1990 Books

This is one of the best cookbooks I know of. And it's also one of the healthiest - there's no dairy in it. It's a shame the book's out of print because the recipes are simple and delicious. Worth tracking down a copy.

One of the most authentic thai cookbooks I've used. English and Thai names of the recipes are included as well as great pictures that inspire. Lots of tasty curries which I love (have only tried a couple so far but all have been tasy). Ingedients are all things we can find in the store or easily online for something like kaffir lime leaves. Highly recommend this one.

I wish I had found this book a long time ago. It would have saved me much $$. This book has all the classic Thai recipes you would want (and for some reason many Thai cookbooks aren't all inclusive) - Pad Thai, Pad Si Ew, Mee Krob, Laad Nah, Curry Pastes, etc., etc. And, judging from past experience and other books I've read, the recipes look genuine, practical, and delicious. I'm vegetarian; however, you could easily add meat into these dishes if you'd like. If you only looking to get one Thai cookbook this is it.

For people who long for a taste of true Thai cuisine, this cookbook offers recipes for many well- and little-known authentic Thai dishes. For example, my mother used to make the "White Radish Cake with Beansprouts" for me when I was growing up, but I've never seen it on any menu in the States. Now I can make it myself!

A few of my friends have bought this cookbook, and without exception, each one loves it. A couple of my favorites are the hot and sour vermicelli salad and chickpea curry.

These recipes are the genuine thing and even if you're not a vegetarian, you will enjoy the recipes. If you are a vegetarian, you will be delighted with the variety of tastes and textures to discover.

I tried 4 recipes from this cookbook today and there wasn't one that I didn't want to eat straight from the pan! They were flavorful and delicious. I've always enjoyed resturaunt Thai primarily because i'm nuts about basil but I wanted to expand my repitoire. As explained in the book these aren't dishes with the meat left out, these are recipes that were created from scratch without meat even being a consideration. The ingrediants are easy to find (with the exception of Bitter gourd I NEVER can find that) with enough variety that you won't become bored. I was also pleasantly suprised that the dishes I tried weren't volcanically hot. They were pleasantly spicy much on par with Indian food but won't upset your stomach. I highly recommend this book.

Like its companion, The Torture Papers: The Road to Abu Ghraib, Torture and Truth is an essential resource for scholars or researchers on this subject. However, because of its length (500+ pages)and scope it is an excellent choice for the more general reader. It is a compilation of reports and letters, mostly from the Bush Administration, on the Iraq War and torture issues. Because of its primary source components, it is invaluable for anyone doing research on the subject. It is well-organized, and will find a place in many dissertations in the years to come.

This book offers a chilling rendition of the events that occured at Abu Gharib. It fairly reviews the events through official reports, which are quite chilling! A must read!!

This is by far the best journalistic account of the torture of suspects at Abu Ghraib. This is also the best book to read after reading the books of documents, which give you the vital context for understanding Danner's book. Read them first and then this one - you will then be able to understand what really happened and why. British and US troops really did commit terribe acts against their prisoners, with tragic consequences for the reputation of both nations in the Middle East. Read Danner and the documents books to discove why. Christopher Catherwood (author of CHURCHILL'S FOLLY: HOW WINSTON CHURCHILL CREATED MODERN IRAQ: Carroll and Graf, hardcover 2004, paperback 2005)

The author strongly makes the case that the Abu Ghraib torture scandal was not caused by a few rotten apples on the night shift, but was systematic torture as policy. The Red Cross report and other valid reports are in the book so that the reader can see for himself that the torture at Abu Ghraib was certainly far more than a few rotten apples that were military police serving in the reserves that were sent to Abu Ghraib.

There was sadism at Abu Ghraib. There was a breakdown in law and order at Abu Ghraib. There was a breakdown in discipline at Abu Ghraib. This, of course, puts our entire Country and our entire military at risk.

Not only is the torture wrong, but, beyond that, torture is ineffective and many of the prisoners at Abu Ghraib had no intelligence value in the first place. Torture is very harmful to our Country politically speaking. It is certainly the case that any information that was obtained by torture would be overshadowed by the political damage caused by the activities.

