Customer Reviews

American Foreign Policy

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

In this forceful and well-argued book the author critically examines the role of the USA in the global community of the new millenium. The Gulf question is addressed with insight and humour in equal measure in the chapter "Here's Some More, Saddam - Finishing what Daddy Started", and he turns his attention to eco-politics in the chapter "Kyoto-Schmyoto - The Planet's Too Cold".

As a professionable burglar, I found the unusual format of this work exceedingly helpful. While I was at first somewhat startled to discover that the entire treatise is written - apparently by hand - on the back of a laminated faux baseball card featuring a photo of Mr. Bush holding a bat and pointing toward what he presumenably imagines to be left field, the compactity of it did make for a quick read, and the sturdy plastic of which it is constructed makes it ideal for jimmying locks. Kudodos to the Chief!

Please, somebody pay attention to me!

A fabulous exposé of the state of American politics in the 21st century. I particularly loved the chapter on his meteoric rise to power entitled "I won!...Did I?...oh you did...No, I did!"

Another bodice-ripping (or should that be body-ripping?) page-turner from the master of intrigue and suspense, George Wbush. Tom Clancy had better watch out, because Wbush is in gripping form in this, his latest work of fiction. In the past, some have criticized his plots as unoriginal (I mean, hundreds of commie spies in the white house - haven't we heard that before?) but I've got to say, for entertainment value they're hard to beat.

My only criticism of this book is that it's been poorly proof-read: it's full of typos and misprinted words, and at times reads as if it's been translated from another language! These don't detract greatly from the quality of the plot though - you still know what Wbush means, even if it seems that he doesn't. Never misunderestimate him!!

I thought the chapter about the Chinese Spy Plane incident entitled "Come get some! Oh...ok...Sorry about your dead guy!" was both erudite, insightful and thought provoking. A must read!

I was utterly gobsmacked when I opened this comic novel, and I knew from the Prologue that I'd be unable to put it down until I finished it. He sets the scene marvellously, with a farcical election episode which gives a foretaste of the tone of the novel to come. In between hilarious misunderestimates of the actual position, leadership etc of various countries, George shows us just how it should be done, with his wonderfully timed, hilarious insights into the hazy world of air pollution, and his 'good cop, bad cop' routine with the Chinese - "please can we have our ball back, please? - I'm sorry we broke your window - it won't happen again I promise..." What more can be said? - this title speaks for itself.

Would that all politicians be so frank with readers as W. is in his fascinating revelations of how he became the foreign policy maven he is today. Personally I was moved to tears after reading that poignant moment where he learned Mexico was a foreign country, a mere two years into his first term as Texas governor. Also, the description of his first "trip around the world" he took with his fraternity--where in one night they visted Ireland with Bass and Harp, then central Europe with St. Pauli's Girl, Heineken and Becks, then a breathtaking tour of the Orient with Sapporo and Kirin--will remain with me any time I find myself tempted to participate in binge drinking. With such a thoughtful perspective of the wonders this world has to offer, it's almost baffling that he wishes to protect us from it with a missile defense shield.

The book should be re-titled "The president has lost his brain." Book that is typical of America's "World View" i.e. doesn't go outside America.

Well, here we see Bush's real view of the world - in his mind it floats around the US. When he talks about Foreign Policy he consideres Canada, Mexico and - to an extent - the remaining South American states in the same way China regards Taiwan - as a upstart bunch who'll get their own and rejoin the mother country as soon as he can muster enough forces.

Interesting reading and predictions for his remaining years in office. Highly recommended.