Spot on but outdated: Chomsky's analysis of the political situation is, as always, extraordinarily astute. He has a remarkable ability to cut through the clutter and get to the heart of the matter. He can sum up the most complex international political situations in a concise and understandable manner. And he is not one to mince words!

However, five years later, while most of his predictions have unfortunately come true, this book is clearly showing its age. Moreover, due to its structure, which consists of a series of interviews with journalists asking more or less the same questions, it can be rather repetitive.

Now, I am eager to know his thoughts on the current situation in Iraq and Somalia. These are two regions that have seen significant developments since the book was published. I wonder how Chomsky would analyze the political, social, and economic landscapes of these countries today. Would he still hold the same views? Or has the passage of time and the changing circumstances led him to modify his opinions? Only by hearing his latest thoughts can we gain a more comprehensive understanding of the complex issues at hand.

This series of articles, which are crafted from the online conversations with Noam Chomsky, offers a profound elucidation of the context surrounding the attacks on the WWC.

In numerous aspects, it effectively eliminates the act of condoning attacks and the demonization of Muslims. That is to say, it shatters the Manichean dichotomy that has been painted by the media and governments.

It vividly shows how we are manipulatively influenced by the language and vocabulary employed by the media and within the journalism field, which is in line with the discourse of governments.

Largely speaking, this book liberates us from the potential of being swallowed by any sympathy for terrorism due to our resolute rejection of the hypocrisy and manipulation of the government.

It is a must-read for anyone who desires not to become yet another victim of 9/11, as it provides valuable insights and a new perspective that can help us better understand the complex web of issues at play.

By delving into these conversations with Noam Chomsky, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the true nature of the attacks and the forces at work behind them, and thus be better equipped to make informed decisions and avoid being misled by false narratives.

Overall, this series of articles is a significant contribution to the ongoing discussion about the WWC and its implications for our society.

I just re-read this as we approach the 10th anniversary of 9-11. The interview style book, which seems to be a mainstay of Chomsky's publications now, has its pros and cons.

On one hand, they are easy to read, which makes them accessible to a wide audience. However, on the other hand, they can lack depth and suffer from over repetition.

This book, a collection of articles and interviews shortly after the 9-11 attack, highlights several important points.

First, it argues that state terrorism is the main source of terrorism in the world, rather than it being the "tactic of the weak." The examples used and often repeated are the bombing of Sudan in 1998, which destroyed the main medicine factory, and the conviction of the US in the World Court by Nicaragua for its terrorist attacks on that state.

Second, it examines the role of intellectuals in limiting the scope of allowable debate on the issue of terrorism by framing the debate in terms of "they hate us for our freedoms, and because of the success of globalization." Chomsky correctly points out that if anyone bothers to read bin Laden's statements, they are clear about the reasons - US troops in Saudi Arabia and the plight of oppressed Muslim communities around the globe, especially the Palestinians. Their persecution is usually at the hands of dictatorial regimes sponsored by the US-EU. The resentment is not because of values but because of very real geopolitics.

Finally, it discusses the likelihood of the US ruling class walking into the "Afghan trap" that Brezhinsky was so proud of. Although Chomsky rightly points out that the Russians faced a much more well-financed and well-organized foe than the US did, the fact that the US is losing to a "rag-bag" resistance movement speaks volumes about the decline of the US empire.

Leftwing anti-trutherism is a complex and often controversial topic.

The basic thesis, similar to that of Ward Churchill, is that there are those who push back. We should not be overly surprised by this. It's almost as if the author is attempting to remind us that the alleged enemy has both agency and initiative. The United States, through its actions, has angered people to such an extent that they may indeed desire to fight.

Consequently, there is no need for the argument that George W. Bush allowed or hired Osama bin Laden to attack New York. This is, at least, the Occam's razor reading. Otherwise, the text is filled with the professor's normal arguments, which likely touch on various aspects of the political, social, and historical context.

Understanding leftwing anti-trutherism requires a careful examination of these arguments and the underlying assumptions. It also calls for an open-minded approach to different perspectives and a willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue.

I had a strong desire to gain a deeper understanding of the events that took place on 9-11. For this purpose, I was recommended this particular book. It turned out to be an excellent crash course that comprehensively covered what led up to those tragic attacks. Just as he always does, Chomsky supports every single statement he makes with a well-documented and solid list of works cited. This not only adds credibility to his arguments but also shows his thorough research. Moreover, his dry sense of humor serves as a wonderful element that prevents the book from reading like a dull and lifeless textbook. It makes the reading experience engaging and interesting. I cannot recommend this book highly enough to every American. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to have a more informed and comprehensive understanding of this significant event in American history.

It is essential that we all take the time to educate ourselves about such events and learn from them. This book provides a valuable opportunity to do just that.

My very first encounter with Chomsky's work was truly an eye-opening experience.

He had the courage to label the USA as a terrorist-state, especially considering its actions following 9-11. This was a bold statement that not many would dare to make.

The way he analyzed the cause and effects of US policies was both thoughtful and, in some cases, extremely just.

