Failed States, written by Noam Chomsky, a renowned political author, presents controversial yet fact-backed arguments. Chomsky contends that the U.S. has engaged in undemocratic and borderline treasonous acts in the name of national security, from the Cold War to modern electronic spying. His book details various government actions, including those of the intelligence community and military operations. The principal of universality is central to his argument, as he claims the U.S. does not follow it, making the country an elite and potentially dangerous one. This is seen in its spying on allies and its own people. Chomsky uses specific events, like the supposed plan to attack the U.S. to justify attacking other countries, to emphasize the increasing double standard in American policy regarding spying, terrorism, and military intervention. He also notes that the U.S. enforces international law on others while being exempt itself. The book's call to action is clear, as Chomsky asserts the moral incorrectness of the U.S. government's actions and urges the American people and other countries to intervene. One of the most compelling discussions is on Orlando Bosch, an international terrorist whom the U.S. government kept in the country despite being a national security threat, contradicting the Bush Doctrine. The book also addresses Operation Northwoods and the double standard regarding nuclear weapons. While Chomsky's arguments may initially seem like conspiracy theories, his use of facts makes his point of view understandable. His bias is evident, but he is passionate about challenging the government and making the reader think about the American double standard and the government's actions.

\\tChomsky's discussion of Orlando Bosch highlights the government's hypocrisy. Despite being a significant threat, Bosch was not deported, going against the Bush Doctrine. This shows that the U.S. is often exempt from its own rules. The mention of Operation Northwoods, the plan to attack American cities to justify war with Cuba, is outrageous and aligns with our discussions about the government putting citizens at harm. The double standard regarding nuclear weapons is also a major issue. The U.S. condemns other countries for having nuclear weapons while being the only country to have used one. This suggests that the U.S. may not be the most responsible country when it comes to nuclear arms.

\\tIn conclusion, Chomsky's Failed States is a thought-provoking book that challenges the reader to question the American government's actions and the double standard in its policies. While his bias is present, his use of facts and examples makes his arguments compelling. The book serves as a reminder that the government's actions can have far-reaching consequences and that it is the responsibility of the people to hold the government accountable.

The author discusses the American policy on how to use the media for the service of its political interests, deceive the public and exploit it without the public realizing that it has already been exploited.

It is about the well-known concepts and how they are packaged and concealed so that they appear to be correct and true, when in fact they are just "lies and servants of the government".

It is about the "masses" that are sold by exploiting the empathy of these masses to make them accept what the government wants to do.

The book covers several topics:

1. The great achievements of propaganda: the concepts of democracy.

2. The democracy of spectacle through the manufacture of consensus and the use of popular uprisings.

3. Public relations and the huge sums of money spent annually on the production of public relations.

4. The management of public opinion: by indoctrinating the masses with ideas that affect their political orientation.

5. The culture of fragmentation: groups that reject American politics have emerged and have had a significant impact.

6. The portrayal of enemies: the enemies of the government are the enemies of the people, "they are the enemies of everyone", and everyone will be concerned with eliminating the enemies and forgetting the more important issues that the government should solve for the American citizen.

7. The selection of perception: where through the media, the focus is on the side that the government desires and wants to cover up, and the other side is ignored.

8. The Gulf War: the war on Saddam Hussein because, as the American media was hyping up, he was a wild beast who would invade the world, and this reason was just a lie and a pretext to achieve its real goals.

Finally, it talks about the coming journalist from the swamp and how it is implemented.

Damn.

I'm not entirely certain if I would concur that the US is a "failed state" (it seems more like an oligarchy with a flimsy guise of democracy). However, I have gleaned an enormous amount of knowledge from this book.

Consequently, I will most definitely be on the lookout for more books regarding the Iraq war and the Middle East. Even though I lived through that era, I truly don't know all that much.

(I suspect that was by design, lol).

Anyway, yes, I'm not sure if I agree with every single aspect of it (especially the optimism regarding South America towards the end), but it was a very good read and a real eye-opener.

It has made me realize how much more there is to learn about these complex and important topics.

I look forward to delving deeper into the subject matter and expanding my understanding.

Perhaps through further reading and study, I will be able to form a more informed and nuanced perspective.

Who knows what other revelations and insights await me?

