Reading this nearly ten years after the commencement of Bush's War on Terror and the invasion of Iraq,

I am overcome by a profoundly harrowing sense of nostalgia.

Chomsky deftly sidesteps the academic snares of obfuscation, offering contemplative and concise analyses of the crises.

I can vividly envision guiding my children and grandchildren to this work as an exemplar of the frustration, cynicism, desperation, and activism that characterized the leftist zeitgeist of the early 21st century.

It serves as a poignant reminder of a time when the world was grappling with the far-reaching consequences of these momentous events.

The words in this piece seem to echo across the years, still relevant and thought-provoking.

Chomsky's incisive insights offer a valuable perspective on a complex and tumultuous era.

As I reflect on this reading, I am left with a sense of both sadness and hope, knowing that the lessons learned from this period can inform our understanding of the present and shape a more just and peaceful future.

Chomsky - the poor man's Foucault...

This collection of interviews initially held great promise for me. I generally concur with Chomsky's inclinations, his approach, and his valid critiques of institutions and practices. Having only seen him debate on YouTube prior to this, I was eager to familiarize myself more deeply with his arguments. The book was accessible and did not come across as overly academic. It was simply an activist expressing his own views.

However, the book was marred by several fatal flaws. The first issue I noticed was the interviewer, David Barsimian's, inability to ask incisive or relevant questions. He often seemed to miss the mark, which in turn led to Chomsky's rambling answers. By the last interview, Chomsky was in full cantankerous old person mode, complaining about the answering system and nearly causing me to put the book down. Straightforward questions were frequently met with completely incoherent responses. One of my favorites was when, in response to a question about the freedom of the US press, Chomsky made a quick comment and then rambled on about the British press on an unrelated tangent.

To get back to the point, I believe that despite being repeatedly given opportunities to provide spectacular insights into the creation and circulation of power, Chomsky consistently fails to do so. I don't think this was his intention in trying to keep the interviews non-academic or non-linguistic. Instead, it seems he simply tramples over some very relevant points that could have been made to the reader. There was a great section on criticality and how to achieve it, but otherwise, I gained very little from this book aside from the fact that Chomsky has some great ideas in the same vein as Foucault, Butler, and others who dissect power relations, but he lacks the ability to follow through on any of this thinking in a cogent or useful way.

Perhaps my opinion would be more positive if I were to read some of Chomsky's own work rather than just interviews.

I truly love Nawoum, the politically free. Nawoum represents a spirit of liberation and independence. It is a place where ideas can flow freely, and people can express their views without fear of suppression. The political freedom in Nawoum allows for a diverse range of voices to be heard, creating a vibrant and dynamic society. Here, individuals have the right to participate in the political process, to vote, and to have their say in shaping the future of the community. The concept of Nawoum as the politically free is not just an abstract ideal but a tangible reality that enriches the lives of its people. It offers opportunities for growth, progress, and the pursuit of a better tomorrow. I am deeply drawn to this idea of Nawoum and its promise of a free and democratic world.

I haven't delved into nonfiction for a long time. Chomsky is indeed one of my favorite political thinkers. The main reason is that I sense he straightforwardly expresses the things that other commentators only talk about in a roundabout way.

Having said that, I felt his comments in this specific book, which is in an interview format of Q and A, were rather obvious. They lacked the level of profound insight that usually leaves a deep impression on me. He presents several valid points and makes some forceful statements and assertions regarding the Clinton Administration and their hegemonic approach to foreign policy. I found this interesting, and since I am a bleeding heart liberal myself, I agree with most of what he says.

However, it didn't particularly inspire or educate me. Instead, it mainly made me feel remorseful about my privileged lifestyle and how little activism I engage in on a daily basis. I realize that I need to take more actions and be more involved in making a positive change in the world. Maybe this book serves as a wake-up call for me to start being more active and making a difference.

An Eye-opener about US Policy over the Decades

The United States has long been a dominant force in global affairs, but its policies over the decades have often been a subject of debate and controversy. This article provides a revealing look at the true nature of US policy, highlighting the ugly face of corporate domination of American foreign policy.

Through excellent examples, it becomes clear that the interests of large corporations have played a significant role in shaping US foreign policy decisions. Whether it is in the pursuit of natural resources, access to markets, or the protection of corporate investments, the influence of big business has been pervasive.

This corporate domination has had far-reaching consequences, not only for the United States but also for the rest of the world. It has led to policies that prioritize the profits of a few over the well-being of the many, and has contributed to inequality, instability, and conflict on a global scale.

By shining a light on this issue, this article serves as an important wake-up call, challenging us to question the true motives behind US policy and to demand a more just and equitable approach to international relations.

