The Age of Anxiety: McCarthyism to Terrorism by Haynes Bonner Johnson.
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of The Best of Times: America in the Clinton Years (RC 53438) chronicles the rise and fall of Senator Joseph McCarthy, whose 1950s anticommunist crusades fueled public paranoia and led to government restrictions. Compares McCarthyism to George W. Bush's war on terrorism. RC 61844.
America the Vulnerable: How Our Government Is Failing to Protect Us from Terrorism by Stephen Flynn.
After examining domestic security planning in response to terrorist threats, Flynn finds shortcomings for which he proposes a home front mobilization. He recommends strengthening emergency preparedness teams, tracking international criminals, and tightening security in trade and transportation. Flynn also supports specific improvements in public health services, public utilities, and border control. RC 59367.
America under Attack edited by Tamara Roleff.
Uses eye witness reports, news articles, and speeches to examine the September 11, 2001, attack by Muslim extremists on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Virginia. Describes America’s response, world reaction, and the subsequent war on terrorism. Lucent Terrorism Library series. BR 14570, RC 55826.
American Soldier by Tommy Franks, with Malcolm McConnell.
Retired army general and former commander in chief of U.S. Central Command recollects his childhood and decorated thirty-eight-year military career including service in Vietnam, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Provides an inside look at the war on terror. Some strong language. BR 15611, RC 59174.
Bush at War by Bob Woodward.
Reconstructs the inner workings of the White House following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Draws on interviews with the principal power brokers--George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Colin Powell, and Donald Rumsfeld--to recreate the processes by which decisions were reached to bomb Afghanistan and confront Iraq. Some strong language. BR 14429, RC 55015.
The Cell: Inside the 9/11 Plot and Why the FBI and CIA Failed to Stop It by John Miller and Michael Stone , with Chris Mitchell.
Investigative reporters chronicle the investigation of Islamist terrorist cells by police, the FBI, and the CIA begun in the late 1980s. Highlights how political concerns that followed the 1993 World Trade Center bombing contributed to the failure to deter the militants. Some strong language. BR 14392, RC 54920.
The Crisis of Islam: Holy War and Unholy Terror by Bernard Lewis.
Princeton historian traces the roots of anti-Americanism in the Islamic world. Explores the conditions that led to terrorism in the west, including the Islamic Revolution in Iran, U.S. foreign policy, Soviet influence in the Middle East, and the role of Saudi Arabia in creating Muslim extremism. BR 14698, RC 55867.
Disorders and Terrorism: Report of the Task force on Disorders and Terrorism.
Analyzes the problem of terrorism and civil disorder in the United States and sets forth the measures that can be implemented by the civil authorities, the legislature, the police, the courts, the prisons, and the non-official community in combating terrorism. Includes a chronology of terrorism in the United States and appendixes on international terrorism. RC 18987.
Fear Less: Real Truth about Risk, Safety, and Security in a Time of Terrorism by Gavin De Becker.
The author of The Gift of Fear (RC 44931) guides readers to "a true, informed feeling of safety that comes from understanding violence, risk, intuition, [and] fear" during a period of threatened national security. Describes terrorist plots foiled by the U.S. government. Discusses air travel and the prospect of biological warfare. RC 54356.
Guarding the Secrets: Palestinian Terrorism and a Father's Murder of His Too-American Daughter by Ellen Francis Harris.
True story of Palestinian Zein Isa, who moves his family to St. Louis but forbids his daughters to act American. When daughter Tina defies him by dating a young black man and working part-time, Isa and his wife stab her to death. The FBI, investigating Isa's terrorist activities, gets the murder on tape. Strong language and violence. RC 42402.
Hatred's Kingdom: How Saudi Arabia Supports the New Global Terrorism by Dore Gold.
Former Israeli ambassador to the United Nations discusses the hidden political agenda of Saudi Arabia. Concludes that the radical Islamic creed of Wahhabism has influenced Saudi rulers to support global terrorists, including Osama bin Laden and Al Qaeda. RC 55888.
History of Terrorism by Robert Taylor.
Examines the political agendas, religious beliefs, and strategies of groups that use violence to generate fear to gain their objectives. Considers anti-colonial, separatist, revolutionary, and holy wars throughout history. Lucent Terrorism Library series. BR 14669, RC 55694.
Holy Terror: Inside the World of Islamic Terrorism by Amir Taheri.
An Iranian expatriate and former editor of Iran’s largest daily newspaper offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Islamic international terrorist movement. Identifying the Holy Terror movement as a war waged by a dedicated party of Muslim fanatic fundamentalists against the rest of civilization, he examines its centuries-old motivations and its ruthless methods that mix religious beliefs with violence and death. RC 27408.
