A schloarly masterpiece in the Chomsky tradition of dissent!
Noam Chomsky deserves a Profiles in Courage award for this scholarly treatise that exposes the hypocrisies and selective standards the superpowers use with respect to the word "terrorism." Chomsky brilliantly illustrates that by the internationally accepted definition of the word terrorism, the Western powers are guilty of state sponsored terrorism by their support of attrocities against Third World peoples such as the Palestinains, Cambodians, East Timorese, and others.

The convenient countries that are targeted for sanctions against terrorism are Iraq, Iran, Libya, Cuba, and North Korea. Chomsky argues that should a leader who supported Western expansionism and domination such as the Shah of Iran or King Idris of Libya arise, the countries will be termed "friendly" and "moderate" like the Gulf potentates and Apartheid South Africa.

I thorougly enjoyed reading this book and others by the same author. Chomsky consistently points out the mistakes and fallacies of policy makers through his superb mastery of polemics and prose. His style is entertaining and never loses my interest. I suggest any prospective student in international relations be required to read this text by one of America's leading dissident voices.

Review this book