in mind.

   Wisely, the authors point out our need to define 'network organization' itself. To this end, they offer a very thoughtful survey of network organization theory. Avoiding easy answers, they list some provocative, but contradictory theories. The reader is left to piece together their own conclusions

   They provide 3 perspectives: 1) 'actor and link,' 2) 'methodological' and 3) 'Naturalist'. In more familiar domains, there are the perspectives of the physicist, sociologist and botanist.

   Probably most of the literature defines networks in terms of 'actors' (nodes) and 'links' (ties) whose relationships have a patterned structure. Using this scheme, one can draw a set of basic shapes for networks: chain or line networks, hub/star/wheel networks, all channel and hybrid networks.

   An alternative 'actor' framework is the notion of 'friendship cliques' and 'interlocking memberships.' This suggests the notion of networks of networks. One 'actor' can belong to a variety of 'cliques', thus interlocking a variety of networks. One's personal power relates to their network assets, not personal attributes. In this case, the 'unit of analysis' is not the individual 'actor', but the network as a distinct identity. The network functions to create opportunities for both it's members and for it's 'network self. '

   Another 'actor' framework stresses the importance of specific 'actor' roles. In this view, small group dynamics rely on a natural self-organization process that sorts out specific roles, and creates roles for outsiders to play. Here the focus is on the tight/loose connectedness of individuals to their network and the network to other networks. In this scheme, degrees of reciprocity characterize exchanges between parties (both individual and group). This 'flow' between actors is colored by the roles each accepts and the diversity is great. Equality is only one of many ways to order relationships.

   An entirely different focus is upon measurement of 'network' units. One measure is the individual's recognition of the network as an entity. For example, network analysts might ask whether the actors recognize that they are participating in a particular network, and whether they are committed to operating as a network. 'Who do you work for?' represents the archetypical question/issue. An even deeper issue is the notion of 'self' and the ability of a 'network' to allow 'selfhood' to emerge. Though somewhat distant from mainstream terminology, almost everyone will understand the notion that organizations have a 'mind of their own' and that it implies the network has a 'selfhood' it will strive to protect.

   Finally, the authors include the 'naturalist' view of Fukuyama that networks are nothing new, that networks are nothing more than 'trust' communities. Trust communities are nothing new. Along the same lines are 'small world' network theories, a body of thought that suggests networks and 'life' itself are inextricably woven together.

   While the networking form of social organization has existed in other times and spaces, the new information technology paradigm provides the material basis for its pervasive expansion throughout a global social domain. Along these lines, they quote Keck and Sikkink's notion that networks are defined as "forms of organization characterized by voluntary, reciprocal, and horizontal patterns of communication and exchange. This seems addressed at one of the most universally recognized phenomena of networks, resiliency to shock unless a key hub (if there is one) is taken down. This interest in survival is a key part of the naturalist perspective.

   In what I find the most illuminating discussion, the authors encompass the wide diversity in network theory by suggesting a multi-level theory of organization to account for network dynamics and resilience. In their scheme, there are 5 levels;
   1. organizational design.
   2. the narrative story about the network's genesis and powers.
   3. The doctrinal habits used for producing desired outcomes, initiating newcomers and developing seniority.
   4. Technological tools
   5. Personal ties of loyalty and trust.

   Personally, I suspect networks, like the Internet, evolve without a plan. They emerge and persist in spite of their plans and desires of those that give them concrete reality. Thus, I somewhat disagree with the 'title' of level #1, if not the concept.

   Their focus on level #2, the network's organizational story, is probably the most original and insightful. Though the authors seem hopeful that 'netwar' has a bright side, consider how the 'bright side' is entirely defined by the organizational narrative. How is the network's bright side described in a Wahabi madrasas? Behind the walls of the Vatican?




4. There is a wide variance between the 11 contributing authors.

   Some of them give stimulating eye witness accounts of events in Seattle, or detailed case studies of criminal activities from around the globe.

   Then we get others who just give you their opinion on an issue, expressed so academically that with one of them I was desperately looking for any indication of form of who / what / where / when that might have contributed to the development of their ideas.

   So for those who cited the evidence - 4 or even 5 stars - but for those who gave rather sterile theoretical opinions - 2 stars.

   And what a shame there was no Index.