A book of great value. If I were to criticize the translation that doesn't match the value of the work in this way,

The author focuses on the foreign policies of the United States, which are different from what the media tries to convey to us. Chomsky explains the violence, cruelty, and violations that occurred in the Guantanamo prison, which was visited by George W. Bush Jr. Then the author turns in the later chapters to talk about the American violations in Iraq and the subsequent emergence of new terrorist groups...

Then he talks about the Middle East and the Camp David Accords... and the Palestinian issue and the American role in supporting Israel...

Chomsky's style requires great focus, and the weakness of the translation somewhat reduces the value of the book. But in the end, it is a unique book that is worth reading.

Chomsky's analysis of US double-standards is truly spot-on.

Set in the post-Iraq war era, this book may seem a little dated as it is most concerned with events in the 1990s and 2000 - 2005.

However, this does not in any way detract from Chomsky's highly convincing argument against the US's so-called "democracy promotion" both within its own borders and abroad.

Chomsky meticulously dissects the actions and policies of the US, revealing the contradictions and hypocrisy underlying its claims of promoting democracy.

He shows how the US has often supported authoritarian regimes when it suits its own interests, while simultaneously criticizing and interfering in the affairs of other countries in the name of democracy.

This book serves as a powerful reminder that we should not blindly accept the US's self-proclaimed role as a global advocate for democracy, but rather question and analyze its actions with a critical eye.

Despite its age, Chomsky's work remains relevant and thought-provoking, challenging us to think more deeply about the true nature of democracy and the role of the US in the world.

Any Chomsky political/economic work is a 5-star in my eyes, and this one is no exception. Chomsky dissects with great accuracy a wide range of issues. In this book, the focus is on some familiar areas such as Israel/Palestine and Central America. However, I particularly found the chapter on the failure of the US to uphold democracy in its own country to be extremely enlightening. It makes one think deeply about the true state of democracy in the so-called "land of the free."

Chomsky is a living genius. He stands up and bravely questions those who wield power in a world where the vast majority of intellectuals fail completely in this regard. He has the courage to speak the truth and expose the hidden agendas and inequalities. We are truly lucky to have him. It is essential that we listen to his words and learn from his insights. His work is not only thought-provoking but also has the potential to bring about positive change in the world.

The United States and some of its client states, like Israel, are actively engaged in a campaign of tyranny and terror around the world.

The actions of these entities have had far-reaching consequences, causing great harm and suffering to countless people.

Their policies and military operations often seem to be driven by self-interest rather than a concern for the well-being of others.

This has led to the destabilization of many regions, the displacement of populations, and the violation of human rights.

The international community has a responsibility to hold these countries accountable for their actions and work towards a more just and peaceful world.

We cannot allow the forces of tyranny and terror to continue to operate with impunity.

It is time for a change, and for the world to come together and demand an end to this unjust behavior.

In all honesty, I could not finish this.

The publication date is 2005, and thus 19 years have passed since he wrote each chapter.

Each chapter is devoted to the pursuit by "other states" to destroy or knee cap democracy.

I did learn that under international law there is such a thing as "Illegal but Legitimate." Go figure.

Basically, in a conflict (WWII was the example), if the vanquished state is accused of a crime, it cannot be punished if the prevailing country ALSO employed the same method or tactic or action in the conflict.

I suppose that makes sense. But... I am NOT an advocate of war in any event.

Couldn't finish it. That world has changed.

Maybe it's because the passage of time has made the context and the ideas presented seem less relevant or perhaps because my own perspective on such matters has evolved.

The concept of "Illegal but Legitimate" is indeed a curious one, and it makes me wonder about the true nature and fairness of international law and how it is applied in different situations.

Nonetheless, my stance against war remains firm, as I believe there are always better ways to resolve conflicts and promote peace and understanding among nations.

The original article is not provided, so I will create a new one for you.

**Title: A Bleak Landscape**

In the heart of the countryside lies a place that seems forgotten by time.

The fields are barren, the soil hard and cracked from lack of rain.

The few remaining trees stand leafless and skeletal, their branches reaching up towards the gray, overcast sky.

The wind whistles through the desolate landscape, carrying with it a sense of loneliness and despair.

There are no signs of life, no chirping of birds or scurrying of small animals.

It is as if all hope has been drained from this place, leaving only a bleak and empty shell.

The once vibrant and fertile land now serves as a reminder of the harshness of nature and the fragility of life.

