Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
33(33%)
4 stars
30(30%)
3 stars
37(37%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
... Show More
Perhaps my expectations for this book were overly lofty.

However, upon reading it, I couldn't help but feel that it was severely lacking in depth.

There were a few notes that piqued my interest, such as the mention of the U.S.'s own terrorist activities in other countries.

But I craved more background information on this topic.

The author seemed to reference himself quite frequently and skipped over explanations, assuming that they were common knowledge.

Well, as someone who isn't particularly well-versed in history (and is actively trying to rectify that), I found these instances rather annoying.

And it just kept happening over and over again.

Ultimately, I have come to the conclusion that purchasing this book was a complete waste.

It would be wiser to simply read the beginning, a few select middle sections, and the last chapter.

This way, you can save both your money and your precious time.
July 15,2025
... Show More

It was a compilation of various Chomsky interviews conducted after 9/11. This book presented a decent account of the events and their context. However, like much of Chomsky's work, it was a rather tedious read. It delved into immense details, which could be overwhelming for some readers. Nevertheless, it did offer a valuable explanation of the history preceding 9/11 and how the tragic event came to pass. Importantly, it did so in a rational and objective manner, not in the form of crazy conspiracy theories. It also explored the various aspects and circumstances surrounding 9/11. It was clear that this book was not filled with the false narratives put forth by the government or jingoists, nor was it the work of crazy whackjob conspiracists. It provided a more nuanced and informed perspective on a complex and significant event in modern history.

July 15,2025
... Show More
It was a bit redundant, but I blamed the editor, not Chomsky.

It was interesting because the book was based on interviews immediately after the events of 9/11. Since I am reading his words 12 years later, I have a different point of observation from him. I liked comparing Chomsky's predictions with the actual past.

The redundancy in the text might have been a result of the editor's oversight rather than any fault of Chomsky's. The basis of the book on immediate post-9/11 interviews gives it a unique perspective. Reading it after 12 years allows for a contrast in viewpoints. Comparing Chomsky's predictions with what actually happened in the past provides an engaging exercise in analyzing how well his ideas held up over time. This comparison can offer valuable insights into the nature of prediction and the impact of historical events on our understanding.

Overall, despite the initial criticism of redundancy, the book presents an interesting opportunity to explore Chomsky's thoughts in the context of a significant historical event and to evaluate their relevance in the present day.
July 15,2025
... Show More
While I have an extremely high admiration for Chomsky's intellect,

and his book Manufactured Consent is indeed essential reading for anyone who endeavors to understand media and thought manipulation in the United States,

this particular book was both a disappointment and a source of disillusionment for me.

In fact, it was precisely within the pages of this very book that I came to the realization that Chomsky conceals certain things

through means such as deflection, making sweeping historical statements, and on occasion, even deceit.

It was just when I was contemplating the possibility that the Bush Administration might have had a role in 9/11,

as any rational and intellectually honest political thinker who is cognizant of imperialist history must,

that I became aware that he would not entertain such a thought,

and in fact, he was disguising his unwillingness to consider it.

So, that is the furthest extent to which his formidable intellect will lead you.

Zinn presents American history in a way that allows you to view it more clearly;

Chomsky takes you a step further by introducing a profound and radical analysis of American interventions worldwide;

and then you come to the realization that you must delve even deeper still,

and there is no publicly accepted political thinker who will guide you along the way.

The courageous mind must ultimately venture into the territory where Chomsky is afraid to set foot.
July 15,2025
... Show More
I read the translation of International Dawn, and it is different from Chomsky's view in all his books. It presents a free social and historical view, free from the constraints of interpretations and illusions of cultural and political liberalism.

This unique perspective challenges the traditional understanding of various social and political phenomena. It offers a fresh look at how society has developed and how different ideologies have influenced its course.

By presenting a view that is not bound by the limitations of liberalism, International Dawn encourages readers to think more deeply about the true nature of society and the possibilities for change.

It forces us to question the assumptions and beliefs that we have taken for granted and to consider alternative ways of looking at the world.

Overall, the translation of International Dawn provides a valuable contribution to the field of social and political thought, and it is sure to spark lively discussions and debates among readers.
July 15,2025
... Show More
This book might be overwhelming for those who are determined to blame Muslims or Islam.

Chomsky broadens the context of the 9/11 atrocious events beyond just "theology" to incorporate the larger geopolitical and historical developments in the region. Once again, Chomsky shows that he is ahead of his time. Throughout the book, he repeatedly advocates for a rational and historically comprehensive analysis of the causes and constantly proposes pragmatic rather than precarious reactions.

Unfortunately, the book has a drawback in that it lacks good referencing. This makes it a bit cumbersome for those who wish to track or investigate some of the claims. Personally, I was able to find the relevant sources. However, others who don't want to read entire books to understand the deductions he makes would prefer a more academic style of referencing. It should be noted that in defense of Chomsky, this drawback is a result of the rushed style and structure of the book, which consists of short interviews with different media outlets only days and weeks after 9/11. The book was published on December 4th, 2011.

