Now we are going to enter our eighth year since 9/11. It is almost human instinct to forget about that act as "history". This book will bring back those fears to your mind. He accurately phrases this threat in terms of what could happen here, not over there in Iraq. The author does a great job laying out how the threat is here. The groups that are bent on our destruction are here in our own backyards. There are stories of Arabs doing things all over the U.S. Some of their activities aren't in the busy east coast but also in the Heartland of America.

To date, or publication date these cells were used for financial reasons. It would take only a phone call from the great wastelands of the Middle East to change their mission to operations, against us. This information is obviously old since it was published five years ago. I am sure the situation has changed but not gone away. The recent trial of the Ft. Dix shooters proves that point. The book also goes into some detail via case analysis to show how these cells operate, their motivations and some of the techniques. He talks about how inclusive the Arab groups are. He himself and anyone else who dares disagree with them are threatened with death.

Anyone who watches the news will have an interest in this book.

This book will make your blood run cold. We should all take our heads out of the sand and read this one. The writing is well done, although the foreign names can get kind of tedious but that is no fault of the author.

This book was a good reader, it was very informative and an real eye open'er! Apparently, there are forces within our own government that want to see our demised! "A must Read"

An awesome very up to date information. An easy reed, well writtten book explaining in detail of how JIHAD works within our (USA) borders. It brings to light what is actualy happening right now!

The book was informative. Everyone needs to read it. Mr. Emerson has his facts and presents them in a way we all need to think about.

This is a great book; an eye opener. As a antiterrorism program manager with the U.S. Military Police I have witnessed the chilling issues as stated in the book. Unfortunately, political correctness stops action against those who use America's freedoms against her.

American Jihad by Steve Emerson is a must for anyone who wants to understand the dynamics of Terrorism. I teach Terrorism at the college level and I find Emerson's views very informative

This book is an excellent account about the secret Islamic terror networks that existed in the United States prior to 9/11. The CNN reporter Steven Emerson's investigations into these networks go back to the early 1990s. He tells of the Muslim Arab Youth Association holding a conference at the Oklahoma City Convention Center in December 1992 which included the distribution of literature that called for the extermination of Christians and Jews.

Throughout the book he details the advanced networks that Hamas and other Islamic terror groups had set up to raise funds. This included Islamic "charities" like the now infamous Holy Land Foundation and others that were shut down after September 11th. There is also the story of the South Florida college professor Sami al-Arian who was a member of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. He even had a Palestinian student who when he returned to the Middle East became a leader of the PIJ.

Finally, the book also features a very nice map that shows all the cities across the U.S. that has had at one time or another a terror support cell. They range from Al Qaeda and Hamas in Santa Clara, CA, to Hizballah and the Muslim Brotherhood in Detroit. This book is a must read for every American that wants to learn how far terrorists have infiltrated America and how we can fight back.

A follow up to the excellent video, "Jihad in America", American Jihad exposes the ongoing Islamist terror network in America and its influence.

To those who don't believe that Islamic radicals are a threat ... read this book. It is quite remarkable and scary that these individuals for all intents and purposes are not taken very seriously. Perhaps another 9/11 might convince skeptics that radical Islam, not the United States, is the real enemy.

Scary ... a must read. Wake up Americans!!! these guys want to KILL us!!!

This book is a must. It will wake you up, scare you, inform you, and cause you to buy a gun, get a years food supply, and change your mind of who to vote for as well as see that the main political parties are morally bankrupt on this issue nationally and locally. This is the book we will look back on and say, "if we had only listened, we had the evidence, and ignored it."

Steven Emerson is a well known journalist, who has spent over a decade in research of Islamic extremist organizations operating in the U.S. Rising in popularity through his expertise, Emerson was unfairly dismissed by the media immediately after Oklahoma City bombing, in which first suspects were Islamic extremist organizations. Fearing backlash and being labeled as politically incorrect, media organizations dismissed Emerson.

Regardless of the fickle media in our country, Emerson continued collecting the data that he dedicated his career to. The facts he uncovered are shocking and truly frightening. Islamic terrorist cells have been using U.S.'s freedom of speech, freedom to assemble and so many other freedoms in order to eventually undermine and destroy those same freedoms. Throughout the book, Emerson is exceptionally knowledgable and to the point, supporting his claims with hard evidence.

