9 11 by Noam Chomsky, 1583224890, Lowest Book Price Finder

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Interesting

It's an interesting book, with nice views on the causes and consequences of 9-11. But for people who read for example "Understanding power" it brings only few new things. So, if you're short on time, it's a good introduction to Chomsky.

9-11

I have never read Chomsky before which, given my leftist leanings and interest in politics, is perhaps surprising. I have a feeling that this book may not have been the best starting point.

9-11 is not a sustained critique of US foreign policy and the "war on terror" but instead an edited collection of newspaper interviews (often foreign media) Chomsky gave in the immediate aftermath of9-11. Given that Chomsky is often the devil of conservative popularisers (and also as I noted in this review also of the UK's own neoconservative "leftie") what struck me is the lack of bite his interviews demonstrated. It is true that that Chomsky states that "we should not forget that the U.S. itself is a terrorist state" (p. 40) but, as his discussions makes clear the definition of terrorism (one I do consider fairly reasonable) would encompass a great many different political actors, including most states.

It is clear however that events quickly overtook the subject matter of the book to the extent that I see very little real value in the book as it stands today, particularly given the fact that the book has not really been updated in line with contemporary events. Chomsky does highlight some of the hypocrisy of US foreign policy but, judicious search of the Internet could find the same information.

Challenges stereotyping

Chomskyï¿½s credentials in analysing terrorism and international politics are unimpeachable. In this series of interviews, conducted by various international journalists, he demonstrates his knowledgeable grasp of the realities of "terrorism." From the outset, he makes clear that definitions of "terrorism" must include the United States with its history of state-supported acts in various countries, most particularly in the Middle East. He makes us aware that the Middle East population is cognizant of American activities there, even as the bulk of the American public is not. He steadfastly refutes the belief, held by many American intellectuals, that the World Trade Centre attacks are due to resentment over the American push for a "globalized economy."

Chomsky recognizes that the WTC attacks were unique - never before had an assault been carried out directly on American territory. Pearl Harbour cannot be equated with the 9/11 attack. He cautions that the attacks were not carried out at the direction of a foreign nation. There is no state of war with another country, and the term "war on terror" is merely political sophistry. Nor, as he reminds his interviewers, is Amerika alone in its negative impact in the Middle East and elsewhere. Each of his interviewers is reminded of the history of their nations in colonial and post-colonial eras.

Amerikan machinations were designed to foster the very forces opposed to them now. Saudi Arabia has been a "client state" of the US since its founding. The Taliban were supported so long as they represented anti-Soviet policies in Afghanistan. And that personification of Evil, Saddam Hussein was provided with weapons, advice and money in his campaign against the Ayatollahï¿½s Iraq. He stresses the inconsistencies in Amerikan policies. When Oklahoma Cityï¿½s bombing occurred and militia groups in Montana and Idaho were identified as likely funders, why werenï¿½t those states bombed and their governments deposed? Equally, Britain would have been justified in bombing Boston, a major source of funds for the IRA.

What, then, is Chomskyï¿½s recommended course of action? He reminds us that the United States is the only nation that has been reprimanded by the World Court for acts of terrorism against Nicaragua. Although the United States "dismissed that courtï¿½s judgement with contempt," Chomsky argues for adherence to international agreements and conventions. He recognizes the Sisyphisian task this presents, but hopes good reporting to the wider public will result in international pressure to bring it about. He knows the American public must be led away from the political rhetoric. These interviews are designed to provide help with that first step to better knowledge and understanding.

The format of this book, a collection of interviews taken over a brief period after the attacks, inevitably result in brevity and repetition. Chomsky is not given opportunity to present resources, although his contentions are ably supported by material in the bibliography. These recount acts and policies undertaken in your name and using Amerikan tax dollars. While the change of approach he recommends entails an epic change in mind-set, the revision is neither impossible nor impractical. He stresses that we all need to live together, and unilateral policies will result in greater expense and increased loss of lives. Neither result is practical nor desirable. It takes only political will, supported by the population of the world's greatest democracy, to enable it. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]

Good if you like this sort of thing

The problem is that books of this nature are phrased as beginners politics rather than expert analysis of the situation. They appear as new and innovative works, and are often hailed as influential. But if you are cynical and read newspapers there is nothing much in this short volume that you don't already know. It does not illuminate much about the facts of 9-11, it only gives the author's opinion of why people hate America and other such things.

Above all, there is nothing that can educate you here that wasn't said by Machiavelli 500 years ago.

Interesting little number

I picked this up whilst travelling through the Pacific Northwest, thinking it would sustain me for a few hours on the coach to Vancouver. I was well aware of Chomsky before I read this, and I thought then as I do now that He'd be the man to listen to if you want some authentic counter-culture explanations for the way the world is today.

This book should not really be read in isolation, since there are references and cross-references aplenty to other interviews and other texts both directly and indirectly related to that fateful day a few years ago, and also to a number of other works of his.

I shan't pluck out any specific examples (partly because the very nature of his works are so deliciously debatable that someone's bound to argue!), but again Chomsky does pick up on some key points to be addressed in the light of 9-11 which would no doubt have not even bothered to baffle the pea-sized brain of "Dubya".

But of course, being provocative and contentious as he is, Chomsky does appear to turn a blind eye to some areas of the wider international context. I haven't read much of it yet, but I wonder how Dick Clarke's new book "Against All Enemies" rings in with what Chomsky has to say.

Some people may feel a little put-off by left-wing or dissident media on occasion, but since enlightened public debate has been really rather stifled on the matter of the War on Terror, it's important to keep hearing the "other voices" to get some kind of perspective, regardless of what some may have thought of leftfield before.

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