...make it this one. I don't make that statement lightly, because I've read several that I consider to be essential reading. There are several things that make Clarke's book so valuable. For one thing, his tone: he doesn't come across as a wild-eyed liberal. I love the writing and work of Al Franken, Michael Moore, Joe Conason, Craig Unger, and others - but as well-written (and in Moore's case, filmed) as their works are, the very zeal with which they pursue their topics is going to keep most conservative thinkers from giving any honest consideration their points of view. Their works are moving and well-researched, and are potentially eye-opening and instructive for those who are of the opinion that the Bush administration is headed down the right (no pun intended, really...!) path - but few people on the Right are actually going to sit down and read any of them and seriously consider what they're saying. Clarke doesn't come across in his book as a Bush-basher for the sake of it - he makes a point of illuminating what he sees as Bush's good points, but he pulls no punches when addressing those areas where he thinks the administration has taken wrong turns in dealing with terrorism.
Clarke has been working in government during the administrations of the last seven presidents, and has worked in the White House under George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. He has dedicated much of his adult life to the service of his country, and in the last few years he has been a leader in the fight against terrorism. He knows what he's talking about - and he knows what consequences lie ahead of our nation if the problem is not addressed head-on, with all of the resources we can muster. He has worked enough over the course of his career with Middle Eastern issues that he knows the region well - and the clarity of his vision and insight are level-headed and resolute. He recognizes the subtleties that are at play beneath the surface of events, as well as the strengths, weaknesses and idiosyncrasies of the various cultures involved. He not only gives the reader a clear picture of the history of the region, and America's relationship with the players (and the consequences of those relationships) - toward the end of the book, he lays out what he sees as vital areas in need of the correct attention of U.S. foreign policy. He knows the value of a strong military, but he also knows that every fight cannot be won, nor every alliance made, at the point of a gun.
Particularly revelatory I thought was Clarke's view of the Clinton presidency. It's his contention that Clinton did a lot more to fight terrorism - and al Qaeda in particular - than is widely known. With all of the media and Congressional attention given to the storms that were generated over Clinton's personal foibles, there's little wonder that much of what he accomplished went by unnoticed by a country whose press seemed to suddenly turn into tabloids in their coverage. Clarke admits to having his doubts about Clinton's resolve, and his willingness to use military force when necessary - but he came away from a number of experiences comforted by the knowledge that the president grasped the significance of the al Qaeda threat as was willing to deal with it. When Bush came into office in 2001, Clarke was shocked and dismayed at the indifference the president's staff seemed to give to the terrorism issue. His impression was that they were mostly stuck in a `Cold War' mentality, unable to comprehend that the direst threat posed to the United States would come not from a nation, but from a group like al Qaeda. Tragically, events would prove him right.
The Right has vilified Clarke - they have attempted to portray him as a disgruntled ex-employee seeking revenge, and they're doing both the author and our country a disservice in the process. I didn't get the slightest impression from this book, nor in any of the interviews with the author, or other appearances that I've caught on television, that Clarke is in any way spiteful or resentful. He's an intelligent, thoughtful and dedicated man - he is possessed by a patriotism that sees beyond party lines. The book is a gripping read - all the more so because it's fact, not fiction. As I mentioned at the first, the books by Franken and Moore (and others) are valuable tools, well-written and full of good points and information - but this is a book that your Right-wing uncle (or other relative, or friend - you know, the one you're always arguing with...?) is more likely to read. It has the potential to open eyes and minds - and our nation could always use more of that.
$12.11 with 24 percent savings
List Price: $16.00 
The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more
Learn more
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
Frequently bought together
This item: Against All Enemies: Inside America's War on Terror (A World Politics Bestseller)
$9.00
Get it Jan 9 - 15
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
+
$12.29
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Jan 7
In Stock
Total price: $00
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
- Cyber War: The Next Threat to National Security and What to Do About ItPaperbackFREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Wednesday, Jan 8
- The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11PaperbackFREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Tuesday, Jan 7
- Your Government Failed You: Breaking the Cycle of National Security DisastersHardcover$6.21 shippingGet it Jan 15 - 16
- Ghost Wars: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden, from the Soviet Invasion to September 10, 2001PaperbackFREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Tuesday, Jan 7
- The Cold War: A New HistoryPaperbackFREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Tuesday, Jan 7
- Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIAPaperbackFREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Tuesday, Jan 7
Top reviews from other countries
-
- Robert T. HoeckelReviewed in Germany on March 17, 2021
Against All Enemies: Inside America's War on Terror
