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What You Need to Know About: Terror

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Israelis live with the daily threat of terror. Even so, Israelis go about their normal lives, shop, eat out, go to school and to the movies. Everything is done with a pointed emphasis on security precautions. Guards outside restaurants, at the entrance to shopping malls, banks and schools, and the inspection of cars at parking lots are all part of Israel's normal routine.

Even though terror has been around for decades, it took the attacks on New York and Washington for Americans to sit up and take notice of terrorism. Suddenly, Americans asked themselves what terror was all about? Why did al-Qaida attack the World Trade Center? Was it because of America's support for Israel, or because the terrorists feel threatened by American values.

These questions were quite logical, coming in the wake of the massive, coordinated and unprecedented attack on September 11. Now, simple, concise and rational answers are available, and readers can clearly comprehend the terrorist phenomenon.

In his new book, What You Need to Know About: Terror (Toby Press, August 2003), political and social commentator Micah Halpern, a regular Israel Insider columnist, answers 75 key questions such as "What is terror?", "Do terrorists have an ethical code?" and "How do we live with the threat of terror?" The book is divided into sections that help the reader understand what Islamic terror is all about, why America is specifically targeted, and how governments should respond to the terrorist threat.

The book tackles controversial issues connected to the war against terror, including the profiling of people at airport security inspections, targeted 'assassinations,' and the possibility that the United States would issue a national identity card. Faced with a growing threat on national and international airlines, passengers should agree to possible invasions of privacy, Halpern writes.

The book also provides a guide to the world's terror organizations and a useful resource section. The best feature of the book is its question and answer format, which provides simple one-sentence answers and then an expanded, detailed analysis. Average readers will have no problems comprehending the very real danger of world terrorism, and what should be done about that threat.

This is the book we've been waiting for. Thank you Micah Halpern.

I read the book from cover to cover in one sitting - I was riveted. What You Need To Know About: Terror clearly, concisely answered my questions and calmed my fears. It's a must read for every American. The author presented 75 tough questions, and provided very factual and well thought out analysis to support his answers.

Now I really understand why terror exists and why we are targets. I also know that I need not sit back and just let it happen. This book has examples of exactly what we must.

I can't say that I am less scared about terror, but I am more informed.

Not a Dummies Guide or a Complete Idiot's Guide, this is a THINKING PERSON'S guide.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TERROR is something every American adult needs to read. Don't be victimized by inadequate and ill-informed media coverage, buy this book and get the facts yourself.

Halpern's genius lies in simplifying everything without over-simplifying anything! He deals with complex issues in an even-handed and calm approach that make this topic accessible to everyone. Buy it, read it, discuss it.

And stay safe.