Rating: 
Summary: Fair and Balanced Reporting
Review: Jessica Stern did an excellent job of interviewing the terrorists and reporting upon what they said their beliefs and reasoning was. She didn't do quite as good a job at organizing her interviews and background information into a coherent whole, probably due to the fact that her publisher wanted the book on the shelves before terrorism stopped being a hot topic.That said, while I am glad she covered terrorists in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, she has "holes" in her coverage. She did not mention, let alone study, the Hindu, Buddhist, and other terrorist groups found throughout Asia. She completely disregarded the secular terrorist groups, despite the fact that Hamas and Islamic Jihad (for example) arose entirely due to the fact that the secular, socialist Palestinian terrorist groups failed so miserably in the 70s and early 80s. A worse hole in her coverage (accepting that she only covers terrorism based on the Abrahamic faiths) is that she only covers Christian terrorists in North America. Regrettably, they also exist in North Africa, Indonesia, the Philippines, China, and elswhere. The United States makes much of the "Muslim Terrorist" groups operating in Indonesia these days, what is failed to mention is that these groups first arose in the late 80s and early 90s after Christians began massacring Muslim villages. So, of course, when American Christian missionaries show up, the more violent Muslim movements think they're there to provide funding and/or weapons or moral support to the Christians who were killing Muslims, and they get kidnapped. From their point of view, it's perfectly logical. I was very glad to see coverage of some of the Jewish terrorists that have shown up in recent decades. These are mostly ignored in the mainstream American media. However, in response to some of the criticisms... what makes it more morally acceptable to kill people by dropping a bomb on them from an airplane or helicopter, or to shoot them from a tank or run them over with a bulldozer? As far as I'm concerned, suicide bombers have at least removed themselves from the pool of future murderers. On a similar subject... the first Palestinian suicide bombings in the early 90s were aimed at Israeli military targets, usually military guardposts. The Israelis then made it so hard to hit a military target (this is called "hardening your target") that those Palestinians traumatized (usually terrorists have had at least a relative killed in the conflict) enough to want revenge by any means resorted to non-military targets (I have a hard time calling them civilian targets, when "civilian" women in the settlements take their kids out for for walks in strollers with a machine gun slung over their shoulders). If a person who looks Palestinian approaches a military target, they get shot first, and then asked questions if they survive. Also, the Israeli military uses civilian busses as transport. This is why so many targets have been busses or busstations - that way, the terrorist has at least a chance of hitting a military target. (International groups have suggested (repeatedly) that Israel have a separate transportation system for its soldiers.) This is not a justification (there is none), it is an explanation. Just as this book is an explanation of why the terrorists abuse their religions in the name of hatred, without justifying their hatred or their murderous actions.
Rating: 
Summary: What can we do about it?
Review: Jessica Stern's book "Terror in the name of God" can be divided into three parts.
The first part consists of interviews with terrorists. This was absolutely amazing. Imagine this young Jewish woman interviewing anti-Semitic Palestinians! Nevertheless she was able to extract a great deal of interesting information from them. Surely many of them lied to her -- but the lies are useful too.
Of course, they were all different. They shared the ability to dehumanize their victims - an ability that seems to be shared by some of the people who have reviewed this book - but were different in other ways. This part of the book was very readable and served as the background for the other two parts.
The second part consists of theoretical discussions describing the structure of the terrorist movements and how they worked, and also included some interesting material on the nature of leadership.
The third part "Conclusions/Policy Recommendations" brings it all to a head. She points out that a terrorist organization has a life of its own. The adherents become financially dependent on it - and in its charity mode the entire community becomes dependent on it. What happens, then, when the organization achieves its aims, as it did when the Taliban (with US aid) ejected the Soviet Union and the Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka. These organizations cannot simply disband. She suggests that we should hire them and they should become part of our anti-terrorist program.
We all know that many (perhaps most) of the madrassahs (the Islamic schools) teach terrorism and recruit suicide bombers. But these are the free schools and poor students can get their lunch there. The state schools are expensive. We should be encouraging the development of public schools to compete with the madrassahs. In fact, the WTO and the World Bank discourage the development of public schools on the theory that they are a needless expense that poor countries cannot afford. This policy is dead wrong! They should be encouraging investment in education as an economic policy as well as a humanitarian one.
There were other suggestions as well but I will stop here. If you are interested read her book.
