9-11 by Noam Chomsky Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of 9-11
Book Review: A piece of art
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a great book based on knowledge of this great person, Noam Chomsky. If you want to know the truth, you should read it.Book Review: A problematic but compelling approach to the events of 9-11
Summary: 3 Stars
I find Noam Chomsky's "9-11" to be a very difficult book to review, but still feel compelled to offer my assessment. First, the basic facts: this book consists of a series of interviews with Chomsky; these interviews were conducted in the first month after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. In his comments, Chomsky offers a radically contrary view to the flag waving, "I-support-the-President" attitude that has seemed so pervasive throughout the U.S. Chomsky seems to be assuming the role of the angry prophet who points an accusing finger at a nation (the U.S.) and its leaders. Chomsky's interviewers in "9-11" include many different individuals and media outlets: Italy's "Il Manifesto," the "Hartford Courant," Greece's Alpha TV Station, and more.Chomsky does not rationalize the 9-11 attacks, and in fact condemns them as "horrifying atrocities." But he also claims that the United States' "war against terrorism" is essentially a hypocritical sham. Many times he makes the claim that "the U.S. itself is a leading terrorist state." To support this contention he cites such history as the U.S. actions in Nicaragua under the Reagan administration. He also discusses at length the Clinton administration's bombing of a pharmaceutical plant in the Sudan. He criticizes the U.S. campaign in Afghanistan up to the time the book went to press, and discusses other connected issues.
The book includes many citations from mainstream media ("The New York Times," the "London Observer," the "Christian Science Monitor," etc.), so one can't accuse Chomsky of just making his claims up. I would also note that David Rose, who is one of the many journalists cited by Chomsky, has a relevant piece in the Jan. 2002 issue of "Vanity Fair"; those interested in this book might want to also check out that article.
Much of what Chomsky says is compelling. But some of his claims and analogies strike me as flawed. For example, he claims that, in the wake of 9-11, the U.S. should have followed the response model demonstrated after the bombing of the Oklahoma City building. But Timothy McVeigh was not being sheltered by a regime at odds with the U.S., so the comparison hardly seems logical. And his accusation that the U.S. is engaging in an "ongoing process of silent genocide" in Afghanistan also strikes me as hard to defend.
The book is, in my opinion, greatly hurt by Chomsky's own tone. He seems to show little compassion for the victims of 9-11; actually, his words have a cold, arrogant flavor to them. Whether this is the fault of Chomsky or his editor, I do not know, but I imagine this tone will only alienate potential readers.
I applaud Chomsky for pointing out some relevant data from recent history, and for his willingness to raise a contrary voice in a time of crisis. But there is much in "9-11" that I must question. Despite the book's flaws, however, I recommend it to critical readers who want to better educate themselves on the issues surrounding 9-11.
Book Review: A quick overview of Chomsky's earliest reactions to 9/11
Summary: 3 Stars
This slim Chomsky book has a lot of important information in it --- unless you've read Chomsky before. If you know anything about US foreign policy, this is a recap. If you've never read Chomsky before, this is an okay place to start. (A better place to start is Chronicles of Dissent.)What does it have to do with the 9/11 terrorist attacks? Well, Chomsky gives you a lot of context. He shows you that these events didn't take place in a historical vacuum. But once you've read that, it's up to you to learn more, by reading dozens of other books.
Book Review: A thoughtfully written best-seller from the left
Summary: 5 Stars
I am deeply heartened to see that Noam Chomsky's small paperback, "9-11", is selling exceptionally well, despite the usual critical reviews from his detractors. Although it was written soon after the events of that date, before all of the relevant facts had emerged, Chomsky's sure and articulate grasp of the situation makes for enlightening reading.Chomsky writes at length about the plight of the innocent, war-torn Afghanis, and about the people of many other countries, like Nicaragua and Haiti, who have been victimized by US policies. Reading his account should give pause to Americans who may be swept up in patriotic flag-waving and the ill-considered, narrow rhetoric of Bush and his advisors like Rumsfeld.
Chomsky takes a world view and strives for an informed, balanced outlook. He writes of the extreme importance of not being intimidated or swayed by hysterical ranting or lies; to stay as closely as possible to the path of truth and honesty, and to acknowledge the human consequences of our acting, or failing to act.
This book is must-reading for all concerned Americans. Highly recommended.
Book Review: ANTI-AMERICAN ...
Summary: 1 Stars
In this book, rushed out after 9-11, Chomsky starts the process of blaming America for al-Qaeda's terrorism. This is not the work of an investigator analyzing facts, but rather a propagandist making a case and making up "facts" to fit.