jiujensu's reviews
446 reviews

Hersh is always blowing the lid off of secrets. I found this riveting. It explains Israel's nuclear secrets and position and how we looked the other way (and continue). The story of how they became a nuclear power is incredible and telling. After reading you will ask if we really want to be "friends" or if they are actually reciprocating our friendly relationship.

The left and right fight over the founding fathers. This is a great discussion about how neither have it right. Very interesting read.

The insider info on the Mossad was really interesting. He also tells about Jewish attitudes of themselves and Arabs which explains quite a bit in the wider conflict...

The details were amazing- For example, I couldn't believe we are supposed to be friends and in 1982 when our Marine barracks were bombed in Beiruit, they didn't give us a heads up, but went on full alert themselves.

There's tons more like that. Makes you wonder why we have such a friendly relationship and why we take their side in the conflict.

In later editions, he recounts how the Mossad tried to prevent the publishing of the book.

"By way of deception, thou shalt do war" is said to be or have been the motto for Mossad.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/By_Way_of_Deception

I had no idea about how much she went through in her younger years and her unexpected (untrained, etc) career in radio. I found every detail interesting, but I am a fan of her radio show. :)

She talks about her Arab roots, rough family life, voice problems (which everyone wonders about), journey from SAHM to radio star and much more.

I think Carter did a pretty good job of explaining the situation, so if one is not familiar with it, it would be good to read. Also, the personal relationships he describes with other leaders, and trips to Israel and Palestine are very interesting.

It is clear Carter has a very clear picture of Israel and sympathizes with Jews in all they've been through. What is interesting is that he , unlike most leaders, hasn't (at least since leaving office) used this as an excuse to go easy on them and allow them to escape criticism. He doesn't quite have the same sympathy with the Palestinian plight or understanding he has of Jews, but it is clear he has visited the Occupied Territories in a special effort to try and understand their situation better, which is far more than any leader has done.

There seems to be questions regarding the authorship (at least by one side of the aisle). Don't know whether it's justified or just spin by the masters, the Bush family. Revealing.

I've read the first 2. They're ok, but it's kind of like a bad Lifetime movie-many characters are flat, some of the plot is contrived, and some good plot elements are underdeveloped, but you can't stop watching. I am drawn to them because of my interest in the Amish-my grandpa grew up in Amish country, but I think I might like another author better.