I bought Mark Danner's TORTURE AND TRUTH several months ago from Amazon, and find it ever more relevant to current events. For the numbers of people detained and tortured in the War on Terror-- many of them believed by reputable individuals and organizations to be innocent-- continues to rise, and extends far beyond Abu Ghraib. The very fact that the majority of these people have never been formally charged with involvement in terrorist activity nor tried seems to prove their innocence, for it would be very easy to keep someone in jail these days if one could present solid evidence of their involvment in terrorism. Those who object that the tortures inflicted on these detaninees is not as bad as that which some totalitarian governments inflict upon their victims ignore the fact that the "soft torture" techniques in development since the end of World War II have been found to be more effective in "breaking" victims than simple brutality (see Alfred McCoy, A QUESTION OF TORTURE: CIA INTERROGATION FROM THE COLD WAR TO THE WAR ON TERROR). The suffering of these wretched detainees keeps me awake at night, yet to this day most people seem unconcerned about their plight. Danner's comment from the Introduction to his book still holds true: "Like other scandals that have erupted during the Iraq War and the war on terror, it is not about revelation or disclosure but about the failure, once wrongdoing is disclosed, of politicians, officials, the press, and, ultimately, citizens to act."

A fascinating story of an almost impossible achievement and well worth a read. But the really incredible part is the account of the air to air refuellings, especially one in a terrible electrical storm, hundreds of miles from the nearest land and both planes [the bomber and the tanker] running low on fuel! Really hair raising.

This is a wonderful story in the true spirit of the Dambusters. It tells the story of the efforts that were necessary in order to drop a stick of bombs on the airfield at Stanley at the start of the Falklands war and the subsequent liberation of the Island from the argentine occupation. The book focuses on the determination of all those involved to make it happen and the unsung heroes who contributed. A great adventure story, not jingoistic at all, it details the many mistakes as well the sucesses.

I was stationed on Ascension Island as the US Base Commander at the time of the Falkland war and played a part in the drama told in this book. The author, Rowland White has gone to great effort to gather the facts of this story and then weave them into a most interesting book. Military buffs and fliers everywhere should enjoy the planning and execution of this most daring raid. Well written and well told.

Bill Bryden

This book is amazing.

I'm not normally into factual books, but this one took my fancy while back home in England and I had recently discovered the efforts to get Vulcan 558 restored and flying again - I saw one at an air show as a kid and it was awe inspiring, both the sight and the noise. It also didn't hurt that Clive Cussler, my favorite author, had a quote about the book on the back cover.

The book had me hooked immediately and I made time to read it instead of reading it when I had time. The story itself provoked a number of emotions being a Brit, firstly embarrassment and anger reading about the state of the RAF's fleet, but then an immense sense of British pride when the massive obstacles had been eliminated and the attack was on. I was 12 when the actual event took place, so didn't think it was a big deal. This book highlighted what an immense achievement it really was.

There is naturally a lot of acronyms involved throughout the story relating to Rank, job title or equipment etc. and they can get a bit confusing, but they are integral to the story and didn't break up the flow.

I really didn't want this book to end and I'm now looking for other books either Falklands war related or other British war related as I loved the way you could see the events unfold and how it all came together.

I'd recommend this to anyone who remembers the Falklands as a kid as it's a real eye opener. If you get the chance to see XH558 fly for the Falklands 25th commemoration you will see what all the fuss was about.

BTW - thanks Bill for your involvement on Ascension Island.

Like the author, I was ten years old at the time of the Falklands Conflict and I can remember it well. I can also remember the incredible noise when a Vulcan bomber made a low-level pass at a local airshow. These two memories made the subject matter immediately applealling.

Rowland White has accomplished a considerable feat in researching the conflict and the historical records concerning the Vulcan and its crews. It is questionable whether Britian made a significant impact (militarily) by bombing the Argentine forces at Stanley, but the raid undoubtably sent the message that Britain was taking the invading forces seriously. National pride and righteous indignation was the order of the day and the armed forces had the immediate support of the British public.

Not only has the author given a historically accurate account of the Falklands War but has also provided several accounts of Soviet activities during the Cold War - the incursions into British airspace and the monitering of British activities off the coast of Acsension Island were two ancedotes that the British public had very little idea of during that time. 10 out of 10 for a well researched book and deserving of a 5 star rating.

