Reviews (6)

Fifty Years to over analyze
Hiroshima had such an enormous historical impact on the world that it is important study and re-examine its context in modern history.This book concentrates on how the dropping of the bomb has influenced our country's psyche over the 50 years since its detonation.
Truly eye opening
This book is the best information I have seen on this tragic event.Read it, understand what we did.

good discussion starter
The previous reviewers did a good job explaining what the book was about.I'll add the following: the authors discuss President Truman's role in making the decision to drop the bomb and seem to indicate that he was more or less a consent giver in this process rather than the decision maker.
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Subjects:  1. Atomic bomb victims    2. History - U.S.    3. History: World    4. International Relations - Arms Control    5. Japan    6. Military - World War II    7. United States    8. United States - 20th Century/WWII    9. World War, 1939-1945    10. Nuclear weapons    11. USA    12. War & defence operations   

Reviews (54)

Quick but Important Read!!
Read this book in conjunction with American Theocracy:The Peril and Politics of Radical Religion, Oil, and Borrowed Money in the 21st Century by Kevin Phillips to get the full context of how we were hoodwinked into the Iraq War and how the Bush Administration lives for getting us to give up our liberty for some alleged safety.

facts revealed
One of the best excerpts from this book is Rumsfeld being confronted by a journalist about his visit to Iraq, denying it and then shown a videotape from the CNN archives. This is a good book to read to get away from the Bush spin of things and see things a little clearer.

Madison Avenue waged war on Iraq---and our troops
When factual evidence did not reveal that Saddam Hussein had "Weapons of Mass Destruction" the Bush administration simply hired the country's best media consultants to engineer support for the war: anybody who was thus questioning the administration found themselves labeled as contributing to the terrorist threat. Because reality did not give them what they wanted, the White House fabricated data.
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Subjects:  1. Psychological aspects    2. Military - General    3. Politics / Current Events    4. Moral and ethical aspects    5. Government - U.S. Government    6. International Relations - Arms Control    7. Political Freedom & Security - Terrorism    8. History / United States / General    9. History: World    10. United States    11. History    12. Iraq War, 2003    13. Iraq War, 2003-    14. Propaganda   

Reviews (7)

Best on this subject
This writers has made a good effect to find out his facts.
The political interactions, policies and changes between nations makes for fascinating, revealing reading
Israel not only became the Middle East's first nuclear power: it kept its atomic program secret - and veteran Israeli journalist Michael Karpin explains how in THE BOMB IN THE BASEMENT: HOW ISRAEL WENT NUCLEAR AND WHAT THAT MEANS FOR THE WORLD. From the Israeli program's heavy reliance on early French aide to its resurgence of energy under the approval of President Nixon, the political interactions, policies and changes between nations makes for fascinating, revealing reading.
Impressive Work
Karpin's history of Israel's nuclear project comes at an appropriate time, just as the Iranian nuclear crisis exhibits how sensitive and hazardous the Middle East is and how clever were Israel's visionary forefathers. Their determination to acquire the ultimate deterrent and their wisdom to hide it in the basement are excellently described. Karpin for sure knows the political and defense establishments of his country. He also has the advantage of being free of any ideological agenda. His detailed story streams superbly in spite the restrictions imposed on him by Israeli army censors.
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Subjects:  1. Arms Control And Disarmament    2. History    3. History: World    4. International Relations - Arms Control    5. Israel    6. Israel - History    7. Middle East - Israel    8. Military - Nuclear Warfare    9. Military policy    10. Nuclear weapons    11. Political Freedom & Security - International Secur    12. Politics / Current Events    13. History / Israel   

Subjects:  1. International Relations - Arms Control    2. Philosophy    3. Political Freedom & Security - International Secur    4. Political Science    5. Politics / Current Events    6. Politics/International Relations    7. Right and left (Political science)    8. Political science & theory   

Reviews (2)

North Korea is not Canada
There are some good aspects of this book analysing the ins and outs (mostly outs) of United States policy toward North Korea and its nuclear program.But the book has one enormous drawback: it treats everything that the United States and its allies did with suspicion, while giving North Korea every benefit of the doubt.I did not understand the expression "blame America first" until I read this book. There is nothing in this book about North Korean terrorism or attacks on the South Korean Blue House.Mr. Sigal treats North Korea as if it were Canada.It is not.His good points would come through better if he was not so one-sided.

