Defeating Terrorism : Developing Dreams

School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up-Each volume contains original essays written by professors and other experts. The series is based on a course taught by the editor at Drexel University, with expanded content in response to questions from high school students. Diverse points of view are presented on contentious issues such as anti-Americanism, radical Islam, journalistic bias, reasons for war, and the future of Iraq and its oil. Historical perspectives on the Middle East, Iraq, and American foreign policy are also presented. In their short, approachable presentation of different perspectives, the books bring to mind the "Opposing Viewpoints" series (Gale/Greenhaven). Each volume contains excellent regional maps of Afghanistan, Iraq, and Western Asia; political cartoons; and detailed indexes. Individual entries include notes and further-reading suggestions. The essays provide nuanced perspectives on difficult issues, and the authors include many personal stories and experiences that draw readers into their arguments. Not all of the entries are uniformly excellent; the look at Iraqi women in particular lacks an informed feminist perspective, making obvious assertions and failing to unearth some of the larger issues at work in the lives of Muslim women. Overall, however, the entries are thought provoking and well written. Students utilizing these scholarly books in their research will be better informed about the various sides of the controversies surrounding these events.-Cass Kvenild, University of Wyoming, Laramie Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.