In this relentless polemic, Canadian journalist Roberts (Smokescreen
) declares his country's "actual role in the world... [is] to act as the conscience of America... it's a dirty job—but someone
who speaks English has to do it." Roberts—who was in Baghdad when the U.S. first attacked, but escaped to Jordan and returned to Iraq two weeks later—takes on this duty with aplomb. But he seethes so uncontrollably with anti-Americanism that his credibility collapses under the weight of accusations, innuendo and conspiracy theories. Though he details ancient and recent history of the region and the book often comes alive with his on-the-ground reporting, the narrative is refracted through his "raging anger, and shame." Roberts dismisses American political parties as "merely window dressing" on a one-party imperialist, oligarchic state dominated by sinister institutions like the Pentagon and CIA. American citizens are cowed, and media outlets are "merely extensions of the state." As for the invasion itself—and the war on terror—these policies are part of America's "plan for world domination." Readers who get their news from sources other than Fox may, like Roberts, object to the war in Iraq, but his strident tone will alienate all but Chomsky adherents. (Oct.)
