"Read it and weep"
Up front let me apologize for being emotional in this
review, as this true account is appalling in what should
have been. The book describes the evolution of the 1990s
through 9/11 of Bin Laden and the Al Queda that will haunt
readers forever. The authors tie events together that show
the magnitude of the failure of anti-terrorism efforts
under three administrations including the present one. The
authors claim several opportunities to stop the terrorists
were available, but not acted on, as the threat had not
incredulously surpassed the "acceptable level of
terrorism". That is the frightening thought that
especially Clinton and Bush II (even in his first year)
could have done more and saved lives. Official inactivity
and incompetence (the Attorney General cut the
anti-terrorism funding) and missed opportunities led to
irate
agents unable to overcome politics as usual under
presidents from both political parties. This book is not for those still raw, as it is quite an eye-
opening saga. As the country's powers debate homeland
security and claim the high ground, they should read this
book first so they cannot sleep better at night. While the
President vacations; the Attorney General cries security
wolf; the Congress posters to gain reelection; and Clinton
rewrites his place in history, perhaps each will finally
understand the real goal: no future American should suffer
like those who seemed to have died for no reason except
politics and incompetence. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted August 14, 2002
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