Chomsky's perspective challenges us to look beyond the mainstream narrative and question the actions and motives of powerful nations.

His work forces us to consider the consequences of our own government's policies and how they impact the world around us.

Overall, reading Chomsky has made me more aware of the complex issues that shape our global society and has inspired me to think more critically about the world we live in.

It's truly arduous to engage in an argument with someone as erudite and accomplished as Chomsky.

So infrequently do I find myself in a position to dispute with him, even when I hold a contrary view.

As is customary, this book showcases some of Chomsky's extremely meticulous analysis regarding US actions worldwide and his perspectives on the consequences of those actions.

For Chomsky, there appears to be a very distinct line between US actions over the past two decades and the terrorist attacks of 9-11.

A significant portion of the material in this book has been previously published in other works by Chomsky. This particular volume is somewhat of a "novel organization of the timelines and 'cause and effect' policy notes" that he has put forth.

This makes for a compelling read for anyone desiring to listen to a clear and concise voice on policies, politics, and history that predates 9-11, regardless of whether one believes those policies are culpable or not.

On the day before which was celebrated as "Law Day", Reagan announced that the United States would no longer pay attention to what goes on in the International Court, which has persisted in indicting his administration's policy due to its use of force not as planned and its violation of international treaties.

It is the United States that is always compelled, and if its own known law regarding international terrorism is applied, it will come at the top of the list of countries that practice and support it.

The book contains the text of press interviews with Noam Chomsky, who is known for his frankness towards the American system and its blatant practices that are known to everyone and which are carried out under the name of human intervention.

In my opinion, the importance of the book lies in its speaking with such courage and frankness in interpreting the intentions of successive American governments, and this considering the fact that the book is mainly targeted at Western citizens. As for us Arabs, I think that such a view is not entirely new and is in line with the Arab view of American history that began with the occupation of the United States itself and the expulsion of the "original inhabitants" or those known as the "Red Indians".

The book suffers from some repetition of ideas, although they are expressed in different forms.

There is one thing I would like to point out, and I have deliberately mentioned it throughout the review, that is the silence of American citizens about their definite role in the heinous American acts throughout history, where the number of American citizens who oppose the policy of aggression and neglect that their country practices and which brings disasters upon them and makes them pay the price with their lives and the wrath of the nations upon them is increasing.

Harrowing and eye-opening.

After reading this short book, you can no longer view the military actions of the United States in the Middle East in the same way. It is truly a remarkable piece of work that I highly recommend to everyone.

The mainstream media and cable networks often fail to provide us with an accurate picture of what the government is really doing around the world. They tend to focus on certain aspects while ignoring others, leaving us with a limited and perhaps distorted understanding.

This is where Chomsky and others like him become so invaluable. They are able to cut through the propaganda and misinformation and present us with a more comprehensive and objective view of the world. Their work helps us to see the bigger picture and understand the true motives and consequences of government actions.

By reading this book and others like it, we can become more informed and critical thinkers, better able to make our own judgments and decisions about the world around us.

US policies that are purported to safeguard its citizens actually give rise to conditions that further endanger them. Operations intended to lend credibility to US actions have instead destabilized and radicalized numerous nations. Chomsky observes that many nations view terrorist actions as a just war of resistance against an invading army. In numerous instances, if US law were to be applied to its own actions, they would be regarded as crimes. Crimes and violations remain such regardless of who commits them. Rules apply to all, and they can be invoked against those who formulated them. The manner in which a nation presents its record of judging defendants will serve as the principle for judging the nation in the future.

The Bush administration dispatched suspected militants to detention camps, while the Obama administration killed them. Neither is in accordance with international law, and using drones to kill suspected militants is an act of terrorism against the populace. There have been numerous US operations that have led to the deaths of many innocents in the pursuit of supposed criminals without presenting proof of their crimes to the international court. The US has invaded countries that were not serious threats, causing radicalization within those countries as they perceived the military action as an attack on their religion.

Nicaragua best exemplifies the way a state should attempt to resolve a conflict. When Nicaragua was violently assaulted by the US in the 1980s, the Nicaraguan government turned to the World Court. Although the World Court ruled in favor of Nicaragua, the US government disregarded the judgment and intensified the attacks. Nicaragua then appealed to the Security Council, which requested the US to abide by international law, but this was vetoed by the US. A third attempt to halt US hostility was made at the General Assembly, yet with no different outcome.

When handling internal affairs, actions are taken to precisely identify those at fault and the reasons behind the terror events. However, when dealing with foreign affairs, mere claims of who is at fault suffice, with suspicion and little to no effort to understand why resorting to terror was necessary. Instead of vindicating claims to clarify the circumstances, the US holds international human rights laws in contempt. Without hearing the reasons and motives behind supposed innocence or guilt, the actions taken are not remembered with pride.

Bin Laden's objective was to embroil Americans in small but costly wars that would bankrupt the government. US presidents repeatedly fell into bin Laden's plan. Bin Laden could not have radicalized many without the US interventions, making the US his only indispensable ally. The raid on Osama bin Laden's compound was a violation of international law, from the invasion itself to the planned assassination.

