Hit to Kill: The New Battle Over Shielding America from Missile Attack

I think "Publishers Weekly" needs to talk to an actual rocket scientist before they declare this technology a "dream." We've had many successful tests of this system, even recently in October of 2007. Such partisan "reviewers" should check the facts rather than look so ignorant. This book does a good job of laying out the groundwork for the background of the need for a defensive system against ICBMs, the technical challenges of "hitting a bullet with a bullet" and such. Some day we may look back on this as the best thing our technology did to protect millions of American citizens from a nuclear holocaust, despite those who tried to dismiss this as a "dream" or impossible. The technical successes of the test program have already proven them wrong.

This book was recommended to me ..., the Alaska state coordinator for National Missile Defense. I am using it as a resource in an Army War College paper concerning the effect of NMD on potential enemies and allies. This book was of great assistance. Mr. Graham has done an excellent job teaching the history of the program and detailing what has gone right and wrong from the beginning. Excellent, balanced presentation that is easily understandable in a single reading. The chapters are Threat, Policy and Politics, Diplomacy and Technology, and Decision. A top addition to my library and recommended reading to all who are researching, or just curious, about this subject.

Bradley Graham provides a history of American proposals and efforts to build a ballistic missile defense system, from the U.S. military studies to counter Germany's V-2 rockets in 1944, through Reagan's Star Wars proposal, to the impact on the issues resulting from the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. He covers the technical, political, international relations, cost, and budgetary aspects. He presents the successes and failures of the government's efforts, and the views of proponents and opponents at each step. The book is readable, and explanations of the complex technical matters are usually presented in words that the layman can comprehend. He retains the objectivity one would expect from a fine journalist. Any reader, regardless of his views on the issues, will be better informed after reading this book.