His title is poignant--it could mean, "Why am I discriminated against just for being black?" or it could mean, "Why did God single me out for such stardom and an extraordinary life?" Both of these themes weave throughout the book. Sammy was part of a show-biz trio with his father and "uncle" Will Mastin. He began performing at a very young age, and these two kind men managed to shelter him against racism until he entered the Army. Then, literally from day one, he faced the worst of racial hatred and ostracism, which lasted well into his famous years. He had his nose broken three times. He could play in a Las Vegas club, but had to find accommodations elsewhere. He could not enter the casinos where he played. When he married the blonde and beautiful May Britt, there were still states that had miscegenation on the books, so they could not travel together legally. But little short, one-eyed Sammy was determined to beat the odds. "If I'm a star," he figured, "I can break down these doors." But he didn't have an easy time of it. The whites thought he was too black, and the blacks thought he was too Uncle Tom. He was all set to perform at JFK's inauguration, when he was suddenly "uninvited." He became personal friends with MLK, Jr. and RFK, only to see them gunned down. His marriage to May died because he was the "always on" guy, drinking and whoring and never there for their three kids. He HAD to live up to his "swinger" image, and he felt that stardom was the only hedge against his being deemed a second-class citizen. He then met Altovise, a black woman whom he married. It seems as though she had a much better tolerance for his over-the-top lifestyle than May did. But he still ended up $1M in arrears to the IRS, which he eventually paid off. (He was always good at earning money, but even better at spending it.) He was a brilliant star, good at singing and dancing. telling jokes, and playing the trumpet and drums. Frank Sinatra was his lifelong friend, giving him breaks and encouraging him every step of the way. And Sammy championed RFK as the best president that we could have had during our times for civil rights. This book ends four years before his death, but the cause of death was throat cancer--too much singing and smoking and drinking killed him in the end. But what a ride!

Fascinating personal account of show business, racism, politics and famous personalities from the 40s to the 80s. Shows how excess (Sammy) or even the appearance of excess (Dean Martin) is useful (necessary?) for the publicity that makes one a star.

In simple, down-to-earth prose, the late Sammy Davis, Jr. tells his moving life story, from playing cheap theatres in the 1920s South as a five-year-old with his uncle, to the magnificent fame he achieved decades later. Before he became universally beloved, Davis had to endure, and overcome, brutal bigotry. The best line of the book is when he asks, "How do you kill an idea?" His answer: "With a better idea." Go read it.

I really enjoyed this book, I had no idea what the blacks in the US had to go through, having grown up in Australia. Sammy had a big chip on his shoulder which he carried throughout his life but it is understandable when you read what he went through. This isn't just a boring story of a star's life, it is a fascinating look at racism, politics, being rich beyond your dreams and in debt for millions - a great read.

Mr Davis'is revealed to be much more than performer. We find Sammy to be an activist, comedian, swinger, a great human being. His friendship with Frank Sinatra is shown to be pivotal in his giving up drugs. Another laugh and cry book.

The author was an intelligence officer of the US National Guard and served as a liaison to the French 6th Light Armored Division in the Gulf War. His writing style is excellent and so is his ability to watch the small things and the myriads of details around him, giving an impressive account of how the things were done at the extreme left flank of the great allied sweeping maneuver. The author had a good knowledge of the French language and also was a professor of history, having though a very good background to comprehend the general situation in the Persian Gulf. I especially enjoyed his description of the French MREs and the terrific elan of the troops employed by the French, such as the regiments of the Foreign Legion. The book contains some black and white photographs of rather bad quality and a few maps which give a decent picture of the campaign, althoygh they are simple computer sketches.

The important contribution of the Franch Army in the Gulf War has been largely overlooked in the English-speaking countries. Their "left hook" around Saddam's forces was a crucial element in the strategy of his defeat. Perhaps more important for the future, for the first time since World War Two, French and American troops stood side by side against a common enemy, rediscovering their common bonds and heritage in the process. Colonel Cooke, a French-fluent military intelligence and armor officer who teaches Middle Eastern history in civilian life, was uniquely qualified for liason with the "Division Daguet" (French 6th Light Armored Division), bringing to the task not only military expertise but a sensitive and informed understanding of these highly capable but prickly warriors. His book is an admirably clear and complete record of the Daguet operations, and has enough context to serve as a good one-volume history of the overall land conflict as well. Highly recommended.

I had the pleasure of being one of Dr. Cooke's students as an undergrad, which was my initial reason for picking up this book. For those who are expecting dry scholarship on a discrete subject, you would be wrong. Dr Cooke accomplishes in this book a feat he matches and builds upon in his other books- strong narrative--almost chatty-- combined with solid scholarship and research, making for a flawless, streamlined, easy read. This book read like a novel for me. I have heard that people prefer his WWI books but this one is my favorite of the bunch. A page-turner. Keep writing, General!

This reviewer deplores the mandatory requirement for rating "stars".

