In 9-11 Noam Chomsky examines the root causes of the September 11th catastrophe - the historical precedents for it - and the possible outcomes as the world moves forward into the post-September 11 reality. For Chomsky - the atrocities of 9-11 ''are something quite new in world affairs - '' marking the first time since 1812 that the US mainland was attacked (an important distinction from Pearl Harbor - which was US territory - but effectively a colony). As Chomsky writes - ''in the past half century particularly - [the US] resorted to force throughout much of the world? For the first time - the guns have been directed the other way. That is a dramatic change.'' Chomsky believes that the attacks have been harmful in ways that extend far beyond the initial death toll and ongoing national emergency. For example - he believes they represent ''a devastating blow'' to Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. Most importantly and provocatively - Chomsky argues that in the world after 9-11 - it is no longer possible to hold our enemies to one standard - ourselves to another. Chomsky argues for an international rule of law; existing bodies such as the UN and World Court must be given credence and then relied upon. ''React with extreme violence - '' he writes - ''and expect to escalate the cycle of violence - leading to still further atrocities such as the one that is inciting the call for revenge.'' But if the goal is to reduce the probability of further atrocities - then rather follow lawful procedure - presenting the evidence and letting independent world bodies direct the appropriate response. As for why the attack happened - Chomsky writes that ''this question is rarely raised in a serious way.'' And he adds - ''To refuse to face this question is to choose to increase significantly the probability of further crimes of this kind.'' In 9-11 - Noam Chomsky's comments on the September 11th attacks - the new war on terrorism - Osama bin Laden - US involvement with Afghanistan - media control - and the long-term implications of America's military attacks abroad. Informed by his deep understanding of the gravity of these issues and the global stakes - 9-11 demonstrates Chomsky's impeccable knowledge of US foreign policy in the Middle East and South Asia - and sheds light on the rapidly shifting balance of world power. Speaking out against escalating violence - Chomsky critically examines the United States' own foreign policy record and considers what international institutions might be employed against underground networks and national states accused of terrorism. Noam Chomsky is a world renowned political activist - writer - and professor of linguistics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology - where he has taught since 1955. Chomsky has written and lectured widely on linguistics - philosophy - and politics. Among his works are: Powers and Prospects; World Orders - Old and New; Deterring Democracy; Manufacturing Consent (with ES Herman); Year 501: The Conquest Continues; Profit Over People; The New Military Humanism; Rogue States; and A New Generation Draws the Line. Chomsky's efforts for greater democracy are celebrated by peace and social justice movements worldwide. Simultaneous publication in Australia - Brazil - France - Germany - Greece - Holland - India - Italy - Japan - Korea - Norway - Portugal - Russia - Sweden - South Africa - Spain - Taiwan - and Turkey. (125 pages - November 2001) For more information - visit Global Exchange's Afghanistan Campaign.
Save This Page
