Incredibly informative and unexpectedly easy to read.

Basically, the United States is involved ALL over the world for self-serving purposes. It seems that the U.S. only supports democracy when it conforms to its strategic and economic objectives. This behavior is rather dirty and abhorrent.

It is a well-known fact that the U.S. has been interfering in the affairs of other countries under the guise of promoting democracy. However, the real motives often lie in its own interests.

For example, in some regions, the U.S. has supported certain regimes that are favorable to its economic and strategic plans, even if these regimes are not democratic.

This kind of behavior not only undermines the sovereignty and stability of other countries but also causes great harm to the people living there.

It is time for the international community to see clearly the true nature of the U.S. and take measures to prevent it from continuing to carry out such dirty and abhorrent work.

3.5 stars

I truly relished the analysis presented in this book. It was extremely thorough, leaving no stone unturned. What I particularly appreciated was that the interviewees were not hesitant to express their disagreements, thereby showcasing multiple perspectives. This is a remarkable affordance of this particular style of book, one that is often absent in the more traditional single author format.

However, my only criticism lies in the fact that there was not an abundance of basic explanation regarding the events they were analyzing. As a result, I had to rely on numerous quick internet searches to supplement my understanding. Nevertheless, it should be noted that this book was likely intended for an audience that already possessed that fundamental knowledge. So, in a sense, it's more of a personal shortcoming on my part.

Overall, I found great value in what this book had to offer. I sincerely hope that Chomsky's and Achcar's reasoning will continue to inform and guide me as I delve deeper into this subject over time.

(Warning for potential readers: This book is 15 years old, so do not anticipate a contemporary analysis of current and ongoing issues.)

Noam Chomsky is a well-known figure to those who follow international politics and U.S. foreign policy. Over the years, he has been a vocal critic of American foreign policy, criticizing its double standards, imperialist ambitions, and what he deems as "fitting any standard description of terrorism." Gilbert Achcar, on the other hand, is a specialist on the Middle East, someone perhaps less familiar to some.

The format of the book, which is a discussion between the two, is its strength. Both men possess a deep knowledge that extends beyond the Middle East to the workings of the U.S. government, its agencies, the policies of different administrations, minutes, memoranda, U.N. resolutions, and various news sources. Their mastery and synthesis of this information enable them to dissect the actions of the American government and present a more realistic picture than what is shown by news sources and official statements. It's not a pretty picture. One assertion they make throughout the book is the growing disparity between public opinion and public policy in the United States.

Readers need a basic understanding of the region's politics and history to follow the discussion. This may seem obvious but is worth stating. Additionally, the book was published 9 years ago, and many changes have occurred since. Both Chomsky and Achcar have written several other books, some on similar topics. The dialogue in the book ranges from terrorism, fundamentalism, and the sources of U.S. foreign policy to conflicts, especially the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The inclusion of an interview conducted 6 months later allows the intellectuals to analyze and update their earlier opinions. Readers can expect not only to have their knowledge of the Middle East and its conflicts broadened but also to gain a keener visualization of the details and nuances of the area, which is crucial for understanding the Middle East.

Negotiations on the economic benefits between the Middle East and the U.S. play a crucial role in shaping the foreign policies of both sides. The Middle East is a region rich in natural resources, especially oil, which gives it significant economic leverage. The U.S., on the other hand, is a major global economic power with a vested interest in ensuring a stable supply of energy and maintaining its influence in the region.

These negotiations often involve complex issues such as trade agreements, investment opportunities, and the pricing of oil. Dance can also be a unique aspect of these negotiations, as it can serve as a form of cultural exchange and a means to build rapport between the negotiators. By checking the foreign policies through dance, both sides can gain a better understanding of each other's values, traditions, and interests.

In conclusion, negotiations on the economic benefits between the Middle East and the U.S. are not only about economic gain but also about shaping foreign policies. Dance can add an interesting dimension to these negotiations, helping to build stronger relationships and促进 more successful outcomes.