Track 2 and Cooperation are good for nuclear starangers
Bias on the part of American policy-makers affected U.S. nuclear diplomacy toward North Korea.If the U.S. would not have maintained such a bias, negotiations between the U.S. and North Korea would not have been asdifficult. That is the author`s main point, but what he overlooks is not ananalysis of why U.S. policy-makers, from the begining of Korean War andbeyond, maintained a bias,This drawback notwithstanding, the bookcontains many interviews and documents, and is, therefore, a historicallyimportant study. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. International Relations - Arms Control    2. International Relations - General    3. Political Freedom & Security - International Secur    4. Political Science    5. Politics / Current Events    6. Politics/International Relations    7. American History    8. Asian and Asian American Studies    9. International relations    10. North Korea    11. Nuclear weapons    12. Political Science / International Relations    13. Political Science and International Relations    14. USA    15. c 1990 to c 2000   

Reviews (31)

ISRAELICANCER
the jewish state has no future without american taxpayer dollers. israel is a dieing tree americans giving israel water will just prolong the agony.

Put a lid on palestinian sympathizing liberals...
This book is a well thought out easy reader.It's quite easy to skim through and find what you are looking for in an instant.I will admit, it's a pro-israel book, which leads skeptics to believe that it doesn't deal with all of the myths.I would suggest buying this book along with a pro-palistinean book as well, so you can see both sides of the argument and make up your own mind.I, however, use this to combat crazy hippy liberals and their terror sympthazing ways.This book is like kryponite.

HAMAS in their own words
It's always great to go back to the original sources when reading a book and I have with many of the references included here. That's why, I can't really rate this book highly enough.It provides you with a wealth of Arab, Israeli, European and American source content. The references and research are excellent and the layout of the work makes it easy to read and digest.I found the appendixes including letters from Rabin and Arafat to be interesting as well as the HAMAS charter. Considering the current Palestinian elections, it interesting to read about HAMAS and their goals from their own words and charter. For anyone researching the middle east or interested in getting to know more about the historical roots of the Palestine-Israel conflict, this is a great starting point. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. International Relations - Arms Control    3. Political Science    4. Politics / Current Events    5. Politics/International Relations   

Subjects:  1. International Relations - Arms Control    2. Political Freedom & Security - International Secur    3. Political Science    4. Politics / Current Events    5. Politics/International Relations    6. Yearbooks & Annuals    7. Political Science / Arms Control    8. Politics | International Studies | International Security & Strategic Studies    9. Reference / Yearbooks & Annuals    10. Warfare & Defence   

Reviews (3)

Great Book for Political Science Research
This book has great facts about weapons of mass destruction throughout the world's countries.Great for research.

Cold war's Past, Today's Problem
This is a comprehensive book in which the authors describe proliferation issues and nonproliferations issues. This is a great reference book to have on nuclear issues as well as biological and chemical threats.
Excellent Proliferation Resource
The latest in the line of Carnegie proliferation surveys, Deadly Arsenals is an essential resource for all concerned with WMD proliferation issues.Students of nonproliferation will appreciate the up-to-date analysis of the regime and its hard cases, including timely information on North Korea, Iran, and the most recent "success" story, Libya.This is one of the few books I keep on my desk--my dog-eared 2002 edition is ready to be shelved. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Chemical arms control    2. International Relations - Arms Control    3. Nuclear arms control    4. Political Freedom & Security - International Secur    5. Political Science    6. Politics / Current Events    7. Politics/International Relations    8. Verification    9. Weapons of mass destruction    10. Weapons & equipment   

Reviews (4)