The important contribution of the Franch Army in the Gulf War has been largely overlooked in the English-speaking countries. Their "left hook" around Saddam's forces was a crucial element in the strategy of his defeat. Perhaps more important for the future, for the first time since World War Two, French and American troops stood side by side against a common enemy, rediscovering their common bonds and heritage in the process. Colonel Cooke, a French-fluent military intelligence and armor officer who teaches Middle Eastern history in civilian life, was uniquely qualified for liason with the "Division Daguet" (French 6th Light Armored Division), bringing to the task not only military expertise but a sensitive and informed understanding of these highly capable but prickly warriors. His book is an admirably clear and complete record of the Daguet operations, and has enough context to serve as a good one-volume history of the overall land conflict as well. Highly recommended.

Professor Ruihley's ANTHOLOGY OF GREAT WOMEN POETS: 1850-1990: TEMPLES AND PALACES is a temple in itself, an indelible and beautiful contribution to the world of literature and its women poets. This anthology should be counted as a triumph of the heart and dedication of both Dr. Ruihley and the eighteen poets. The brilliantly researched notes are fascinating and worthy of a book in themselves.

For those young and old who long for a more feeling and compassionate society, one that addesses the needs of the heart and values emotion, the poems are like a refreshing discovery of one's own soul.

But how tragic that the contributions of many of these women, highly valued in their own lifetimes, had been lost for decades until the publication of this anthology. Bravo, Professor Ruihley, and thank you!

Emily Boyd Lowe, Professor Emeritus, Eastern Michigan University and currently Artist in Residence, Florida Keys Community College

This is a beautiful book. The aesthetics of the volume itself provide a fitting tribute to the "temples and palaces" within. Here is evidence that the wisdom of women is often intuitive and sublime. I am thrilled and inspired by these poems and I am grateful to the editor for his efforts on the behalf of women poets.

Much-needed contribution to an important
but neglected field. Includes text of many
wonderful poems now out of print.
Sensitive and thoughtful commentary by Prof.
Ruihle. Book is beautifully designed and illustrated.

The eighteen poets included in this handsome volume are certainly, regardless of gender, among the most important poetic voices in America in the last 140 years. Some are famous --Emily Dickinson, Sylvia Plath. Others, like Edith Thomas, are perhaps less well known. Each one has a highly individual perception of life and a distinctive style. A particular merit of the anthology is that instead of "skimming over" the poet's work with half a dozen samples it gives each one adequate representation. The section on H.D., for instance, is full enough to allow a real understanding of her extraordinary ability to communicate her concept of ancient Greek culture in words of austere and translucent lyricism. In addition, the value of the book is enhanced by Professor Ruihley's own biographical/critical notations on each of these remarkable women.

The book is in excellent condition and the delivery time was quite brief. Great service and great product!

Ferguson's book is a powerful analysis of the epistemological bottlenecks that plague development policy and the World Bank's approach in Africa. World Bank's economists usually put a discount upon rigorous social research requirements in the way they explain cause-effect relationships of the African economic deficits. With commanding persuasive force Ferguson shows how the peculiarities of the African context are dissolved in a (anti-contextual) cut-and-ready, illogical analytical framework, rendered 'logical' to best accommodate World Bank's internal bureaucratic rationality. One should not wonder why the policies born out of such an 'Anti-Politics Machine' by and large remain in de-phase with the very notion of development.

By
Cyril FEGUE

I was referred to this book by my lecturer in applied athropology. Reading it caused me to rethink and rewrite my assignment. Fergusson can be a bit irritating but he certainly has researched his field well and shows a great insight into the politics of foreign aid and economic development in the 3rd World.

Ferguson's study of development projects in Lesotho brings a much needed dose of reality to the subject of modernization and aid. While others might stress the need for appropriate technology or bog the reader down in economic formulae, Ferguson examines the ways in which local and global politics influence the success of even the most carefully planned and well-meaning of projects. A must-read for anyone interested in the development business.

I read an article by Edward Said during the December 1998 bombing of Iraq which mentioned this great book. I bought it thinking that I will read a simple diary of the hardships of war. I was wrong. It is a beautiful mixture of everyday events, which Al-Radi makes humourous. It is only humourous because our tears have dried over Iraq's suffering. It is a book I recommend for Iraqis because it states all that we hear about from visitors of Iraq. I recommend it to others because the media never shows these aspects. Perhaps it will help to make people realize that the distant pictures of green lights broadcast on T.V. are much more damaging than "degrading weapons of mass distruction". That is not to say that Saddam Hussein is not a dictator who must be eliminated. The final part of the book 'exile' is particularly moving as the suffering does not end with leaving Iraq. A great book, please read it.