Rating: 
Summary: Moonbeam Madness Prescribes The Couch for Terrorists
Review: Jessica Stern, in her never ending non-battle against the forces of darkness, wanders away from her tough movie role in The Peacemaker to bring a shameless message of moral equivalency and Kennedy School approved economic determinism to her analysis of the post Sept. 11th explosion of Islamic Militancy. It's as though she wrote a book on wife battering and devoted half her efforts chronicling the epidemic of wives beating their husbands. But, of course, in the company of Mr. Ignatieff and Ms. Powers, this sort of equivo-babble is mandatory along the banks of the Charles.
Therefore, in Jessica's world, a few demented Faithful of the Temple Mount (numbering at most a few hundred) become the moral equivalent of the approximately 100 million fanatical muslims seeking to install the Caliphate around the globe. Freaked-out millenial skinheads spending most of their time in pay toilets in Idaho pose as great a danger as the millions who support Islamic "charities" (whose chief work is more often than not handouts of high explosives). Ms. Stern, for all her legwork among the mad, draws exactly the wrong conclusions. It's a war, my dear. And it won't be won by flying in Doctors Without Borders to treat the 43rd son of Sheik Bandar.
Rating:
Summary: Save your money
Review: More money being made on 9-11. There is a disconnect between true discourse and the race to get rich before Americans realize that 9-11 was precursor to the 21st century's own bogus cold war. Russia had no ability to do much of anything to us, we now know that. The oil politicians allowed gave us 9-11.
Rating:
Summary: Authoritarianism: Root Cause of Religious Extremism
Review: Rarely will you see the authoritarian personality in such stark relief as you will here. Jessica Stern is both scholar and human in her approach to her subject. Her humanity opened doors to terrorists themselves, leading them to level with her about their fears of, and ambitions for, humankind. She illustrates how the authoritarian personality is particularly vulnerable to radicalization. The authoritarian personality is expressed by rigidity of views, a strong desire to be told what to do, an equally strong desire to tell 'lessor mortals' what to do, and to see all things in a good-or-evil context. You will see these features and more in Stern's thoughtful and insightful book. If you care about the future of human kind, this book is a good place to start. Stern highlights in detail the greatest threat in our time--we are our own worst enemies in our battles over who's god is God. Our very personalities inherited from our jungle heritage make many of us vulnerable to radicalization. Religious miltants of all monotheisms are at once the root and twig of terror in our problematic times.
Rating:
Summary: A Middle East traveler
Review: Real Islamic terrorists hide their ways and selves from U.S. agents. They keep their cells closed. They adhere to a way of life the places women in a position where they do not ask questions, only obey; it is a woman's duty per their view of Islam. That said - Did a woman from the US really interview Islamic terrorists, or did she interview those who share the same ideology with terrorists? Having lived in the Middle East, and in a time of war, I question this. I have spoken with many fundamentalist Muslims that hate the U.S. and that have said one thing or another about their alleged activities, but I think they more likely get what they wish they have done confused with what they have actually done. There is a difference between those who hate, ruminate and scheme but never deliver, and those who deliver. I find it hard to believe that a woman from the U.S. spoke with real terrorists. Rather, more likely she spoke with those who share the same thoughts, feelings and ideologies. Otherwise the book is excellent, but question sensational selling points in any book.
