Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 40 votes)
5 stars
13(33%)
4 stars
14(35%)
3 stars
13(33%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
40 reviews
July 15,2025
... Show More
Noam Chomsky is truly an extraordinary figure. He must be the most prolific writer in the history of the written word.

It seems that even if he were to speak gibberish, there would always be someone who would transcribe it, bind it, and deposit it in the Library of Congress.

I once read something written by him, thought I understood it and agreed with it at that moment. However, now, I haven't the foggiest idea what it was actually about.

Chomsky's works cover a wide range of fields, from linguistics to politics and social issues. His ideas are often profound and thought-provoking, challenging the established norms and beliefs.

Despite the fact that his writing can be complex and difficult to understand at times, his influence on various disciplines cannot be ignored. His works continue to inspire generations of scholars and thinkers, and his ideas remain relevant in today's rapidly changing world.
July 15,2025
... Show More
A great collection of Chomsky's and Achkar's talks about issues related to world politics has been presented in this book.

It serves as an excellent introduction for anyone who has an interest in the Middle East.

Chomsky and Achkar offer genuine opinions and viewpoints that are not commonly found in mainstream media.

However, these perspectives hold great value for the neutral or truth-seeking reader.

Readers will find this book to be an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.

It provides a unique opportunity to gain insights into the complex world of international politics from two highly respected scholars.

Their discussions cover a wide range of topics, including the history, politics, and culture of the Middle East.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the issues and challenges facing the region today.
July 15,2025
... Show More
Chomsky is undeniably brilliant and his opinions are usually fairly solid.

However, it is quite evident that he shows his political biases even in the first few pages of this book.

Despite this, it is still an excellent read.

Nonetheless, it MUST be taken with a grain of salt.

This is because it is not an objective or entirely factual account of US policy in the Middle East.

It omits pertinent and sometimes crucial pieces of information.

Surprisingly, some readers seem to have missed this important aspect.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding, I would recommend balancing the reading of this book with also reading one from a different angle.

This way, one can get a more well-rounded perspective and be better able to analyze and evaluate the complex issues surrounding US policy in the Middle East.

It is essential to approach such topics with an open mind and consider multiple viewpoints to form a more informed opinion.
July 15,2025
... Show More
In 2006, a dialogue between Noam Chomsky and Gilbert Achcar took place, which was transcribed and published.

The discussion on fundamentalism and America's responsibility in creating it was truly interesting. It delved into the complex relationship between the actions and policies of the United States and the emergence and growth of fundamentalist movements.

However, it should be noted that the rest of the content in this particular publication, in my opinion, has been more coherently argued in Chomsky's other books. His extensive body of work provides a more comprehensive and in-depth analysis of various political, social, and economic issues.

Chomsky's other writings offer a wealth of knowledge and insights, presenting a more systematic and well-structured argument that helps readers better understand the intricacies of the topics at hand.

Nonetheless, the dialogue between Chomsky and Achcar still holds value as it offers a snapshot of their thoughts and perspectives on a specific aspect of fundamentalism and America's role in it.

It serves as a starting point for further exploration and discussion, inviting readers to engage with the ideas presented and form their own opinions.
July 15,2025
... Show More

A fascinating and in-depth discussion took place between Noam Chomsky and Gilbert Archar regarding the major issues plaguing the Middle East Region. Their exchange of ideas covered a wide range of topics, from political unrest to social and economic challenges.


In particular, the last part of their discussion on the Israel-Palestine conflict was truly thought-provoking. Chomsky and Archar presented different perspectives and analyses, shedding light on the complex and long-standing nature of this conflict. Their insights forced the audience to consider the various factors at play and question the traditional narratives that often dominate the discourse.


This discussion is highly recommended for anyone interested in understanding the Middle East and the issues that continue to shape this region. It offers a unique opportunity to engage with two brilliant minds and gain a deeper understanding of one of the most pressing issues of our time.

July 15,2025
... Show More
Absolutely excellent stuff!

This remarkable book is composed of transcripts of engaging discussions between Gilbert Achcar and Noam Chomsky. It delves into all the significant issues surrounding the Middle East.

It is extremely readable, filled with passion that leaps off the pages. Everybody should read this book, as it truly places events within their proper context and takes on the myths that are carelessly spread in the press and mainstream politics.

The issues are debated with genuine passion, great intelligence, and a profound concern for justice and truth. It offers valuable insights and perspectives that can help readers better understand the complex and often misunderstood situation in the Middle East.