This is a memoir of a middle-class Iraqi artist in Iraq - during the sanctions (i.e. after 1990).

Nuha Radi presents a much needed voice from Iraq.

Ms. Al-Radi gives an amazing play-by-play of how the war (the massive bombing campaigns by the US and allied forces in Baghdad and neighbouring cities and the ensuing embargo) unfolded before her and the people of Iraq. I couldn't put it down.

Ms. Al-Radi has a knack for turning a seriously tragic situation into an almost funny account through her matter-of-fact statements. Still, somehow she manages to not lessen the impact of the tragedy.

Ms. Al-Radi does not paint an "Oh woe is me," picture but she invites the reader to walk by her as she takes us through the experiences of the people of Iraq, (her friends and neighbours, and even her dog Salvador Dali and his "friends," etc.). She paints vivid images of the various stages of the war. For example she describes, in the beginning of the war, how the Iraqis had filled up their freezers to the hilt with meat and vegetables and anything they could fit in there fearing the onset of war. But, as the first bombs hit taking out the electical plants and leaving Iraq without power, in total darkness and every refrigerator and freezer unfreezing, the Iraqis are left gorging themselves as their food begins to rot inside their quickly defrosting freezers.

Ms. Al-Radi then takes us into bowels of the war itself describing the massive bombs that obliterate and take out innocent human and animal lives by the hundreds (at any given time).

She finally steps into the final blow of the war (pun intended) -the cruel and unusual punishment of the embargo and the ensuing anarchy that it creates, in addition to the odd occurrences in nature. Her trees die, her vegetables don't grow, strange insects never before seen take a hold of the trees and shrubs struggling to live, birds die by the thousands for no "apparent" reason, the cancer rates go up immeasurably, etc.

This is a much needed book. The human face of Iraq has all but been eliminated and replaced with the menacing one of Saddam which in turn justified/s the punishment that the people had to endure(are still enduring)as a result.

It is a wonderful book. It is sad that a book of this sort had to be written in the first place.

Ms. Al-Radi gives an amazing play-by-play of how the war (the massive bombing campaigns by the US and allied forces in Baghdad and neighbouring cities and the ensuing embargo) unfolded before her and the people of Iraq. I couldn't put it down.

Ms. Al-Radi has a knack for turning a seriously tragic situation into an almost funny account through her matter-of-fact statements. Still, somehow she manages to not lessen the impact of the tragedy.

Ms. Al-Radi does not paint an "Oh woe is me," picture but she invites the reader to walk by her as she takes us through the experiences of the people of Iraq, (her friends and neighbours, and even her dog Salvador Dali and his "friends," etc.). She paints vivid images of the various stages of the war. For example she describes, in the beginning of the war, how the Iraqis had filled up their freezers to the hilt with meat and vegetables and anything they could fit in there fearing the onset of war. But, as the first bombs hit taking out the electical plants and leaving Iraq without power, in total darkness and every refrigerator and freezer unfreezing, the Iraqis are left gorging themselves as their food begins to rot inside their quickly defrosting freezers.

Ms. Al-Radi then takes us into bowels of the war itself describing the massive bombs that obliterate and take out innocent human and animal lives by the hundreds (at any given time).

She finally steps into the final blow of the war (pun intended) -the cruel and unusual punishment of the embargo and the ensuing anarchy that it creates, in addition to the odd occurrences in nature. Her trees die, her vegetables don't grow, strange insects never before seen take a hold of the trees and shrubs struggling to live, birds die by the thousands for no "apparent" reason, the cancer rates go up immeasurably, etc.

This is a much needed book. The human face of Iraq has all but been eliminated and replaced with the menacing one of Saddam which in turn justified/s the punishment that the people had to endure(are still enduring)as a result.

It is a wonderful book. It is sad that a book of this sort had to be written in the first place.

Richard Buller's knowledge seems to have no bounds. With clarity and confidence, the author presents key moments in the life of Lois Moran. He also spends a third of the book exploring her relationship with F. Scott Fitzgerald. Buller had a vast amount of information at his disposal: Moran's journal and autobiographical notes, her son Tim, and Moran herself. Plus, he researched numerous books and contemporary newspaper articles. Intimidated? Don't be. Buller pulls all the pieces of the puzzle together for us, in a seemingly effortless flow of historical events. Don't know the works of Moran or Fitzgerald? Buller provides clear summaries. Then, he takes us to the next level by analyzing how Moran influenced Fitzgerald. In addition, the book provides many pictures with helpful captions. Even if you've never heard of Lois Moran, this is a "must have" for anyone interested in F. Scott Fitzgerald, movies, or the Jazz age.