The US supports hatred and violence when directed at its enemies but does not appreciate the hatred it has nurtured when it turns against them. Strategies have included pressuring allies to cease supplying arms to an area in the hope that the area would seek to obtain arms from a US enemy, thereby providing suitable propaganda for more violence. Typically, the sovereignty of states is revoked when they offer sanctuary to terrorists. Chomsky discovers that the US immunizes itself against international law and conventions.

Without being defeated or forced to acknowledge reality, powerful states tend to suppress their own crimes. The war on terrorism does not actually target terrorism because Western powers do not adhere to their own official definition of the term. The actions of the US make it appear as a leading terrorist state according to its own definition. Terrorism is a weapon being employed by the most powerful nation. The US stance on international affairs is resulting in greater violence. The US is the only country condemned for international terrorism by the World Court. Adhering to international rules leads to stability, while the alternative is to respond with extreme violence, thereby escalating the cycle of violence.

9-11 is a significant work by Noam Chomsky, published in 2001 and consisting of 125 pages. With ISBN 1583224890 and Dewey 973.931 C454n, it delves into Chomsky's thoughts up to Oct. 15, 2001, regarding the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Chomsky argues that terrorism serves as a gift to repressive elements on all sides. On page 19, he contends that the U.S. Government is seizing the opportunity to enhance militarism, control, and wealth transfer to the rich. He also points out that there are "bin Ladens" on both sides, as stated on page 34.

According to Chomsky, Bush escalated the violence, which in turn provoked more attacks (page 27). Moreover, he unleashed death and destruction on millions of innocent Afghans (pages 94-101).

The media, during a time of crisis, salute power (page 30). As for "Western civilization," Chomsky quotes Gandhi, who, when asked about it, said that it might be a good idea (page 92).

Chomsky recommends several works, including Robert Fisk's books on the Middle East and his articles on Common Dreams. He also mentions "Unholy Wars" by John K. Cooley, which details the CIA's actions in Afghanistan, and Thomas W. Walker's books on U.S. terrorist crimes against Nicaragua. Additionally, he refers to "The New Intifada," edited by Roane Carey, on Palestinian resistance to Israeli occupation, and Al Jazeera.

Finally, Chomsky lists his own works and other relevant publications such as "Western State Terrorism" by Alexander L. George and provides links to various websites like Seven Stories Press and La Jornada.

This is a compilation of interviews that Chomsky conducted in different parts of the world in the weeks right after September 11. At the outset, we are alerted that much of Chomsky's words and theories are repetitive. Sadly, being forewarned doesn't really reduce the annoyance, especially when you encounter the same content for the second or third time. I comprehend that this is partly due to the Q & A format employed here. However, the issue is that with this level of repetition, what you're essentially getting is filler. But this is a relatively minor complaint considering it's otherwise a profoundly thought-provoking collection.

Chomsky contends that it's not since the 1812 war that the US has endured such an attack. He discounts Pearl Harbour, deeming it misleading and stating, “Military bases in two US colonies were attacked - not the national territory, which was never threatened. The US preferred to call Hawaii a ‘territory,’ but it was in effect a colony.” He further posits that, “In much of the world, the US is regarded as a leading terrorist state, and with good reason.” He elaborates, “Nicaragua in the 1980s was violently assaulted by the US. Tens of thousands of people perished. The country was largely destroyed and may never recover… The effects on the country are far more severe than the recent tragedies in New York. They didn't respond by detonating bombs in Washington. Instead, they went to the World Court, which ruled in their favor, ordering the US to desist and pay substantial reparations. The US dismissed the court's judgment with contempt and immediately escalated the attack. So Nicaragua then turned to the Security Council, which considered a resolution calling on states to abide by international law. The US alone vetoed it.”

He also zeroes in on some of the US's other terrorist activities abroad, like the failed 1985 assassination attempt in the Beirut car bombing. This disaster claimed the lives of over 80 (almost all civilians) and injured hundreds more, yet failed to reach the intended target. He makes numerous excellent points, once again exposing the blatant hypocrisies of successive US governments with their insidious and perpetually self-serving foreign policies, which see it determined to continue and excel in its role as the world stage's school bully. He briefly mentions their ongoing support of Israeli atrocities and Clinton's support of Turkey in crushing and displacing their Kurdish population, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands and the displacement of 2 - 3 million from their homes.

He elaborates at greater length on the 1998 US bombing of the Al-Shifa pharmaceutical plant in Sudan, adding that, “Sudan's death toll from the bombing has continued to rise quietly… Thus, tens of thousands of people - many of them children - have suffered and died from malaria, TB, and other treatable diseases… (Al-Shifa) provided affordable medicine for humans and all the locally available veterinary medicine in Sudan. It produced 90% of Sudan's major pharmaceutical products… Sanctions against Sudan make it impossible to import sufficient amounts of medicines to fill the serious gap left by the plant's destruction.”

Consequently, this makes for interesting reading and offers a compelling snapshot of the period between 9/11 and the commencement of the catastrophic Afghan War, which would go on to become one of the longest, most expensive, disastrous, and futile wars in the country's history.