Diplomacy style - read between the lines
Interesting and presented in a concise way book. I decided to give a bit more provocative and not a review that will just retell what's in the book. I bought it as I am interested in the topic having worked for the EU at some moments and having generally good knowledge about the EU and how it functions. The book is diplomatically written (by a diplomat) so do it focuses on many topics but do not always expect to find the bare truth behind facts. Instead their "diplomatic package" is presented. Certain statements are definitely something that I cannot agree. According to Schnabel - the "dirigiste" regime (of the EU), means higher prices and fewer choices for companies and consumers at home (p 37). Higher prices - maybe? What about higher product quality that regulations impose?
Europe!!! The Next Superpower;Believe It
I just finished reading Amabassador Schnabel's excellent book and realize how little I understood or knew about the EU. Many of us have been a bit overwhelmed by all the China and India growth stories; as a result, I for one, have totally missed the boat on what's happening in Europe. If I had a choice of where to spend the next 20 years in business, I would clearly choose the European Union (even after reading The World is Flat while on a trip to India).Because the US and the EU have "common values" and huge economic power, we together have the opportunity to "shape the world" in the next two decades.After that, we will be forced to share this power with the emerging Asian giants.
An Insider's Guide to the Future of the EU
As a US student in global political affairs in Washington, DC, I have spent many hours debating what it means to be considered a "superpower," who rivals the US for the title, and who is essentially the next "superpower."Rockwell Schnabel and Francis X. Rocca's well-researched book sheds light on the existing power dynamics of modern Europe and the EU in global society and what implications this 25 member state holds for our future.With its ever-impressive economic strengths coupled with its cultural and institutional influences, they believe the European Union should be viewed as a force to be reckoned with, but more importantly as a strong ally. Rockwell Schnabel draws from his experiences as a native European citizen and former ambassador to the EU to highlight crucial choices the EU must make if it is to become geopolitically stronger and, in fact, be the next superpower. Long- term decisions regarding a free market economy and Europe's stance towards the US will not only have direct impacts on American businesses, but also on global security.Considering the rising power of nations like China and India, transatlantic cooperation provides an opportunity to unite to achieve our common goals. By pooling vast resources together, the US and EU can have real effects on world hunger, poverty, and disease.
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Subjects:  1. 21st century    2. Europe - General    3. European Union countries    4. Forecasting    5. Foreign relations    6. General    7. International Relations - Arms Control    8. International relations    9. Political Science    10. Politics / Current Events    11. Politics/International Relations    12. United States    13. World politics    14. Non-Classifiable    15. POLITICS & GOVERNMENT   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (96)

Sick
"While the U.S. maintained an active "bugs and gas" program in the '50s and early '60s, bio-weapons were effectively pulled off this country's agenda in 1972 when countries around the world, led by the United States, forswore development of such weapons at the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention. The issue reemerged in the early '90s thanks to Saddam Hussein and revelations of the clandestine and massive buildup of bio-weapons in remote corners of the Soviet Union." - Harry Edwards
Not Worried About Nukes Anymore
Judith Miller et al. have successfully illustrated that the fear of nuclear weapons or terrorist-planned "dirty bomb" attacks are the least of our worries.Rather, the danger lies in microbes and human biology.
Great Read But Where Are the WMD She Claims in the Book?
I read this book in 2002 way before the Iraq invasion seemed probable.After reading it (and believing that I was reading thorough reporting) I supported going after the WMD in Iraq.However, now that we've seen how Judy can manipulate facts and her proven track record with no WMD found in Iraq I strongly suggest you read this book with a skepticism to truthfulness.
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Subjects:  1. Biological warfare    2. General    3. International Relations - Arms Control    4. Military - Biological & Chemical Warfare    5. Political Science    6. Politics - Current Events    7. Politics / Current Events    8. Politics/International Relations    9. Research    10. Safety measures    11. United States    12. Current Events / American    13. Diseases & disorders   

Subjects:  1. Government policy    2. History    3. History & Theory - General    4. History - U.S.    5. History: World    6. International Relations - Arms Control    7. Military policy    8. Nuclear engineering    9. Nuclear weapons    10. Sociology - General    11. United States    12. United States - 20th Century/WWII    13. United States - General    14. Political science & theory    15. USA    16. Warfare & Defence   

Reviews (11)