I suppose I first encountered Lois Moran as most people did, via Scott Fitzgerald's portrayal of her as Rosemary Hoyt, the ingenue in his tragic 1934 romance TENDER IS THE NIGHT. Since Arthur Mizener identified Lois Moran as Rosemary's "original" in his 1950s biography of Fitzgerald THE FAR SIDE OF PARADISE, her name once again became recognizable, and we began to think of her as a silent film star who must have beeen cute, but surely without talent otherwise wouldn't her performances have survived? Now Richard Buller steps forward with this biography of the actress herself, both in and out of her relationship with the great novelist, and his book shows us that she's perhaps even more interesting when considered as an actress alone, and not just a Lolita-like playtoy.

Buller explores the bond between Gladys (Lois Moran's mother) and her daughter, and rebuts the myth that Gladys was a conventional stage mother who disliked her daughter's interest in married men. Gladys is worthy of a book all of her own! She took Lois from their settled life in Pittsburgh and brought her to Paris as a teen to escape the repressive US climate of the day, and to show her daughter life in big beautiful capital letters.

Stardom in the movies was only a sort of lagniappe to Lois, who abandoned Hollywood when she married in 1935. And she was signally a free-lance player, one who evaded the contractual obligations of any one studio (except for a brief and not too happy contract with Fox). That may have precipitated her withdrawal from cultural memory, however, for I think in the classical cinemaa the studio really built their stars up, and the ones who played it free-lance aren't as well remembered today. (We know Clark Gable, for example, better than we know, say, Irene Dunne.)

Buller has uncovered three short stories that Lois Moran wrote about Scott Fitzgerald, it's a shame that his publishers couldn't have authorized their publication in an appendix, for the excerpts he quotes are fascinating. Just as tantalizing are his descriptions of some of Moran's movies. I for one am going to go on a hunger strike until Turner Classic Movies schedules a showing of WEST OF BROADWAY with John Gilbert--the ultimate "bad luck" movie from Buller's description.

Lois Moran went to Broadway and starred in two Gershwin musicals (OF THEE I SING and LET 'EM EAT CAKE), then married an industrialist who ran Pan Am, Clarence Young. In the Youngs' luxury apartment here in SF's North Beach, on Vallejo Street, they hosted a secret wartime conference with FDR, Lindbergh, and other luminaries. I'm going to go there later today and try to talk my way into the graces of the current owners of the building and photograph the room where it all took place. After Clarence and Gladys died, Moran's later struggles with alcohol make for sad reading. What a story! And what a woman!

Lois Moran's life and body of work, so carefully portrayed by Richard Buller, are a living tribute to the wonderment of Lois Moran, the person. Here is a portrait of some eighty years of giving without reservation to the people of this planet.

The author's insightful and diligent research, coupled with some memorable findings in her journals, papers and photographs, have made this book a true and masterfully constructed literary achievement.

I had never heard of Lois Moran - now I am a fan! Richard Buller's fascinating account of this remarkable woman is brilliantly researched and beautifully written. Why more has not been made of this shining Hollywood star is a curious mystery. Happily, Mr. Buller fills us in with style. He describes the era adroitly and offers surprisingly intimate historical nuggets, sly humor, and a deep poignancy that moved this reader to tears. I felt as if I were walking with Lois every step of the way. Like meeting an old friend for the first time. Her gleeful, almost childlike kinship with life attracted sparkling people and events; yet her "grown-up" values guided her to always hone her gifts and to help others. A unique example that despite our heartaches, we can indeed create a "beautiful fairy tale" of our lives. A delightful, revelatory read. Inspiring.

The book, titled "A Better Country: Why America Was Right To Confront Iraq" is published by Hamilton Books and tells the story of why we took Iraq seriously. Mr. Borden is a Democrat, and like so many others in his party, he's faced with the prospect that the facts behind the war have been dismissed, forgotten or twisted for political reasons. In 88 pages he outlines the intelligence, the arguments, the failures and the threat Iraq posed. What makes this book truly useful is that one can sit down for a single afternoon and rise from the chair with a healthy understanding of all aspects surrounding the Iraq war, making it a great place to start if you're out to change minds.

