Description
Book SynopsisThe events of September 11, 2001 brought terrorism to the forefront, but Al-Qaeda is not the first group to try using political violence against the United States to make Washington change its policies. In the 1980s terrorism was rampant; from Latin America to Europe and the Middle East, a host of groups demanded changes in American foreign policy and were willing to bomb, assassinate, kidnap, and hijack to pressure the government to act. The First War on Terrorism examines the response of the Reagan Administration to the political violence it confronted during the 1980s. David Wills takes the reader inside the negotiations over how to respond to terrorist acts and shows how the Reagan Administration''s decision making process was a crucial obstacle to formulating a consistent and effective terrorism policy. Compelling and enlightening, The First War on Terrorism serves as a powerful guide to what should be emulated, and avoided, from America''s previous battles with shady foes.
Trade ReviewIn his thoroughly researched, skillfully analyzed, and well-written volume, David C. Wills sets the counterterrorism record of the Reagan presidency straight, lays out the decision-making processes in the Reagan administration, and dissects the different belief systems and the power plays of top-level actors. * Political Science Quarterly *
Judicious, meticulous, and thorough. Wills has painstakingly assembled declassified documents, interviews, and published sources to tell the most complete story yet of Reagan-era counter-terrorism policy. This will be <U>the<U> book to consult on the Reagan Administration's counter-terrorism policies.... -- Scott T. Waalkes, Malone College
Judicious, meticulous, and thorough. Wills has painstakingly assembled declassified documents, interviews, and published sources to tell the most complete story yet of Reagan-era counter-terrorism policy. This will be the book to consult on the Reagan Administration's counter-terrorism policies. -- Scott T. Waalkes, Malone College
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Abbreviation Key Chapter 2 Preface Chapter 3 Foreword Chapter 4 Introduction Chapter 5 Context Chapter 6 Bombing of the Marine Barracks Chapter 7 Hijacking of TWA Flight 847 Chapter 8 Hijacking of the Achille Lauro Chapter 9 Rome and Vienna Massacres Chapter 10 Bombing of the La Belle Disco Chapter 11 Conclusions Chapter 12 Bibliography