It's not only about guns it's about the sovereignty of the United States
The Global war on your guns is a well researched and factual account of the efforts of The United Nations attempt at taking over our nation. This is not some alarmist's half-cocked radical viewpoint, but rather a well researched report on the record of the U.N. and how they have become a powerful organization bent on regulating the entire world under their iron hand. Mr. LaPierre points out how the U.N. has failed in it's peace keeping efforts in all of the nations where they have gained control. Worse than that the U.N. "peace keepers" have not been all that peaceful. In fact in many cases they have been more violent and controlling than any of the governments that they have assumed control from.
Educate yourself on the reality of the UN!
This book should be absolutely essential reading for everyone in America (or anywhere, for that matter)--it's not just about guns (though it does eloquently and soundly make the case for the right to bear arms), but it also chronicles story after story after story of U.N. corruption and waste, direct U.N. support of terrorists, U.N. exacerbation of genocides, U.N. attempts at removal of liberty and human rights everywhere, the "rape culture" of their so-called peacekeepers, their legitimizing of the most oppressive regimes...I could go on and on and on. In short, it sums up why the U.N. isn't good at anything but spreading misery and pain, and, consequently, why we shouldn't allow them anywhere near our Second Amendment (or anywhere near the US in any way, shape, or form in my opinion).
Interesting, but goes a little overboard
Guns don't kill people.
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Subjects:  1. Arms Control And Disarmament    2. Constitutional    3. Firearms ownership    4. General    5. Gun control    6. History & Theory - General    7. International Relations - Arms Control    8. Political Science    9. Politics - Current Events    10. Politics / Current Events    11. Politics/International Relations    12. United States    13. Political Science / General   

Reviews (9)

Standing among giants
Reagan and Gorbachev are two of the most important men in the last half of the 20th century.Each of them, thru ways subtle and overt, led their nations to the point where the Cold War could end, and a new future could begin.Much has been written about what each did on their domestic fronts to move their governments and populations to this point, and much has also been written about how they worked together, sometimes in public and sometimes in private.This book focuses on the latter.
I agree--its about the 'turn'
This book's strength is that the author was present for this historic timeframe and his ability to recount details and nuances of character of the Amercians and Russians involved in the negotiation process. The photos usd could be better. there should have been more of mrs gorbachev and mrs reagan.

Comparatively fair - as in balanced.
My thoughts on this book match up pretty much with Oberdorfer's book on the end of the Cold War, which was originally titled "The Turn."They both offer a more open-minded approach.Matlock, in this book, has a bit more distance from the event, which allowed him more access to the Soviet side.And he was an insider's insider to what occurred.Oberdorfer's account is as the top-notch journalist he was.It's easier reading and thoroughly entertaining.
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Subjects:  1. 1931-    2. Foreign relations    3. General    4. Geneva    5. Gorbachev, Mikhail Sergeevich,    6. History - General History    7. Iceland    8. International Relations - Arms Control    9. Modern - 20th Century/Nuclear Age    10. Political History    11. Political Science    12. Politics/International Relations    13. Reagan, Ronald    14. Reykjavâik    15. Soviet Union    16. Summit meetings    17. Switzerland    18. United States    19. History / Modern / 20th Century   

Subjects:  1. 21st century    2. International Relations - Arms Control    3. International Relations - General    4. Military - Nuclear Warfare    5. Military Policy    6. Military Science    7. Nuclear Weapons    8. Political Freedom & Security - International Secur    9. Politics / Current Events    10. Science/Mathematics    11. Technology    12. United States    13. World politics    14. Arms negotiation & control    15. International relations    16. USA   

Reviews (14)

Engaging "Engaging India"
Overall, this was an excellent book. I thought I would read more about India's internal affairs and the dynamics of its rise on the world stage. With that being said, it was an excellent look into the world of United States diplomacy, for better and for worse.

An insightful and revealing look into Indo-American relationship
Strobe Talbott has written a powerful account of the events that unfolded after India's shock atomic tests. The book is special in that it is not simply political accounting, but rather a personal diary on Strobe's dealings with India and Pakistan. He does not hide the personal friendship that developed between him and an Indian named Jaswant Singh (then the Minister of External Affairs) as they fought to understand each other. Honest and deliberate, the book provides a refreshing look at the mechanics of the Indian bomb program, democracy and the personal battles on both sides that ushered in the current golden age of Indo-American relations.
Excellent read
An extremely well written narrative on behind the scene dealings between India and the United States after the Pokhran tests.
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Subjects:  1. Asia - India    2. Atomic bomb    3. Business & Economics    4. Business Writing    5. Business/Economics    6. Foreign relations    7. History - General History    8. India    9. International - Economics    10. International - General    11. International Relations - Arms Control    12. Pakistan    13. Political Freedom & Security - International Secur    14. United States    15. Diplomacy    16. Nuclear weapons   

