The Middle East, opposing viewpoints

KLIATT

Here is a welcome new addition to Greenhaven's exemplary series promoting critical thinking. These anthologies offer students the opportunity to compare and contrast viewpoints on current social issues from a variety of sources, carefully edited for clarity and length. For example, the title on terrorism presents opinions on the following questions: Is terrorism a serious threat? What motivates terrorists? Can terrorism be justified? How should the U.S. respond to terrorism? For each question there are six or seven selections of about half-a-dozen pages each; these include a speech by President Clinton as well as an interview with Osama Bin Ladin, so you can see that a wide diversity of opinions is represented. (Lesser-known authors are included as well.) Helpful chapter prefaces and introductory remarks before each article set out the issues, while occasional boxed quotes, tables and b/w illustrations and cartoons break up the text. The book concludes with a look at terrorism in three key areas, questions for further discussion, and a list of organizations. There are bibliographies of periodical articles as well as books. Those unfamiliar with the series or on a very tight budget might be interested in the "sampler" volume, Opposing Viewpoints in Social Issues, which offers half-a-dozen contrasting articles each on the topics of gun control, abortion, affirmative action, alcohol, the death penalty, assisted suicide, genetic engineering, and public health policies on smoking. For all secondary school and public libraries as well as social studies classrooms. KLIATT Codes: JSA*—Exceptional book, recommended for junior and senior high school students, advanced students, andadults. 2000, Greenhaven Press, 224p, 22cm, illus, bibliog, index, $13.96. Ages 13 to adult. Reviewer: Paula Rohrlick; May 2000 (Vol. 34 No. 3)

School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up-This title examines the major issues as presented by spokespersons from the governments of the countries involved, journalists, college professors, clergy, and policy analysts. Issues presented examine why the conflict exists, how religion affects the Middle East, what role the U.S. should play there, and how peace could be achieved. The issues are presented through edited texts of speeches, magazine and newspaper articles, and essays. Each section includes a bibliography of additional periodical articles. Most of the sources appear to be from the United States and Great Britain, giving a western slant to the viewpoints. A section of organizations to contact includes only those in the U.S. The book is illustrated with several black-and-white political cartoons and maps of the area.-Elizabeth Stumpf, Clearfield Middle School, PA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.