A significant hindrance to change lies in the reproduction of elements of the hegemonic ideology by dominant forces. This reproduction serves to maintain the status quo and resist any attempts at transformation. It is thus a crucial and pressing task to formulate alternative interpretations of reality. By presenting different perspectives and challenging the existing hegemony, we can open up new possibilities for social change. Telling the truth is an essential part of this process. It requires us to question the dominant narrative and uncover the hidden power structures that shape our understanding of the world. Only by doing so can we hope to create a more just and equitable society.

In the post-9/11 world, there is a wide array of conversations covering an incredible variety of topics.

If you are interested in obtaining an informed opinion on US Imperialism, the Occupation of Iraq, international relations, and in looking beyond the airbrushing of history, then this book is an incredibly engaging read.

It presents a torrent of information and analysis. Chomsky has an extraordinary ability to distill and synthesize reams of data. He leaves no stone unturned and misses nothing.

His work provides a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of these complex issues, offering valuable insights and perspectives that can help readers better understand the world we live in today.

Whether you are a student of international relations, a concerned citizen, or simply someone interested in learning more about these important topics, this book is sure to provide you with a wealth of knowledge and food for thought.

I truly had a great affection for this book. To put it briefly in a few words, it can be summarized as: "the US suxx".

This simple yet powerful statement seems to encapsulate the essence of what the book is trying to convey. It might imply that the United States has certain aspects or behaviors that are not favorable or perhaps even detestable.

However, it's important to note that such a generalization might not tell the whole story. There could be various reasons and contexts behind this assertion. Maybe the book explores the political, social, or economic issues within the US that have led to this conclusion.

It could also be a subjective opinion based on the author's personal experiences or perspectives. Nevertheless, this short summary has piqued my interest and made me eager to delve deeper into the book to understand the full range of ideas and arguments it presents.

"Privilege is a responsibility." This statement holds great significance in our society.

Social security is an essential aspect that provides a safety net for individuals. It ensures that people have access to basic necessities and support during difficult times.

Healthcare is another crucial area where privilege comes with responsibility. Those who are privileged enough to have good health and access to quality medical care should also strive to ensure that others have the same opportunities.

We should all recognize that our privileges come with a duty to help those who are less fortunate. By working together to improve social security and healthcare, we can create a more just and equitable society for everyone.

Let us embrace our responsibilities and use our privileges to make a positive difference in the world.

A quick if challenging read, this work is particularly dated as it repeats exchanges about the Iraqi War, the militarization of space, and healthcare.

Chomsky is uncompromising in his critique, or rather, criticism of modern America. Everything he asserts rests upon the assumption that the American government is an unjust global bully that willfully breaks the laws it builds for the international order.

Moreover, this order is maintained by the privileged elites who act to concentrate power and privilege in the present.

Until the rest of America demands that the elected act on their behalf, we will continue to spiral.

"Unless you develop an ongoing, living, democratic culture that can compel the candidates, they're not going to do the things you voted for. Pushing a button and then going home is not going to change anything." This statement emphasizes the importance of an active and engaged citizenry in a democratic society.

It is not enough to simply cast a vote; individuals must also hold their elected officials accountable and work to create a culture that values and promotes democracy.

Only then can we hope to see real change and progress in our society.

I have a deep love and admiration for Noam Chomsky.

Although the content in question contains conversations that took place after 9/11, there are several valuable lessons within it that could serve as teachable moments for the current US policy.

It is always fascinating to explore and read about the power of propaganda on the people, especially when examined through public opinion polls over an extended period of time.

The insights provided by Chomsky's work offer a unique perspective on how information is disseminated and how it can shape the beliefs and actions of the masses.

By studying these historical conversations and the role of propaganda, we can gain a better understanding of the complex dynamics at play in the political and social arenas.

This knowledge can then be used to inform and improve current policies, ensuring that the United States makes decisions that are in the best interests of its people and the world at large.

Overall, Noam Chomsky's work continues to be relevant and thought-provoking, and I look forward to further exploring his ideas and their implications for our society.

Imperial Ambitions - 'Conversations with Noam Chomsky on the post 9/11 world via interviews with David Barsamian.'

This is my first encounter with the works of this radical intellectual. Chomsky delves into some of the world's, specifically the USA's, most urgent issues and inquiries. He quotes and presents his perspective on the reality of the imperialistic past actions of the United States, as well as those of the UK, France, and others.

I was impressed by his clear and perceptive points, which offered me much food for thought. In particular, his verbal demolition of Ronald Reagan was quite remarkable.

Overall, I rate this work 8 out of 12. It provides a valuable and thought-provoking exploration of the complex issues surrounding imperialism and its impact on the world today.