Holy War, Inc.: Inside the Secret World of Osama bin Laden by Peter L. Bergen.
A journalist for CNN who interviewed Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan in 1997 investigates al-Qaeda, the Islamic terrorist organization. Describes its objectives, its past crimes including the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, and its worldwide reach. Traces bin Laden’s past and his relationship to the Taliban. BR 14070, RC 53623.
Holy War: The Crusades and Their Impact On Today's World by Karen Armstrong.
A historical account of the medieval Crusades, which the author asserts spawned a cycle of religious conflicts in the Middle East that continues in the twentieth century. Gives a "triple vision" of the history of holy war for Christians, Jews, and Muslims. RC 43492.
Holy War on the Home Front: The Secret Islamic Terror Network in the United States by Harvey W. Kushner and Bart Davis.
Terrorism expert contends Americans are no safer today than in the first years following the September 11, 2001, attacks because of government agencies' failure to stop domestic terror suspects. Alleges Muslim extremist infiltration of universities, mosques, and the media by using charities and drug trafficking to fund their operations. RC 61117.
The Iraq Study Group Report by James A. Baker, III and Lee H. Hamilton, co-chairs.
Report of the 2006 group that was formed, with bipartisan congressional support, to assess the situation in Iraq. Describes the findings of the ten members and the opinions of American and Iraqi government officials the group consulted. Proposes alternative approaches for military, security, economic, political, and diplomatic progress. RC 63688.
Inside Al Qaeda: Global Network of Terror by Rohan Gunaratna.
Scrutinizes this worldwide terrorist organization and its theater of operations country by country. Examines Al Qaeda’s reach, strategic and tactical threat, mind-set, and messianic culture. Suggests ways for the international community to counter the movement. Based on five years of interviews, research, and travel. BR 14262, RC 54682.
Inside Terrorism by Bruce Hoffman.
Investigates the nature of political terrorism, from the French Revolution to religious and state-sponsored terrorist activities of the 1990s. Discusses ethnic and nationalist movements of the postcolonial era, the appeal of terror to religious fundamentalists, and terrorists’ exploitation of mass media. RC 53680.
Joint Inquiry into Intelligence Community Activities before and after the Terrorist Attacks of September 11, 2001: Report of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and U.S. House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Together with Additional Views.
Official U.S. government report on efforts of American intelligence agencies charged with protecting national security. BR 14865, RC 56474.
Let’s Roll!: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Courage by Lisa Beamer.
The widow of Todd Beamer, who led his fellow passengers against the terrorists on September 11, 2001, on Flight 93 that crashed in Pennsylvania, describes her late husband’s life. Todd, a devout Christian family man, was raised with some traditional values that enabled him to risk his life for others. BR 14374, RC 54895.
Life after Terrorism: What You Need to Know to Survive in Today's World by Bruce D. Clayton.
An emergency response planner examines strategies to protect one's family from a terrorist attack. Gives background information on anti-American groups and their methods, hazardous materials, and biological and chemical weapons. Offers advice on reducing risk and planning for survival and escape. RC 56017.
The New Jackals: Ramzi Yousef, Osama Bin Laden and the Future of Terrorism by Simon Reeve.
British journalist traces the capture of Pakistan-born Muslim extremist Ramzi Yousef, who masterminded the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center, among other crimes. Examines Yousef’s relationship to Osama bin Laden, the creation of the al Qaeda terrorist network, and the dangers of jihad against the West. BR 13625, RC 52900.
The New Terrorism: Politics of Violence by Jonathan Harris.
A concise overview discusses the historical roots of terrorism, the motivation of terrorists, and the social and political climates which promote the terrorist mind-set. Harris looks at what has been done and could be done to combat terrorism and projects how terrorists may use new technology to add weight to their threats. RC 23356.
No End to War: Terrorism in the Twenty-First Century by Walter Laqueur.
Guerrilla warfare expert addresses the new elements of contemporary terrorism. Issues include the debate surrounding root causes of terrorism, Islamic fanaticism, and the phenomenon of suicide attacks. Laqueur also examines reactions of governments, academia, the media, and the public to the violence and speculates on future geopolitical conditions that could precipitate "catastrophic terrorism." RC 57188.
None Braver: U.S. Air Force Pararescuemen in the War on Terrorism by Michael Hirsh.
Vietnam veteran and award-winning journalist presents an inside look at the search-and-rescue missions of Operation Enduring Freedom. Embedded for five weeks in 2002 with an air-combat unit flying out of Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, Hirsh shares the stories of "PJs" who voluntarily risk their lives to save others. Some strong language. RC 57743.