What shocked me the most is the ease with which Chomsky reveals the power systems at play. He points out the tendency of the US and its allies to exercise fanatical military power and warns against such policies and their potential to lead to further exacerbation and horror both externally and domestically. Needless to say, these warnings became a reality 4 years later, first in Afghanistan and then in Iraq.

Perhaps the most profound idea, which may seem preposterous to others, is that the 9/11 attacks were actually reactions, both directly and indirectly related to America's foreign policy in the region.
July 15,2025
... Show More
Overall, it is a pretty good read.

Some of the sections, to be honest, are a bit less interesting. They might not grab the reader's attention as strongly as others.

However, in the other sections, some really good facts and opinions are stated. These parts offer valuable insights and make the reading worthwhile.

For example, there are certain paragraphs that present unique perspectives on the topic, which can make the reader think deeply and gain a new understanding.

The author has done a decent job of presenting a mix of information, even though not every section is equally engaging.

All in all, despite the few less interesting parts, it is still a book that can provide some good reading material and useful knowledge.

July 15,2025
... Show More
The information provided seems rather limited and a bit disjointed. However, here is an attempt to rewrite and expand it:

The content was not very in-depth. This was especially the case if one had prior knowledge on the topic. He did, though, recommend other books. These books, according to him, fueled his view on the matter. I have decided that I plan on reading those recommended books. It will be interesting to see how they shape my understanding and whether they will support or challenge my existing thoughts on the subject. I am looking forward to delving into these books and exploring the ideas that he found so influential.



Please note that without more context, this expansion is somewhat of a guess at what the original intention might have been. If you can provide more details, I can further improve the rewritten and expanded text.
July 15,2025
... Show More
This is truly important work.

I truly wish that Chomsky could have a real impact in our society.

It is rather comical that I don't consider anything he states to be truly all that extreme.

Yet, he is included in all these "100 most dangerous academics" lists.

Sean Hannity even refers to him as something like an "Osama-sympathizer" or "Osama-apologizer."

This is a blatant misreading and mislabeling that truly enrages me.

Chomsky's ideas and views may be controversial, but they deserve to be evaluated and understood objectively, rather than being dismissed or slandered with unfounded accusations.

We should strive to have a more open and rational dialogue about the issues he raises, rather than simply attacking him based on false characterizations.

Only then can we hope to gain a deeper understanding of the complex social and political issues that confront us today.

July 15,2025
... Show More
Noam Chomsky is truly an author who is always worthy of our time and attention. However, my concern with this relatively thin volume is that it simply doesn't contain nearly enough of his profound insights. The book was published in a rather hasty manner, immediately following the events of 9/11, and it consists mainly of interview Q & A's. While the answers to the questions are indeed thought-provoking and very well-considered, one can't help but wonder what a more extensive book, with more room for in-depth exploration and analysis, could accomplish. There is a remarkable little thesis presented in the final paragraph of the concluding essay that truly merits a much larger work. This thesis could potentially offer a comprehensive contemplation of over a decade and a half of post-9/11 geopolitics. I would very much love to see Mr. Chomsky undertake the writing of such a work. As it is currently, what we have here is a considerably fascinating, yet at times disquieting, taster of his ideas.

It leaves us hungry for more, eager to delve deeper into the complex and important issues that he so adeptly addresses.
July 15,2025
... Show More
Chomsky's incisive analysis of the immediate global reactions to the events of September 11 is truly remarkable.

In his work "9/11," Chomsky demonstrates his genuine intellectual and analytical prowess in anticipating the probable responses of the Bush administration.

Thirteen years after the event, when one reads this book, it is astonishing to observe just how accurate Chomsky was in his predictions, which were made mere days after those fateful events.

His insights provide a valuable perspective on the complex web of political, social, and international relations that were set in motion by the September 11 attacks.

Chomsky's work serves as a reminder of the importance of critical thinking and analysis in understanding the world around us.

It challenges us to question the official narratives and to look beyond the surface to uncover the deeper truths.

Overall, "9/11" is a thought-provoking and essential read for anyone interested in understanding the events of that day and their far-reaching consequences.
July 15,2025
... Show More
In his book 9-11, Noam Chomsky provides a comprehensive and in-depth examination of US foreign policy following the tragic events of 9/11.

The author adopts a concise and fact-based methodology, presenting a novel perspective on the intricate web of international politics.

Although the information and events detailed in the book may appear somewhat antiquated in light of the rapid tempo of global transformations, it remains an essential read for grasping the historical backdrop of international politics.

Chomsky's analysis offers valuable insights into the motives and actions of the US government during this critical period, shedding light on the complex interactions between different nations and the far-reaching consequences of US foreign policy decisions.

By studying this book, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the historical roots of current international issues and develop a more informed perspective on the future of global politics.
Leave a Review
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.