The Fight of Our Lives: Knowing the Enemy, Speaking the Truth, and Choosing to Win the War Against Radical Islam
by William J. Bennett, Seth Leibsohn
© 2011 by William J. Bennett, Seth Leibsohn
Published by Thomas Nelson
The book is comprised of eight chapters and notes in 186 pages. Within the chapters of the work the authors describe how America has arrived at this point of apathy concerning threats to our freedoms, the failure of current and previous administrations to deter terrorists and the politically correct rhetoric and actions of Republicans and Democrats alike, that have left terrorists unafraid to murder innocents at will. The work provides a history lesson spanning for September 11, 2001 to the months preceding it's publication. The authors offer information about the drastic change in American culture in the months and years following 9/11 and the switch from a country and government hard on terrorism to one that is soft and appeasing toward the threat of terror. They discuss the change in national rhetoric, from leaders in government and the press and the effect this change has had on the American psyche and will to battle against Radical Islam and the terrorists it produces.
This short work begins with the account of the massacre at Fort Hood in November 2009. The authors review the facts of the event and those leading up to it and point to the response of leaders in American government and military as evidence that our nation is entrenched in a battle for Western Democracy. They assert that America's leadership is more concerned with cultural diversity than human life (p.10) and give evidence to support this claim. They point to the events at Fort Hood and the following official report issued by the military as evidence that the United States is suffering from a serious "crisis of will" (p. 15) and failure to recognize the threat of Islam to our national security, rights, and way of life. The authors assert that American culture has made standing up to Islamic threat politically incorrect and that this apathy and failure to challenge those who wish to harm America will be the root of her demise. They cite facts surrounding the Fort Hood massacre as evidence that there was more than ample warning of Nidal Hassan's intentions, but too many were afraid to confront what they knew to be threats and too many were concerned about personal ramifications should they speak out against a Muslim. The authors contend that American leadership does not view action against terrorists and those who harbor them as imperative to our survival and instead seek to appease the enemy who is "made bold by our dismissal and appeasement" (p.4) inviting further attacks on America and her people.
This work offers readers reminders of why America became and has remained involved in a war of which many have grown weary. It's authors implore Americans to recall the human rights violations, the treatment of men, women, and children in the corrupt Iraqi regime of Saddam Hussein. They call on readers to remember that it was the man that America went to war with in 2002 whose record "of barbarism and terrorism was virtually unparalleled" who "by most accounts had killed more Muslims than any other person in modern history." (p.35)
The book also helps readers muddle through issues that are difficult to navigate and understand without research and historical knowledge such as the events and problems in Iran. The authors challenge readers to look at the way a nation treats it's children as a test of it's government's intentions and motives. They point to Iran's use of children as minesweepers in the 1980s and call on readers to recognize that "if you want to know what they will do to us, look at what they do to their own people." (p. 90)
The authors indicate that in dealings with Iran, Barack Obama has ignored the lessons of history and previous successful denunciations of regimes aggressive toward the United States. Instead he has opted to meet with leaders of countries that threaten peace and Western democracy "without preconditions" (p. 86) which has led to a more dangerous world and an America who appears weak and without resolve against terrorist threats against her people. The authors also assert that Obama is not dealing with the problem in Iran, rather he uses flowery rhetoric to appease terrorist rather than fight them (p. 104). The authors assert that despite his ostentatious speech it is really Obama's actions that have sent a clear message to terrorists regarding his lacking resolve to fight terrorism. Obama's bow to the Saudi King sent a message of submission to the leader of an Arab country with a disgusting history of human rights violations and one that is also known to fund terrorist organizations(p. 105). The work asserts that his action in this circumstance "showed national humiliation" and did nothing to counter the actions of terrorist organizations the globe over.
The book also offers a helpful comparison of violence in Islam and violence in Christianity and Judaism. It illustrates distinct differences in Old and New Testament violence and that found in the Koran. The authors discuss the difference between the Koran and the Bible arguing that those who "wish to equate the Bible and the Koran misunderstand, ignore, or deny the difference between a historical account and a living injunction." (p. 113) Using a quick test they ask readers to determine the effect of particular religions on terrorist activity by citing the "number of Jewish terrorists or criminals who have cited the Bible to justify their actions" (p. 112). They also indicate that Judaism (unlike many other faiths) "does not demand converts" (p.113) as does Islam.
This short book is appropriate for lay-readers and scholars alike. Although some of the information may seem repetitive to those familiar with the subject matter it is an excellent resource and a quick lesson in modern history and diplomacy. This book is required reading for Americans concerned about the future of their country and for those wondering what Islam's quiet appropriation of Western Civilization means to America.
The work debunks many popular arguments in favor of tolerance and gives readers the information they need to successfully dispute claims that America is selfish, weak, or sorry for her actions in the Middle East. Although the author's use a large portion of the book to discuss problems and the history of those problems, they also offer solutions and call on American leadership to recognize the threat to liberty and act swiftly in demanding change.
I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for this review. I was not required to post a positive review.
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