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Benjamin, Daniel, and Steven Simon. The Age of Sacred Terror. New York: Random House, 2002. 490pp. $25.95
Were you to begin with the last chapter of this book, "A World of Terror," you would note that radical Islamists do not have an exclusive hold on terror as a strategic weapon. In fact, you might be well advised to consider reading this chapter first, to understand that extremist adherents of Christianity as well as other faiths also have employed sacred terror as a tool in the pursuit of their aims. If, on the other hand, you choose to begin with chapter 1, you will receive a good overview of the terrorist events of the past ten to twelve years, with a focus on those of Islamic origin.
Daniel Benjamin and Steven Simon, senior staff members of the Clinton administration's National security Council, paint a coherent picture of the genesis of sacred terror, the response to it, and prospects for the future. The time frame also includes the end and the beginning of the two Bush administrations. Benjamin and Simon's conclusion points out the long-term nature of the issue and recommends that the West engage it...