Reviews (2)

Every Bookshelf Should Have A Copy
I can't imagine a better, easier to read, more informative little book on a country that has been in the center of world politics from biblical times to the present, that few westerners know much about. In 80 some odd pages, the history, geopolitical, economic, and, religious overview, of this country is presented in the simplest, most direct and non-partisan point of view imaginable. All the salient facts of this country and its people are laid out and factually presented in a way that will surely interest the historian, as well as, the layman, in understanding why this country is so important to the world view of our global village. A huge step in bringing awareness to a much needed subject and how Iran is positioned in not only the life of the middle east, but, to our own western culture. Highly recommended!!

ExcellentObjective and Timely Historical Review of Iran
This book by Amanda Roraback is not only timely, but a complete compendium of Iran from its Historical beginnings right up to the present date of printing. Covering history, geographical data, political history and sociological backgrounds, this book is a gem for anyone interested in Iran and its part in current Middle Eastern affairs. It is seriously objective, a task not easily accomplishedin today's turbulent world.
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Subjects:  1. History - General History    2. International Relations - Arms Control    3. Middle East - Iran    4. Political History    5. Political Science    6. Politics/International Relations    7. Social History   

Reviews (5)

Thought provoking
I'll begin by saying that this is an excellent book and highly recommended to anyone interested in the field. Well written and great to read even for a non-military reader.
Provocative, Brillant and Controversial
Prof Terry Tucker, Senior Doctrine Developer, Saudi Arabian NG Modernization Program;
Brilliant study of modern warfare

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Subjects:  1. Defensive (Military science)    2. Deployment (Strategy)    3. History    4. History - Military / War    5. International Relations - Arms Control    6. Military - General    7. Military - Strategy    8. Military Science    9. Military art and science    10. Offensive (Military science)    11. Political Freedom & Security - International Secur    12. Political Science    13. Politics/International Relations    14. Political Science / General    15. Political Science and International Relations    16. Theory of warfare & military science   

Reviews (1)

Policies of use, deterrence, and proliferation
Biological weapons and their potentials has received public attention relatively recently in this country, and for a basic primer on the topic, don't miss Jeanne Guillemin's Biological Weapons, designed to help readers understand the relevance of these weapons and their use. Chapters examine policies of use, deterrence, and proliferation, considering conflicts between media rights and secrecy in development, public awareness issues and rights, and preventative measures against attack.
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Subjects:  1. International Relations - Arms Control    2. Military - Biological & Chemical Warfare    3. Military Science    4. Political Freedom & Security - International Secur    5. Political Freedom & Security - Terrorism    6. Politics / Current Events    7. Science/Mathematics    8. Technology    9. Arms negotiation & control    10. Chemical & biological weapons    11. History of specific subjects    12. Political Science / Political Freedom & Security / General   

Reviews (10)

The failed state of Liberia.
This book tells a short summary of the failed African state of Liberia.The authors tells of the founding of this country by freed African slaves from North America, and those rescued from illegal slaving ships.
Thorough and Insightful
Mr Pham is particularly adept at providing context for the collapse of Liberia. His summaries of the political and social turmoil in neighboring West African states are superb. While these neither explain nor exonerate the unspeakable crimes of Liberian warlord turned President Charles Taylor, they do explain many of the Liberian leaders motivations and excesses, as well as demonstrate that these crimes, like most crimes against humanity, rarely occur in a vaccuum.

Misinformed reader
I have only read partial excerpts from the novel, but have one complaint from a reader who made his/her comments known. Ronald Reagan was not the President of the United States when Charles Taylor came to power in Liberia. Yes, the United States has unfortunately backed ill-advised tyranical henchmen in many parts of the world, I find it troubling to blame it all on President Reagan. One can go back throughout history, and see many western nations meddling, colonizing, and using self interest without respect to parts of the world. Thank you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1980-    2. Africa - General    3. Africa - West    4. History    5. History - General History    6. History: World    7. International Relations - Arms Control    8. Liberia    9. Politics and government