Rating:
Summary: Killing in the Name of Religion
Review: Religious fanaticism is a growing concern in the modern world. Following the attacks on September 11, 2001, the United States and the rest of the world have been forced to cope with the growing reality of religious extremists and their irrational goals to rid the world of anything they perceive as evil. Jessica Stern wrote this book to answer the many questions that people have about terrorist movements that base their philosophy of destruction on religious dogma. She spends the first half of the book providing some background on the type of people who join terrorist organizations, discussing the factors, the demographics, and other conditions that lead a person to want to kill in the name of God. The second part of the book deals with specific people and groups, and it follows Stern as she travels around the globe, meeting face to face with some of the individuals who are members of these radical religious organizations. Stern includes many quotes in this book, and many of them are very extreme and very outspoken, like one would expect from a terrorist. Even though stern is Jewish herself, she doesn't allow this fact to interfere with her desire to complete her study and learn more about these people and their morbid desire to kill. She remains fair and impartial throughout the book, talking like an investigative reporter and then presenting the results of her study in an objective manner with little or no personal opinion thrown in. One thing that really adds to the book's appeal is the fact that Stern includes interviews with people outside of the Muslim world. She talks with radical antiabortionists, like Paul Hill and Michael Bray- two men who see no problem with killing those who perform abortions or blowing up abortion clinics. She talks with members of an Arkansas cult that once had plans to blow up federal buildings. By adding these groups, Stern is able to make the book more complete. It shows that extremists exist everywhere in the world, and some of them might even be your next- door neighbor. "Terror in the Name of God" is a very good book overall. It takes a complex subject and analyzes it in a sophisticated and intellectual way. It would have been nice if the conclusion was a little longer, but I still enjoyed this book. Stern should be commended for her effort to conduct this type of study while keeping her own personal opinions in check. In many instances, she took great risk when she conducted her study (like meeting one on one with anti- Jewish zealots). But she completed the task regardless. Her book is a good starting point for those who would like to gain a better understanding about what ingredients go into the recipe for creating a radical terrorist. I recommend it to anyone who has an interest in this difficult subject.
Rating: 
Summary: Just terrible
Review: Stern becomes yet another victim to the jurnalist urge to 'understand' terrorism and murder. Lets simplify this. She looks at the 'Zealots'(lets recall Zealots were jews who fought the Romans so her term is wrong), Jews who have settled in the west bank and apparently have not so nice things to say about their Muslim naighboors. But Stern wants us to compare these people, and Jerry Fallwell to a Muslim about to strap on a bomb. Lets compare here. The Jewish guy wears a flack jacket to get to work and guards his kids so they can go to school, he hates the terrorists and maybe he hates Palistinians but he is not a killer. Only one jew in the last 10 years has murdered Muslims in an act of terror and that was Dr. Baruch Goldstein(you can look him up I dont have room to tell his story). Now how many people did Stern interview that were about to go murder in the name of Christ? none. instead she wanted us to beleive that religious christian conservatives, alla Jerry Fallwell, were about to take up the sword for the new crusade but they ahdnt found the sword yet(were they choosing between an Ar-15 and an AK-47???) Stern then interviews some muslims who are about to strap on a bomb and go blow up some 'infidels' after the interview. She wants to explore thier souls and 'understand' why they are prepared to die in order to help cleanse their country of hated christians and hated women who display more then a finger. Whats the line here Stern? That a born again baptists, a Jewish settler and a Muslim terrorist are the same. This book is the ultimate in moral equivilancy. Sterns point is that we americans also have terrorists, we need look no furhtur then the christian right. But this is false. The christian right has committed no terrorist acts(unless you want to label Mcveigh a christian then thats one). Stenr wasnt after the mcvieghs of the world though she wanted to show that christianity produces terrorists, yet she is wrong. Judaism dont produce one onehundredth the number of terrorists that Islam does. THis is because, as Stern does not point out, Islam is profoundly intolerant in its militant form. Their are no Jewish terrorists, so she shouldnt have even included Jews in the book. She could have looked at Sihks who have killed in the name of god, but she was apparently not open minded enough to realize they exist. A terrible, rambling account that only justifies terror at the expense of christianity and Judaism.