Exposing the inner workings of many seemingly benign, charitable organizations for what they really are, Emerson put his own life in danger. There is nothing benign about Islamic fundamentalism, as shown by many assassinations of its opponents, even if those opponents are moderate Muslims. Emerson expertly describes the inability of our federal agencies to deal with the situation at hand in an expeditious manner, due to so many freedoms guaranteed to the fundamentalists in this country.

Read this book and then pass it on, talk about it with friends, relatives and coworkers. People need to know. Emerson makes it easy to understand, especially in his appendices (don't skip those), especially Appendix D, in which he presents the short history of Islamic fundamentalism. Excellent writing, excellent detail. I highly recommend this book.

A must read for anyone (including our lawmakers) who cares about Homeland Security. Terrorist organizations exposed on American soil. Discover how the "radical" Islamist operate to destroy the "infidels" of America. Eye opening accounts of how the Islamic terrorists succeeded in pulling off the most devastating attack on American soil. Will definately change your attitude toward Islam being a "peaceful religion." Most Americans believe the war on terror is being waged on foreign soil today but the shocker is the Islamic terrorist are here...now....right under our noses! Will it take another "9-11" to convince America?

Let's be clear, there is conceptual Islam and Islam as it is actually thought about, taught, and practiced by Muslims. There are, indeed, verses in the Qur'an about peace and tolerance. There is also, however, the Islamic doctrine of "naskh," or abrogation. Contemporary Imams can simply nullify the verses of the Qur'an that they don't like. Most of those came from the Meccan period in Muhammad's life -- later in his Medinan period the verses became far more violent. Remember too that there is an Islamic doctrine of "kitman," or partial truth. Under this doctrine a Muslim may lie or deceive in order to propagate the faith. The author is doing us an enormous favor by showing us how those who would kill us and destroy our way of life are, like termites, burrowing into the walls of our society and chewing away.

Let's be clear, there is conceptual Islam and Islam as it is actually thought about, taught, and practiced by Muslims. There are, indeed, verses in the Qur'an about peace and tolerance. There is also, however, the Islamic doctrine of "naskh," or abrogation. Contemporary Imams can simply nullify the verses of the Qur'an that they don't like. Most of those came from the Meccan period in Muhammad's life -- later in his Medinan period the verses became far more violent. Remember too that there is an Islamic doctrine of "kitman," or partial truth. Under this doctrine a Muslim may lie or deceive in order to propagate the faith. The author is doing us an enormous favor by showing us how those who would kill us and destroy our way of life are, like termites, burrowing into the walls of our society and chewing away.

Muslims are the most peace loving people. They never invaded other nations, nor spend billions of dollars on their military unlike the christian countries. It's the christian nations who have time and again invaded, enslaved muslims lands. The only thing the poor muslims ever did was fought back and when they defend themselves the radical christians call them terrorists. The beloved Jesus had said " turn your other cheek if someone hits you on the face" and the christian nations have followed that so perfectly. If they think a nation is poor and is unable to defend itself they invade it and steal its wealth. The term "Holy War" was created by the radical christians who were always so interested in the Holy Land. Just ask yourselves who is a terrorits, one who fights for freedom against an invader or one who invades because he thinks the terrorists are going to get him. This author is clearly a lunatic who has been paid by radicals to create terror and fear in people.

Muslims are the most peace loving people. They never invaded other nations, nor spend billions of dollars on their military unlike the christian countries. It's the christian nations who have time and again invaded, enslaved muslims lands. The only thing the poor muslims ever did was fought back and when they defend themselves the radical christians call them terrorists. The beloved Jesus had said " turn your other cheek if someone hits you on the face" and the christian nations have followed that so perfectly. If they think a nation is poor and is unable to defend itself they invade it and steal its wealth. The term "Holy War" was created by the radical christians who were always so interested in the Holy Land. Just ask yourselves who is a terrorits, one who fights for freedom against an invader or one who invades because he thinks the terrorists are going to get him. This author is clearly a lunatic who has been paid by radicals to create terror and fear in people.

"The Terrorists are among us" he is right and Steve Emerson is one of them because he is spreading propaganda to create a terror from American Muslims. Don't you think if they were sleeper cells in the US they would have been woken up by now especially when Israel and the US government are doing much of the killing around the world (hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians). Sept 11 was "not" the work of 19 Muslim hijackers, do your research and you should find the truth, and the overwhelming evidence is on the internet. Don't depend on the US News media and bigots or so called experts like Steve Emerson for your information or you'll be in the dark and you would misinformed.

