Against All Enemies: Inside America's War on Terror

Unlike the other reviewers listed here (as of today) I have actually READ this book! I found it fascinating--the FIRST time I've seen that anyone in the government has really told the story of what exactly went on "behind the scenes" with our government after the 9/11 attacks, as well as what did and did not happen in the months and years leading up to that tragic day. Besides telling the story of his own involvement in the decisions that had to be made--immediately--that day, Clarke gives a credible history of the forces and movements outside the U.S. (though often involving U.S. policy) that led up to the events of 9/11. Clarke has also analyzed--based on 30 years of service in the federal government--many U.S. governmental shortcomings as far as protection from terrorism goes, BUT, he does not stop there! He also provides concrete ideas for solutions! (What a concept!) Sadly, they will not happen any time soon--as long as people who have not even read this book continue to avoid the real issues and hide behind the smokescreens and spins of the current administration and its misguided, narrow view of the dangerous world in which we now find our American/Western selves. Even if you agree with the current administration's direction (though this book is not all about Bush-bashing it does ask some very important, serious questions about the many lost opportunities for the U.S. after 9/11--militarily and ideologically, at home and abroad--which could understandably cause some squirming amongst supporters of this administration's policies), you will find valuable insight and information on the rest of the world's view of "us." Read the book and see for yourself! As Clarke so elegantly says "As Americans, it is up to all of us to be well informed and thoughtful, to help our country make the right decisions in this time of testing." This book goes a long way towards providing important information about exactly what our government is and is not doing for us. At least some of the decisions, based upon that information, are still up to us. (By the way, I paid the full retail price for this book, and NO one has PAID me to write this review!)

I enjoyed this book so much so that I didn't put it down until I finished. Some of the points he brought up I've read about in various news articles and other books, have helped back up his story. His point about Iraq is a valid one, which only recently became clear to me after coming back home from Iraq, that we turned our attention onto Iraq before even trying to finish the job in Afghanistan. I do recommend this book highly, but if you are a person who thinks that our administration can do no wrong then this book will not change your mind about the mistakes that they have made. I'm not saying you can't change your mind about the administration, I know I definitely have - but that took a trip to Iraq, a single rocket attack at our work center, David Kay not finding any WMDs and a LOT of internet research when I got back home started my questioning why we really went into Iraq.

I lost a relative in the WTC bombing, and I am still hurting. After reading Clarke's book, I know he is telling the truth. I am a registered Republican, but I have had enough of the Bush-Cheney lies. If Clarke was out of the loop and was demoted according to Cheney, then it tells you that terrorism was not a priority to the Bush administration. If it was, Clarke's warnings would have been heeded. Bush's motives for going to war has cost too many lives. He and the Republican party must own up to their sins of omission. A person who is telling the truth cannot be destroyed by all these ferocious attacks by the Republican party leadership. I am very ashamed to be a Republican. Read the book and be enlightened.

"Against All Enemies," is one of the most important books in the history of the United States. Richard Clarke writes a detailed account of how President George W. Bush reacted to 9/11. He also provides a glaring account of the mad White House rush to war in Iraq. To say the least...the information in this well-written book is stunning. As a two-tour Vietnam veteran, trained journalist, author and proud American I am saddened by Richard Clarke's revelations. I desperately wanted to believe in President Bush. However, the author is one of our nation's best and brightest terrorism professionals. To this end, Clarke's book offers highly credible insights to a terrible period in American history.Ultimately, one must decide who has the most credibility. The author...or the President of the United States. The nation now has the opportunity to voice its opinion in the upcoming elections. Consequently, Richard Clarke has done the nation a great service...he has confirmed what others who left this government have said...that the Bush White House has its own secret agenda and will viciously attack anyone who disagrees. Highly recommended. Bert Ruiz