The War Against America: Saddam Hussein and the World Trade Center Attacks: A Study of Revenge
by Laurie Mylroie, R. James Woolsey
Charlotte, NC
I first read this book in the aftermath of September 11th. Those who argue against a US invasion of Iraq to depose Saddam Hussein should read "Study of Revenge" first. Written well over a year or so before 9-11, its author makes a compelling argument that Saddam Hussein was the mastermind behind the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, virtually every terrorist event orchestrated against the United States since that time, and that his influence and direction is the real power behind the Al-Qaeda terrorist network - not Bin Laden.
For anyone interested in Tom Clancy, spy novels, or books on espoinage, this is a great read. Laurie Mylroie illustrates the phases of the original WTC bombing plot, the arrival of two mysterious men (who she proves were agents of the Iraqi intelligence), and the elaborate construction of the bomb itself. She talks about the components of the bomb which included a hydrogen cyanide solution the bombers hoped would create a giant poison gas cloud to rise up through the towers and kill everyone. Had their plot worked, over a 100,000 people would have died, and 9-11 would have come eight years earlier in the first months of the Clinton administration. The transition of power would have left America is a more vunerable state than we find ourselves today.
In addition, Mylroie examines the Al-Qaeda network and its dwindling influence prior to the Iraqi defeat in the 1991 Gulf War. She posits that Saddam Hussein is providing training, money, and intelligence to Bin Laden in order to exact revenge on America. Bin Laden gets the glory he craves, and Saddam gets the revenge he craves without incurring the wrath of the world at large. She points out that Iraq and Al-Qaeda's interests conveniently intersect at key points, such as the demand US troops leave the Holy Land. Bin Laden wants infidels out of the land of Mecca. Saddam wants the Saudi oil fields unguarded so he can move in and take them.
After reading this, you will find yourself waiting impatiently for George Bush to send troops into Iraq, for our sake and for the sake of the oppressed Iraqi people... --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
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14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
A strong implication of Iraq in world-wide terrorism..., February 9, 2002 
Reviewer: James F. Anderson III (see more about me) from Woodbury, MN USA
If you ever had doubts about the culpability of Iraq in international terrorism, reading this book will eliminate any of your questions. In this book, the author presents copious amounts of evidence which details Iraqi involvement in the first World Trade Center bombing as well as other terrorist attacks against Western(primarily American) targets. Reading this book will convince you of two things: 1) the stunning failure of the Clinton administration's foreign policy with regards to the Middle East 2) the necessity of confronting the Iraqi regime as part of our war against terrorism.
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14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
Loose network with a common thread?, February 5, 2002 
Reviewer: Rico (see more about me) from San Diegoitlan, Califas
Having read the diverse reviews of this book I'm further convinced that every one has an opinion, just like a certain part of the human anatomy. After reading this very interesting book I came away further convinced of the current danger, future threat and just how far Hussein may go to avenge his defeat in the Gulf War. Before the horrifying events of 9/11 this book was released under the titile "Study of Revenge." That is exactly the point Laurie Mylroie goes to extensive research to try and prove. The fact is she can't exactly pin Hussein down but she presents a credible case. Considering the CIA, Feds and Government have the same suspicions but haven't been able to prove it either, Mylroie ties some loose ends together for the reader to be the judge. One of the interesting parts of the book is how the various agencies seem to be their own worst enemy, each withholding information from one another instead of sharing for the common good. The information presented concerning the first WTC bombing is a fascinating study about an International conspiracy that quite possibly needed the intelligence of state sponsorship since some of these characters are little more than petty criminals prior to the bombing. Her point is that Hussein is able to discreetly sponsor without direct state involvement, thus placing any fingerprints on the dupes who carried out the actions. The information is presented complete with court documents, photographs and text from the trial of those responsible for the WTC bombing in 1993. The book is easy enough to follow, with a 2 year chronology of related events and a list of characters involved, including a mystery man who arrives to supervise the final stages of the bombing. Could this have been a member of Iraqi intelligence? Who really knows, what is clear is that Hussein feels there is unfinshed business to avenge the Gulf War. The author does have an agenda, presents her case, and maybe if someone in the governmnet had listened to her the WTC might be standing today. The warning signs appeared to have been everywhere. Mylroie sets the stage and takes the reader through a series of events that eventually lead up to the 1993 WTC bombing, all the while pointing in the direction of a greater evil. Even if you don't agree with her case, and the behind the scenes culprit being Hussein, the information provided concerning the 1993 conspiracy is concise, accurate and allows the reader to come to their own conclusion. Highly recommended for anyone interested in current events, terrorism or Saddam Hussein.
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8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
Insightful, December 25, 2001
Reviewer: Kenneth W. Maddox (see more about me) from Garden Grove, California United States
I heard the author interviewed on the Dennis Prager radio show and was impressed. She is an expert in Iraq and its meglomaniac leader.
Her insights into the failed policies of the Clinton adminstration make an insightful read. I highly recommend this book. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.