130 Questions Children Ask about War and Terrorists by Stephen Arterburn and David Stoop.
Christian authors respond to children’s questions prompted by the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Presents Bible-based answers to reassure children and allay their fears while explaining world events. BR 14331, RC 54751.
See No Evil: The True Story of a Ground Soldier in the CIA's War on Terrorism by Robert Baer.
Memoir of a former CIA operative recounting his adventures in the Middle East including an attempt to incite rebellion against Saddam Hussein in 1990s Iraq. Discusses the agency's covert operations and excess bureaucracy and examines the roots of terrorism. Basis for the movie Syriana. Some strong language. RC 53770.
Silent Death: The Threat of Chemical and Biological Terrorism by Kathlyn Gay.
Survey of biological warfare agents such as anthrax, plague, and food poisoning, and chemical weapons such as the nerve gases used in the Gulf War that could be employed in other world conflicts. Describes terrorist threats and the defense measures used to combat them. BR 13936, RC 53182.
Terror and Liberalism by Paul Berman.
Liberal political and cultural critic examines the history and philosophy of totalitarianism leading up to the rise of Islamist extremism. Provides insights into terrorist ideologies and advocates strategic American interventions throughout the world to promote democracy.BR 14830.
Terrorism by Ann Gaines
Focuses on terrorism in the Middle East and how it affects the United States. Discusses the origins and motivations of the organizations and individuals involved. Explores how America can combat violence without impinging on traditional freedoms. RC 53034.
Terrorism: A Special Kind of Violence by Margaret O. Hyde.
Discusses terrorism, its historical origins, its motivational forces, and its increasing frequency. Also includes a psychological portrait of the typical terrorist, and a discussion of anti-terrorist activities. RC 28552.
Terrorists and Terrorist Groups by Stephen Currie.
Discusses the origins, political purposes, religious beliefs, and strategies of groups that use violence to achieve their goals. Includes information on the Palestinian movement Hamas, Peru’s Shining Path, the Irish Republican Army, al-Qaeda, and Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh. Lucent Terrorism Library series. BR 14670, RC 55684.
The Ultimate Terrorists by Jessica Stern.
A former staff member of the National Security Council provides background information on the rise of state-sponsored and independent political terrorism in world affairs. Stern offers a historical review of the roots and motivations of extremist organizations and discusses the kinds of weapons they may have available. BR 13987.
Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Fight Terrorism and Build Nations...One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson.
Award-winning journalist Relin describes the mission of American humanitarian Greg Mortenson, who established the Central Asia Institute and built schools throughout Taliban-ruled lands. Discusses his childhood in Tanzania and a failed 1993 attempt to climb K2, which resulted in a promise to the Pakistani villagers who saved his life. BR 16830.
Treason: Liberal Treachery from the Cold War to the War on Terrorism by Ann H. Coulter
Conservative commentator and the author of Slander (RC 54437) continues her analysis of liberal politics, arguing that Democrats work against American interests and "whenever the nation is under attack, from within or without, liberals side with the enemy." Discusses McCarthyism, the Cold War, and Vietnam. RC 56497.
Unholy War: Terror in the Name of Islam by John L. Esposito.
A professor of religion and international affairs who is the director of the Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding at Georgetown University discusses popular misconceptions about Islam. Answers questions about the differences between the majority of Muslims and the minority who proclaim jihad or holy war. BR 14263, RC 54703.
Unholy Wars: Afghanistan, America, and International Terrorism by John K. Cooley.
A veteran journalist’s account of the unforeseen consequences of the United States’ alliances with radical Islamist movements in the 1980s during efforts to contain Soviet expansion. Explains how Muslim guerrillas trained by the CIA to resist the 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan reemerged as violent anti-Western factions following the Russian withdrawal. RC 53133.
When You Ride Alone You Ride with bin Laden: What the Government Should Be Telling Us to Help Fight the War on Terrorism by Bill Maher
Iconoclastic television talk-show host offers strong opinions on the United States government's domestic policies in the war on terrorism. Some of the targets Maher aims at with earnestness and sardonic humor are airport security, gas guzzlers, political correctness, and offshore tax dodges. Strong language. RC 55341.
Why We Fight: Moral Clarity and the War on Terrorism by William J. Bennett.
Supporting the war on terrorism, conservative commentator Bennett outlines moral justifications for America's military response to the September 11, 2001, attacks. Presenting America as a country worth fighting for, he berates groups that question military retaliation, claiming they undermine national confidence. Also discusses Islam and U.S. policies toward Israel. RC 56174.