He begins by reminding the reader of the Carter Doctrine (yes, that Carter!) that declares, in no uncertain terms, that "An attempt by any outside force to gain control of the Persian Gulf region will be regarded as an assault on the vital interests of the United States of America, and such an assault will be repelled by any means necessary, including military force." He does this not to revise President Carter's reputation as a foreign policy failure, but to make the point that the stance taken by President Bush wasn't a first, it was in line with government policy going back decades. President Clinton's Iraq Liberation Act in 1998 was another dot on the line that ended at President Bush's desk, but the difference between the two was that the 43rd president wasn't willing to pass on the Iraqi threat like the 42nd did. Mr. Borden makes his points powerfully, and draws from history, documents and speeches to prove his case.

Every chapter, pithy as it is, continues in this methodical fashion. He addresses the failure to find WMD and the use of that charge by opponents. Another chapter centers on the promise of containment and the prudence of relying on the United Nations to disarm dictators. He wonders why anyone is surprised that the administration forced a democracy on the hapless Iraqis, and skillfully works through the Iraq War Resolution for those who haven't taken the time to read it. It's a book of thought provoking essays. It's also a valuable weapon against those who would rather not sift through the details.

It's worth debating whether we ought to have gone into Iraq, but no thoughtful deliberation can happen without the facts. The media in this country and around the world settled for a narrative that focused on equivocating America and her enemies, but there are few cases as stark as the one made in confronting a defiant tyrant in a country that had used WMD after 9/11. Whether this generation of Americans will look beyond slogans and platitudes for the answers to the moral questions that will define us, we can only ask that the wise do their duty. In that, Arthur Borden earns my gratitude.

A Better Country: Why America Was Right To Confront Iraq - a review

Book Review by Debbie at Right Truth, [...]


The book A Better Country - Why America Was Right to Confront Iraq, is a must read and I highly recommend it to all my friends. A Better Country is the Right Truth Book Club selection for September. I couldn't wait to start reading it, and finished in one sitting. This little 88 page paperback has no fluff, no filler, no glossy pictures -- from cover to cover the reader gets facts backed up by sources.
The author, Arthur Borden, wastes no time, no ink, no paper making his argument, -- and he does make the argument. Mr. Borden happens to be a Democrat by the way.

A few quotes to wet your appetite:
[snip] He [President George W. Bush] presented the nuclear threat as an approaching danger, not yet as an actual one, and he was resoled to prevent it:
Facing clear evidence of peril, we cannot wait for the final proof -- the smoking gun -- that could come in the form of a mushroom cloud . . . . Understanding the threats of our time, knowing the designs and deceptions of the Iraqi regime, we have every reason to assume the worst, and we have an urgent duty to prevent the worst from occurring.

Though bush did not invoke the Carter Doctrine explicitly, he added that "the same tyrant has tried to dominate the Middle East" and that "two administrations -- mine and President Clinton's -- have states that regime change in Iraq is the only certain means of removing a great danger to our nation." (page 4)

[snip] It was later, almost three years after the Iraq war had begun, that the mainstream media addressed this issue significantly and in keeping with the Carter Doctrine. As Ted Koppel said with stunning candor on Meet the Press on December 25, 2005, "the only difference between the Clinton administration and the Bush administration was 9/11 . . . . If 9/11 had happened on Bill Clinton's watch, he would have gone into Iraq":

And the one thing that we are not talking about, because it somehow seems indelicate or unpolitic or even inappropriate, is the simple fact of the matter that, while we did not go to war because of Iraq's oil, we did, in act, go to war because it is absolutely essential to the national interest, not only of this country but also of the Europeans and of the Japanese, that the Persian Gulf remains stable . . . . [W]e need to have a stable Iraq in order to guarantee a stable Persian Gulf, and the name of that game is oil. Nobody talks about that. (page 5)

Those quotes are from pages 4 and 5, now you must read the rest for yourself. I will leave you with two short quotes and some food for thought as the United States and the world consider dealing with Iran's nuclear program and the Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who wants to not only completely destroy Israel and all Jews, but who wants to destroy the United States and Western nations.

In President George W. Bush's 2003 State of the Union Address he said:
Some have said we must not act until the threat is imminent. Since when have terrorists and tyrants announced their intentions, politely putting us on notice before they strike? If this threat is permitted to fully and suddenly emerge, all actions, all words and all recriminations would come too late. (page 32)

In A Better Country, Mr. Borden rightly states:
[snip] As we should recognize after 9/11, complete certainty is practically impossible now that the threat combines terrorism and WMD.