The perception that JIHAD is exclusively associated with `terrorism' is utterly wrong.
JIHAD in Islam doesn't mean `bloodshed fighting'.
JIHAD of a Muslim is to exert efforts, struggle and strive for the better.

{{The term 'Holy War' was actually introduced by the Crusaders for the control of the `Holy Land' (Jerusalem in particular), for political and reasons of expansionism}}

The term: `Greater JIHAD', while to nowadays' Western ears is equated with `slaughter'; in the Muslim parlance it actually means the struggle against one's soul. Evil vs. Good.

Muslim scholars explain (and teach) the meanings of JIHAD in reference to the following distinguished syllables.

Jihad to improve one's learning of science and philosophy to acquire additional knowledge to reason and rationalize one's daily actions and approaches.

Jihad of the heart and the soul to quench the evil in one's mind through adherence to monotheism, (there is but one God).

Jihad of the tongue, supportive of equanimity and struggle against the use of mean vocabulary, gutter writing, not even to induce someone to convert into one's faith by force or by the allure of money. Nor would one propagate military and political dogmas.

Jihad by the hand, meaning to use one's wealth for the good of the needy and the poor, and to take care of the elderly parents.

Jihad through peaceful coexistance everywhere in the world.

Jihad by the sword refers to fighting for God's sake.

I am Christian and have been living in the vast Arab world for sixty three years, my admiration and confidence in my Muslim friends never faltered nor will it begin to slip based on the present threats of extremists from any faith. The Good will continue to outnumber the Evil by leaps and bounds.

This book should be REQUIRED reading by all our government representative who think they understand the Muslim mind and methodology. While most people aren't fond of dry historical accounts, this is a must read in our day and age to not only protect yourself and your family, but to start a national dialogue for our national protection from nerds in government who don't understand where the dangers are. Perfect account with lots of relavent information.

It is heartening to read so many well informed five star reviews of Emerson's book. If only millions upon millions of Americans could be so knowledgeable about this critical subject. In general there is not much I can add other than to encourage buying the book.

Still, there are two issues where I thought certain reviewers were off the mark. One reviewer considered the book to be sensationalistic and a second reviewer felt that only a few examples of terrorist threats were mentioned. First, the book is not sensationalistic. It is written in a lucid and judicious manner. Second, the reviewer who felt there were not enough examples of terrorists must not have read Appendix A where a map of the U.S. shows 31 terrorist cells operating in 22 states all across the country. This, in 2003.

A bonus to Emerson's book is Appendix D, which is an 11 page "Brief History of Islamic Fundamentalism." This alone is worth the price of the book.

It is heartening to read so many well informed five star reviews of Emerson's book. If only millions upon millions of Americans could be so knowledgeable about this critical subject. In general there is not much I can add other than to encourage buying the book.

Still, there are two issues where I thought certain reviewers were off the mark: (1) the book is sensationalistic and (2) only a few examples of terrorist threats were mentioned. First, the book is not sensationalistic. It is written in a lucid and judicious manner. Second, the reviewer who felt there were not enough examples of terrorists must not have read Appendix A where a map of the U.S. shows 31 terrorist cells operating in 22 states all across the country. This, in 2003.

A bonus to Emerson's book is Appendix D, which is an 11 page "Brief History of Islamic Fundamentalism." This alone is worth the price of the book.

It was heartening to read so many well informed five star reviews of Emerson's book. If only millions upon millions of Americans could be so knowledgeable on this critical subject. In general there is not much I can add other than to encourage buying the book.

Two issues where I thought certain reviewers were off the mark were (1) the book is sensationalistic and (2) only a few examples of terrorist threats were mentioned. First, the book is not sensationalistic. It is written in a lucid and judicious manner. Second, the reviewer who felt there were not enough examples of terrorists must not have read Appendix A where a map of the U.S. shows 31 terrorist cells operating in 22 states all across the country. This, in 2003.

A bonus in Emerson's book is Appendix D, which is an 11 page "Brief History of Islamic Fundamentalism." This alone is worth the price of the book.

"The formula was simple: use the laws, freedoms, and loopholes of the most liberal nation on earth to help finance and direct the most violent international terrorism groups in the world." (p. 111)

The author describes where and how he got videotapes of speeches, terrorist training manuals, instructions for making bombs, materials for forging passports and other legal documents, etc. He presents his own experiences in attending speeches in mosques, talking to people, etc. The result is a picture of militant Islamists taking over the leadership of religious and charitable Muslim organizations in the United States and using them for (1) a base of operations and support, (2) a base for recruitment and conversion of Muslims to fundamentalist Islam, and (3) a base for networking with each other.