Standing in the midst of this desolation, one cannot help but feel a sense of melancholy and a longing for something more.

The United States is a country with great potential and influence in the world. However, like any other nation, it also faces various challenges and issues that need to be addressed.

Some of the major problems in the US include economic inequality, social division, and political polarization. These issues have a significant impact on the lives of ordinary Americans and the future of the country.

To improve the situation in America, several solutions can be considered. Firstly, there should be a greater focus on promoting economic growth and creating more job opportunities, especially for those in disadvantaged communities. This can be achieved through investment in infrastructure, education, and innovation.

Secondly, efforts should be made to bridge the social divide and promote unity and understanding among different groups. This can involve initiatives such as community building, interfaith dialogue, and anti-discrimination campaigns.

Finally, political leaders need to work together across party lines to find common ground and address the nation's problems. This requires a spirit of compromise and a willingness to put the interests of the country first.

In conclusion, while the challenges facing America are significant, there are also many solutions that can be implemented to improve the situation. By working together and taking proactive measures, the US can overcome its problems and build a more prosperous and harmonious future.

This is a diatribe by a pompous windbag who is in love with his own intellect. He condescends to the reader, and Chomsky wants you to know that he is wiser and smarter than you are. In an annoying suck tooth way, he is usually right. His points always seem overblown and hyper-stated, and he always implies the evil intent of those he breathlessly accuses.

However, the most maddening thing about this book is that it is right all the way down the line. This proves once again that just because you're an asshole doesn't mean you're wrong. Chomsky's ideas may be presented in an irritating manner, but they cannot be ignored. His intellect and knowledge are undeniable, and his arguments have merit.

Despite his flaws, Chomsky has made significant contributions to the fields of linguistics, politics, and philosophy. His work has inspired countless others and has had a profound impact on the way we think about the world. While we may not always like the way he presents his ideas, we must respect his intelligence and the importance of his work.

The 20th anniversary of 9/11 seemed rather anti-climactic. After all these years, one has to wonder what we have truly learned.

Coincidentally, I came across a copy of this volume by Chomsky and was completely captivated by its trenchant analysis and remarkable foresight. Chomsky reminds us that the "War on Terror" was initiated by the US government as far back as the Reagan administration. The efforts to intervene in countries considered "failed states" and breeding grounds for terrorists were part of the strategy at the end of the Cold War. These interventions were often carried out without any pretense of nation-building or promoting democratic institutions. Instead, they frequently undermined or even overthrew functioning democracies to replace them with pro-US dictatorships when the democratically-elected governments did not adhere to US government policies, which almost always served the interests of multinational corporations.

It is no accident that the primary target on 9/11 was the World Trade Center, a global symbol of international capitalism. Instead of following the comprehensive recommendations of the 9/11 Commission to prevent terrorism, the Bush administration embarked on an unwinnable war in Afghanistan, a war based on patently false premises in Iraq, and a third ambiguous "War on Terrorism" against US citizens who were deemed enemies of the state. Chomsky accurately foresaw the endless quagmire in Afghanistan.

Perhaps the greatest contribution of the book is the argument that the US itself is an undemocratic failed state. The hypocrisy of invading other countries and dismantling functioning democracies in the name of "nation-building" and "democracy promotion" is bad enough. Chomsky devotes an entire chapter to the suppression of democratic institutions in the US, a situation that has significantly worsened since 2016.

While Chomsky's predictions were more often correct than incorrect, he did miss a few. As is often the case with his writing on Israel, it can be challenging to follow his complex contrarian analysis, which is so different from the simplistic pro- and anti-Zionist accounts. Netanyahu's influence looms large in the chapter on the Middle East. Although the Middle East chapter appears prescient, Chomsky may have underestimated how Netanyahu's repeated obstruction of any viable Middle East peace process has prolonged various US conflicts and cost the lives of US soldiers. Of course, he has continued to be a prolific writer and has not been silent during the Obama and Trump administrations. He remains outspoken on these issues to this day.

"Failed States" is eloquently presented, but there are parts that read like a transcript of his punditry on "Democracy Now." It is also somewhat repetitive, recycling several themes from his previous works. Even if it is not self-plagiarism, some of his tangents add little value. However, on the whole, "Failed States" is still a relevant and worthwhile read.