Terrorism and U.S. Foreign Policy

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Summary: The best book I've read on terrorism
Review: This is not a book about secret operations or police actions against terrorism. This text is about the phenomenom of terrorism, its different manifestations and the kinds of groups related to this activities. Mr. Pillar explains the methods for answering the terrorist threat and -contrary to what many may think- he relegates military actions to the last place of the list. This book was written before September 11, 2001, but certainly it helps explain why the attacks took place and sets the path to prevent such acts in the future. This book is also important for those interested on the legal aspects of terrorism, because it deals with different instruments adopted to combat this threat. For every person who would like to form his/her own opinion on how to fight terrorism, this text is a must read.

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Summary: A deeper study of US foreign policy!
Review: Unlike many recent titles that sensationalize the threat of terrorism, Pillar's book is a sober and insightful analysis of a complex problem that defies easy solution. A highly respected specialist from the top ranks of the US intelligence community, Pillar brings a unique perspective to a controversial topic that combines the insider's experience with the scholar's analytic skills. The book is not intended as a comprehensive blueprint but as a guide to constructing and executing an effective counterterrorist policy, by integrating such policy into American foreign policy making. Pillar argues that the purpose of counterterrorism is to save lives without unduly compromising other national interests and objectives. Thus, terrorism is expected to persist into the future, since it cannot be solved but only managed, reduced, and controlled by sound policies; i.e., pay attention to the full range of threats; disrupt terrorist infrastructures worldwide; use all available methods to counter terrorism; tailor different policies to meet different challenges; give peace a chance; legislate sparingly; encourage state sponsors to refrain from terrorism, not just punish them; work with allies; and keep the American public informed. Must reading for policy makers, academics, and analysts. Upper

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Summary: A serious but (frighteningly) understandable MUST read
Review: When I first read about this book in the newspaper, I was prepared to read a very dry, boring academic work on terrorism. I was a Political Science major in college so that did not bother me. BUT I was truly SURPRISED when I read this -- and STRONGLY recommend it to everyone who wants to get "the complete picture" of where the United States is in this terrorism "war," how terrorism grew, where it is going...and how it may be contained.
True, this book cannot be compared to a "fast read" nonfiction book or an informative news magazine piece. It is quite serious and that's not surprising since its author was deputy chief of the CIA's Counterterrorist Center. But it is NOT boring and is easily undertandable. It's sort of between an academic text and a standard nonfiction book.
Even though it was written before the horrorific Sept 11 events there are plenty of references to Osama bin Laden..and many others terrorist individuals and groups. In fact, chapters are broken into headings such as states, groups, counterterrorist instruments, etc.
What's MOST interesting about this book is this: immediately after Sept 11 American policymakers (government and elected) had been faulted with not knowing much about terrorism.
But it is VERY clear from reading this book that this is THE book they have used to get up to speed. This clearly was their "Bible." A lot of what is going on now seems to be based on the concepts and conclusions in this book; and when you listen to some elected officials on Sunday news shows it's clear they read THIS book.
The most unsettling part of all this is: after you read it, and get a wonderful understanding of the groups, people, and options, you realize that: a)the US government and officials WERE indeed woefully unprepared (books like this and reports on terrorism apparently were used as doorstops by both political parties until disaster struck) and b) dealing with terrorism is akin to squeezing a half-full water balloon...for each push on one end, something bulges on the other end.
I STRONGLY recommend this book to ANYONE who wants to understand the historical, military and political minefield that the U.S. now tiptoes through.
Don't be scared off because it's a serious book! It's thoughtful, balanced with lots of quotes and analysis. Level-headed...and NOT a "doomsday" book. Academics will love it. Policy makers and elected officials already parrot it. And the average reader will find it understandable...and realize the challenges and dangers ahead as never before. Read it and keep it, or read it and lend it, or read it and sell it...but READ IT. Read it!