He makes a convincing case that not only Al Qaeda, but Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Hisballah, National Islamic Front, Muslim Brotherhood, Algerian Islamic Salvation Front, Algerian Armed Islamic Group, and others are established in the United States and are meeting and loosely working together. "In focusing only on Al-Qaeda as the group most threatening to the United States, the government and much of the media are making a strategic and fatal error." (p. 193 paperback edition).

He names names, gives dates and continually cites evidence and sources. The cities hosting these groups are: Seattle, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Los Angeles, San Diego, Denver, Tucson, Arlington TX, Dallas, Houston, Oklahoma City, Kansas City, Plainfield IN, Columbia MO, Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Charlotte NC, Raleigh NC, Tampa, Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton FL, Springfield VA, Herndon VA, Washington DC, Potomac MD, Laurel MD, New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston. This, as of 2003. (A news bulletin just out today says that Canadian officials believe there are 50 terrorist groups operating in Canada. People there as here cite permissive immigration policies as primarily responsible.)

The author also shows how Islamic operatives have utilized American universities to house and legitimate their front organizations "all in the name of `multiculturalism'." (p. 111) The author devotes a whole chapter to a detailed case study of exactly what and how this was done at one university. (For a narrative account of how this hospitable climate came to exist in academia, see The Rape of Alma Mater.)

The author does not forecast the outcome. "But one thing is certain. Unless we are able to recognize and define the enemy--militant Islamic fundamentalists--without fear of being castigated as racist, then we will certainly lose." (p. 195 PB ed.)

For a read thats compelling, as well as disturbing at the same time, check out this book by terrorism expert Steven Emerson. Well researched, and well written. As disturbing a book as it is impressive.

If an independent author can find out so much information about terrorists living in our own country, why isnt our government doing more to root out and deport these people? I'm guessing we won't really pay attention to some of these homegrown terrorists till after the NEXT 9/11-type incident happens. So sad.

This book should be required reading for every Congresssman and Senator in America. Steve Emerson definitely gets it. Its a shame "they" don't get it.

Having worked in half a dozen countries with Islamic extremist movements, I am continually amazed at the languid attitude that most Americans take toward the very small but highly motivated group of Muslim extremists who have dedicated their lives to killing them.

This book highlights just how dangerous that attitude has been, and continues to be.

I've sat and had tea with Islamic extremists in Indonesia, Iraq and elsewhere, and have listened to them condone terrorist acts such as September 11 and the Bali bombings of 2002. Emerson has met those same type of people in Chicago and Florida.

These are not people who can be reasoned with, negotiated with nor placated, and Emerson shows us that they live next door.

That being said, if I had a complaint about the book, I would say (perhaps ironically) it is a shade too sensationalist. It reads a bit like a Geraldo special, perhaps owing to Emerson's background in TV news. But that may keep some people interested who wouldn't normally read such a book. And it is important that they do.

This book should be a guide for all Americans to better understand the Islamic terrorists, and the dangers that we face with the potential of hidden elements within our country.

Emerson has investigated and reported on this murderous ideology far longer than most considered it a threat. His book illustrates what we face now, and in the future.

I found this book to a very sobering and scary look at exactly what is going on here in America. With our foolish open border policy it is clear that Islamic terrorists are using our freedoms against us. In the wake of 911 it is time we Americans take back our country from those who would destroy it. This book is a must read.

What an eye opener. Should be training material for the CIA, FBI, Homeland Security, and what about every member of the US Congress? Ignorance is NOT bliss and so shall we pay for it. A time bomb is ticking.

Up to, and still a bit since the September 11th attacks most Americans have always considered terrorists to be far away. But Emerson paints a more disturbing picture, where terrorists over seas, and mostly 'imported' terrorists at collaborate, openly and often.

Because that is the beauty of our system, with free speech especially, but also the right to congregate. Yet Emerson points out that these sacred liberties are being used against us, and throughout the book he demonstrates how.

I personally found this book to be rather insightful, if not a little, okay very, unnerving. The ideas for the most part have crossed my mind before, but then again Emerson was researching this from the late 80's on, and for the most part information has only come out when attacks occur.