Rating:
Summary: Courageous, Informative, and Broad-brushed
Review: Stern's definition of "religious terrorism" is comprehensive, encompassing the growing Muslim jihad in Indonesia, militant Palestinians and zealous Israelis, and Americans who kill abortion doctors in the name of Christ. The thing she didn't expound upon is if any of those terrorist groups are radically and consistently living out the core tenants of their belief-system or if they are being disingenuous to their faith. This would have gone a long ways in helping the reader understand differing terrorist motives and possible manipulation of their respective religions. That is, are some people using their faith for their own personal ends as opposed to submitting to its truth-claims? Certainly the author has done an enormous amount of first-hand research. However, after interviewing extremist members of three religions around the world: Christians, Jews, and Muslims, Jessica Stern implies that each of these world religions is equally conducive to terrorism. However, common sense, statistical analysis, and history prove otherwise. Is that politically correct to say? No, however, I wish she'd had the courage to acknowledge that basic truth. Explaining the "how" therefore becomes as important as explaining the "why," and the book carefully outlines the ways in which militant leaders of all denominations find recruits among the disenfranchised. It's the phrase 'all denominations' that hints at Stern's wide blanket toss. Is she suggesting everyone's the same and all beliefs are equally at fault? It appears so. And if so, that's academically irresponsible and simply doesn't fit the facts. Stern suggests the most effective counterstrategy to terrorism is thus not violence but nonviolent techniques such as psychological counter-warfare and the reaffirmation of our own values. However, it's that last part that raises questions. We are to reaffirm our own values? Wait, I thought earlier she suggest that 'all denominations' are to be blamed for the rise in terrorism. How is it that we should re-affirm our own beliefs? If she were to be logically consistent is seems she should suggest all metaphysical beliefs be abandoned. Stern compares Muslim suicide bombers with early Christian martyrs. The obvious thing she doesn't point out is the Christian martyrs were put to death (murdered) for their faith - while suicide bombers put others to death (murder) for their faith. It seems she would have been best served sticking with the comparison between abortion clinic bombers and suicide bombers. Some of Stern's research is at best questionable. On page 26 she quotes a person who's suppose to be an authority on Christianity and in one paragraph the person makes three significant mistakes. I'll conclude with this statement from page 95. "Evangelical Christians and Messianic Jews have developed a cooperative relationship, based on their common belief that rebuilding the Temple will facilitate the process of redemption..." At best this statement is sloppy and at worst it's intentionally misleading. The vast majority of both Evangelical Christians and Messianic Jews do not believe this. Yes, there is a small faction, which is more accurately defined as dispensational Christianity who might believe this - but this would represent a very small number of people. In short, I'm disappointed with the lack of distinctions in the book - and expect more from an author of her experience and influence.
Rating:
Summary: Courageous, Informative, and Broad-brushed
Review: Stern's definition of "religious terrorism" is comprehensive, encompassing the growing Muslim jihad in Indonesia, militant Palestinians and zealous Israelis, and Americans who kill abortion doctors in the name of Christ. The thing she didn't expound upon is if any of those terrorist groups are radically and consistently living out the core tenants of their belief-system or if they are being disingenuous to their faith. This would have gone a long ways in helping the reader understand differing terrorist motives and possible manipulation of their respective religions. That is, are some people using their faith for their own personal ends as opposed to submitting to its truth-claims? Certainly the author has done an enormous amount of first-hand research. However, after interviewing extremist members of three religions around the world: Christians, Jews, and Muslims, Jessica Stern implies that each of these world religions is equally conducive to terrorism. However, common sense, statistical analysis, and history prove otherwise. Is that politically correct to say? No, however, I wish she'd had the courage to acknowledge that basic truth. Explaining the "how" therefore becomes as important as explaining the "why," and the book carefully outlines the ways in which militant leaders of all denominations find recruits among the disenfranchised. It's the phrase `all denominations' that hints at Stern's wide blanket toss. Is she suggesting everyone's the same and all beliefs are equally at fault? It appears so. And if so, that's academically irresponsible and simply doesn't fit the facts. Stern suggests the most effective counterstrategy to terrorism is thus not violence but nonviolent techniques such as psychological counter-warfare and the reaffirmation of our own values. However, it's that last part that raises questions. We are to reaffirm our own values? Wait, I thought earlier she suggest that `all denominations' are to be blamed for the rise in terrorism. How is it that we should re-affirm our own beliefs? If she were to be logically consistent is seems she should suggest all metaphysical beliefs be abandoned. Stern compares Muslim suicide bombers with early Christian martyrs. The obvious thing she doesn't point out is the Christian martyrs were put to death (murdered) for their faith - while suicide bombers put others to death (murder) for their faith. It seems she would have been best served sticking with the comparison between abortion clinic bombers and suicide bombers. Some of Stern's research is at best questionable. On page 26 she quotes a person who's suppose to be an authority on Christianity and in one paragraph the person makes three significant mistakes. I'll conclude with this statement from page 95. "Evangelical Christians and Messianic Jews have developed a cooperative relationship, based on their common belief that rebuilding the Temple will facilitate the process of redemption..." At best this statement is sloppy and at worst it's intentionally misleading. The vast majority of both Evangelical Christians and Messianic Jews do not believe this. Yes, there is a small faction, which is more accurately defined as dispensational Christianity who might believe this - but this would represent a very small number of people. In short, I'm disappointed with the lack of distinctions in the book - and expect more from an author of her experience and influence.
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