Whether you are a student of Middle East affairs, a concerned citizen, or simply interested in learning more about the world, this book is a must-read.
July 15,2025
... Show More
Dry and dull transcription, not a book.

It seems rather lackluster and unappealing. Instead of a proper literary work, it's just a plain transcription.

To get a better understanding, I'll simply review this with a link:

https://nitter.net/IsmailRoyer/status...

This link might provide some additional context or details that could potentially make the experience more engaging.

However, based on the initial description, it doesn't seem very promising.

Perhaps there are some hidden gems within the content that will surprise me.

Only time will tell as I explore the link further.

But for now, it's safe to say that the dry and dull transcription isn't exactly captivating.

July 15,2025
... Show More
This conversational writing between Achcar and Chomsky is truly remarkable.

It stands out as one of the very best and most comprehensive books I have had the pleasure of reading regarding current issues in the Middle East.

The authors have masterfully placed these issues within the rich tapestry of historical, economic, cultural, and social contexts.

By doing so, they offer a deep and nuanced understanding that goes beyond the surface-level analysis often found in other works.

Their dialogue is engaging and thought-provoking, allowing readers to explore the complex web of factors that have shaped the Middle East and continue to influence its present and future.

Whether you are an expert in the field or simply interested in learning more about this important region, this book is an essential read.

It provides valuable insights and perspectives that will enhance your understanding and appreciation of the Middle East and its place in the world.
July 15,2025
... Show More
This is an eye-opening book that I highly recommend to everyone.

It offers a wealth of knowledge and insights that can truly broaden your perspective.

The content is presented in a clear and engaging manner, making it easy to understand and follow.

Whether you are interested in a particular subject or simply looking to expand your general knowledge, this book has something for you.

It is filled with interesting facts, thought-provoking ideas, and real-life examples that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

Reading this book is like embarking on a journey of discovery, where you will learn new things and gain a deeper understanding of the world around you.

So, don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to expand your mind and enhance your knowledge.

Pick up this eye-opening book today and start your journey of discovery.
July 15,2025
... Show More
Another solid and well-informed offering from Chomsky, and my first exposure to Gilbert Achcar.

This book, like most of Chomsky's political output, has its drawbacks. It could really use a historical/chronological overview. The authors are meticulous about documenting their sources, and as a liberal-progressive myself, I have little problem with their moral analysis. It is diametrically opposed to the Kissingerian/neocon "you can't make windfall profits without breaking a few thousand infant skulls" ethic. However, I don't actually follow the Iraq War obsessively closely. I read the news (nearly) every day, but I don't yet have the nose to sniff through the media filters Chomsky describes in Manufacturing Consent.

Despite these limitations, the book is highly readable and valuable. If actual policy is nearly inevitably a compromise, we need books like this to remind us what the "negotiating position" of the antiwar left really should be, rather than going to the table pre-compromised. Even conservatives are smarter than that. We should not simply accept the status quo but strive to understand the true nature of events and work towards a more just and peaceful world.
July 15,2025
... Show More

A pesar de tener sus años (18 a la fecha), la lectura se siente sumamente actual. Además, diría que es un texto obligatorio para entender la historia de Medio Oriente. Estados Unidos y Europa han actuado de manera que ha desestabilizado la región, y es necesario leer este texto para comprender cómo llegó a ser como es hoy. Es un texto clave que proporciona una perspectiva valiosa sobre los eventos y decisiones que han tenido un impacto significativo en la región.


No obstante, a medida que el tiempo pasa, es posible que algunos aspectos del texto se vean afectados por cambios políticos, sociales y económicos. Sin embargo, su importancia fundamental sigue siendo válida. La lectura de este texto puede ayudar a los lectores a formarse una opinión más informada sobre la situación actual en Medio Oriente y a comprender mejor las fuerzas que están en juego.


En conclusión, a pesar de sus años, este texto sigue siendo relevante y es un recurso valioso para aquellos que desean entender la historia y la situación actual en Medio Oriente.

July 15,2025
... Show More

Reading this book truly unveiled to me the intricacies of the Middle East. It provided a profound understanding of the region's complex political, social, and cultural fabric. Moreover, it taught me how to approach and critically analyze the foreign policy of the U.S. or any other country for that matter. There were moments when I had to skim through certain parts of the content. This was because my knowledge on the subject matter was somewhat limited, making it a bit challenging to fully comprehend at times. However, despite these minor difficulties, I firmly believe that this book was an extremely valuable read. It broadened my perspective and enhanced my awareness of the global political landscape.

Leave a Review
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.