Thinking Like a Terrorist: Insights of a Former FBI Undercover Agent

Thinking Like a Terrorist: Insights of a Former FBI Undercover Agent I am about three quarters through with the book and I can't say that this book is one that you can't put down, but I don't think it was written as a novel. I have enjoyed the book as an educational document. I would highly recommend it to anyone who would like to understand a little more of what is going on behind the scenes of today's terrorists; what motivates them to carry out their attacks and what philosophies they adhere to. Great Job

THINKING LIKE A TERRORIST: INSIGHTS OF A FORMER FBI UNDERCOVER AGENT covers the latest war on global terror - thought the eyes of one fighting it. Mike German was a former FBI counterterrorism agent who here contends that despite all American efforts, there's a basic failure to understand the terrorists' wants and how they intend to get it. Our policies are driven by misunderstanding: THINKING LIKE A TERRORIST seeks to define and analyze the thinking of terrorism and is essential for any collection strong in terrorist studies, whether it be high school, college or public lending library.

This is a book that needs to be read by anyone interested in the terrorist world in which the United States finds itself. The author is an ex-FBI agent who was assigned to join terrorists organizations in the US to report on their activities. His analysis of the current situation is that our Government and particularily its intelligence agencies have not understood the way that terrorists think, what it is that they are really after, how they are really organized and much more. I unfortunately don't know enough about the situation to know if everything he says is true. However, there are a few things that come through strongly. 1. Our government has clearly misunderstood what's been happening. 2. The terrorists are not stupid, and clearly believe in what they are doing. 3. We may be playing deliberately into their desired goals. 4. Going against the rules of our own constitution in terms of wiretaps, holding people without trial, ignoring the due process of law, torture, illegal prisons in foreign countries, in short the whole Patriot's Act will do us more harm than good. As Franklin is rumored to have said: 'Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.'

What a fantastic thesis on the number one issue facing the United States today. A very well written book presenting a viewpoint that does not get played in mass media probably because it is not emotional or contentious enough for them. The points made are logical with plenty of history and real life experiences to back them up. After reading it I now need a five week conversation with the author to take his thoughts and run them through some scenarios to see how a terrorist would handle them. Hopefully, his next book will take his recommended strategy and discuss ways to execute it. Now that I know how a terrorist thinks I will analyze terrorist events with a new mindset. Thank you Mike German.