Book Review: Power and Terror: Post-9/11 Talks and Interviews by Noam Chomsky

 

Noam Chomsky completed his undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania. He received his PhD degree from the same university in 1955. Moreover, he has received many honorary degrees and has written extensively on important themes. Considered a world-renowned political activist and professor, Chomsky in this book presents his views through a lengthy interview and a series of public talks he gave in the spring of 2002.

Without mincing words, the author writes about the double standards of the United States. He stresses that the United States should apply to its own actions the same moral standards it demands from other states. Addressing the issues related to terror, the author brings in the stark realities of the American intervention in Vietnam, Central America and the Middle East region.

Chomsky sees himself as the enabler of social change by providing his audience with information and analysis. In history imperial countries have always remained immune to atrocities. The author stresses that as he was growing up he along with other children used to play cowboys and Indians. He says: “We were the cowboys and we killed the Indians”. He tries to the antagonism that existed within American society.

Chomsky says that Turkey was the first country to offer troops to the U.S in Afghanistan because U.S was the only country willing to provide massive support for Turkey’s atrocities in southeast Turkey against Kurds. He further gives many examples from recent history in which he points out the hypocrisy of some of the world powers. Haiti, Cuba, Honduras, North Korea, Vietnam, Palestine, Iraq, Iran and many other examples are also quoted. In addition to that, he also criticizes hypocrisy of the western media and the intellectuals in addressing genuine issues of the world.

Chomsky concludes by saying that the world is a far more civilized place than it was in the past. Highlighting the challenges of the present age, Chomsky does not present pessimism in any case. In fact, he espouses optimism. His optimism is based on the point that armed with knowledge the public with not fail to act.