Comment

Writing from within, Jonathan Cook has an unrivalled vantage point for his arguments.
It is easy to see why he is labelled an extreme leftist by those whose actions and motives
he questions in his books. For an objective and interested reader on the other hand,
his books provide insights and enhance understanding.

As I write this review Iran’s cleric leaders try to deal with the fallout of the contested
elections. In televised “confessions” the western media is blamed for instigating the
street protests going into the second week now. What is described as false accusations
by the West, - looking into history it is clear that what the clerics fear had happened
in Iran in 1953, - bears a deeper meaning for those looking beyond the daily headlines.
No one country, politician or point of view (or journalist) can accurately convey even a small
measure of objectivity on the whole spectrum of events (historical and present).
We should be grateful to writers who present to us their inside knowledge the way they
experience it, without demanding omniscience. Yes, we also must oppose
Islamic fundamentalism, which is only a symptom of the problem, but we must have
the courage to confront one of the root causes nurturing Islamic fundamentalism today,
- the enslavement of a whole people. “Israel and the clash of civilisations” focuses on
Israel and its allies motives. It is a book that will deepen an objective readers understanding
of a very complex issue. What more can one ask for?