If the President breaks faith with us, or if we break faith with the President, we become defenseless in a dangerously uncertain world. When the Democrats attacked the President's credibility, they aimed to deprive him of the powers of his office. They choose instead to believe in the U.N. They have argued since 2003 that the President broke faith with them. The truth is, they had refused from the start of his presidency to put any faith in him. The war in Iraq has divided us further because we were already divided. (page 67)


My friends, we live in a divided nation, yes, but we are all Americans. Is it possible to put these divisions behind us, to put the nation first ahead of politics? I pray we can my friends, because we face many threats in the years ahead. Iran is the next big threat we must face. Can we learn lessons from Iraq to defeat our enemies? First we must recognize and understand the past, what happened in the run up to Iraq, during the first years of Iraq, and what is happening even today.
We have a Democrat candidate for President who based his candidacy on pulling troops out of Iraq. As individual American citizens we have some tough battles and decisions ahead of us. I suggest you read A Better Country because Mr. Borden will inform you, he will make you think, he will give your sources to back up your discussions with others on the subject.

Now GO, buy this book, read it and share it with your friends and foes: Amazon.com $16.15. The best money you'll spend this month.

In September of 2002, with the first anniversary remembrances of the 9/11 attacks taking place across the country, and with America obviously preparing to go to war to thwart another such attack, Arthur Borden began to notice some disturbing reactions coming from his Democratic Party, even among his own friends and colleagues. These reactions and the totality of the circumstances involving 9/11 and it's various related issues led Borden to study the issues more closely and led him to realize that he was now living "..in an America which is not the country where I went to college, served in a good war, and enrolled in law school.." The result of his studies is the book "A Better Country: Why America Was Right to Confront Iraq" released this year as a soft cover by Hamilton Books. In it's short number of pages (67 plus a handful of indices), Borden makes a compelling argument that not only was President George W. Bush right in going into Iraq and deposing it's despotic leader Saddam Hussein, but that this move was vital. He also makes the case for remaining in the country, and possibly for the need to extend the conflict into Iran in the near future. From the free flow of the oil that is vital to our national and the world economy, to a geo-political presence vital to securing peace and democracy, Borden moves through the many varied and important issues over the last few decades that led to the Iraqi campaign and the larger War on Islamofascism. Borden presents that both of the Bush administrations and the Clinton administration recognized the threat of the Hussein regime. These administrations recognized that it was reasonable to confront the Iraqi regime based on the longstanding and widely-supported 'Carter Doctrine' which recognized the vital interest regarding the free flow of oil from the Middle East. He goes on to present that a combination of intentionally biased liberal media attention, a near traitorous attitude by many Democratic Party politicians, and even the faux pas committed by the current 'W' administration led eventually to the public turning on this necessary war effort. His chapters on "The Missing WMD" and the Joe Wilson-Scooter Libby issue of the "Aluminum Tubes and Yellow Cake" are particularly insightful, revealing, and well researched. What Arthur Borden does with "A Better Country" is present a better narrative for this necessary effort in Iraq. The book is a short and easy read, but also a detailed and educational must-read for anyone interested in exploring the issues behind the necessary sacrifices being made by America's troops in Iraq over these last few years.

I just got this book today. I have not finished reading it yet, but I want to make one short point.



CARTER and CLINTON left Bush out to hang. They put those policies (Carter Doctrines and Clinton's "Iraq Liberation Act of 1998") in place to protect American interests in the Gulf Region and Bush just followed through. Clinton knew the public would NOT buy off on it.

President Bush sincerely went into Iraq, to not only protect the American interest in the region, but also for our National Security. Unfortunately, the critics and the Democrats (a.k.a. "Bush Haters") took an opportunity to promote their party and self interest.

Ted Koppel was on 'Meet the Press' in 2005. He is stated saying that the difference between the Clinton Administration and the Bush Administration is 9/11. If 9/11 happened under Clinton's watch, he would have invaded Iraq.

History is always being rewritten. We will look back and see Bush did the RIGHT thing for our country....not for the Republicans....not for dad, and definitely, not for the oily companies.

By the way, this book was written by a Democrat and a member of the "The Greatest Generation."

Mr. Borden, Sir. You are truly "The Greatest Generation" Thank you for writing this book.

Heed the warning, people.