So this book is almost to keep us watchful. Yes the release, or perhaps re-release, is also timed with recent terrorist incidents, mostly the few years post-9/11, but we should be keen to this knowledge always.

And remember, Emerson is not trying, I believe, to be hateful or even spiteful, for he is merely focused on one aspect, the Islamic fundamentalist side, of the overall treacherous world that is terrorism.

Steven Emerson is one of those people that are called crazy.

Only years later to find that his theories were 100% accurate.

Only then will people say, why didn't' we listed to Steven Emerson.

American Jihad: The Terrorists Living Among Us is a powerful and scary book.

If you like democracy and want the US to stay a democracy, read this book.

Is it out of line for terrorist groups to preach in favor of violence against Americans, Jews, and Christians? It seems to me that if they are actually committing terrorist acts, they are criminals and it seems to me that those who donate money to help them in their criminal endeavors are accessories.

In 1992, journalist Steven Emerson happened to attend a meeting of the Muslim Arab Youth Association (MAYA) in Oklahoma City. He was surprised to find a large amount of anti-American, anti-Jewish, and anti-Christian propaganda there, as well as speakers from Hamas and other terrorist groups. But he was even more surprised to discover that the FBI had no mandate to investigate this. But as the FBI expalined, it was merely hateful rhetoric, wasn't it?

Emerson decided to find out just how much more was going on than mere hateful rhetoric. And he found some material which was broadcast in a 1994 television program, "Jihad in America." The program did win some awards, but Emerson was now surprised to discover the intensity of some of the more outlandish denials of parts of his program by various Muslim groups.

Since then, many of the rest of us are the ones who have been surprised by the seriousness of the problem. No, there is no plan of a coup that will take over the government. But we've seen terror within our borders, with the most notable being the attacks on the World Trade Center.

This book traces the infiltration of the United States by Hamas and other terrorist groups. It tells about the University of South Florida and the now notorious Sami al-Arian, who was allowed to remain at the university for years in spite of his terrorist activities. While there may be a question about who knew exactly what al-Arian was up to and how much they knew, the important fact is that America was a very easy place to infiltrate. Too easy. America served as an ideal location for terrorist group command and coordination activities.

That leads Emerson to a discussion of al-Qaeda, as well as his ideas about how we can fight back against the terrorists.

One of the most interesting parts of the book is the appendix that lists nine radicalized groups that "provide significant support for terrorist organizations," namely MAYA, AIG, ICW, CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations), AMC (American Muslim Council), ICNA (Islamic Circle of North America), MPAC (Muslim Public Affairs Council), AMA, and ISNA, and briefly summarizes their activities.

I recommend this book.

I finished this book with two overriding feelings, disappointment and confusion. I was disappointed in the book and its reporting and I was confused over the tempest in a tea pot up roar over the supposed anti Muslim "racism" supposedly detailed in the book. According to the dust jacket, this book sets out to describe the militant Islamic terrorist networks that seem to be littered across America and just how difficult it will be get rid of them. The author starts the book by telling us that he has spent the last ten years studying this topic and has had a staff of any where from 2 to 20 working with him. He also takes every opportunity possible to work in that he has also made a documentary covering the topic of the book. So I am thinking that with all this time, staff and material for a movie the book should be a jam packed treasure chest of what is going on in the States in regard to Islamic terrorist organizations. Well, either the author is not much of a reporter or we can all rest a little easier, because the book is just a bit light on the details and does not describe much of a threat.

Sure the author details out a few men here and there that had something to do with Islamic terrorism, but the only group he covers that really appeared to be somewhat dangerous and motivated were the group responsible for the first World Trade Center bombing. That being the case, there are many other books out there that cover this topic much better and in far more detail. Most of the rest of the bad guys detailed in the book are all practicing their nefarious trade craft in the Middle East. Not terribly dangerous to Mr. and Mrs. Joe Six Pack in the mid west. The area I felt the author hit the mark on the best was with his coverage of the many different Islamic charities that operate in the U.S. and the damage that can be caused by this fountain of money flowing back to the Middle East. Yet here again the danger is off shore, similar to the funding the IRA got in the 70's and 80's.

Lastly, I was confused as to where all the supposed anti Muslim reporting was in the book. Both in reading some reviews and in a few other books, it has been reported that this book paints an unfair if not down right racist view of Islam in American. I found just the opposite. This author was forever inserting in to each chapter that Islam is a religion of peace and that just of few radicals have taken it to an extreme. He then offers up one chapter on his Islamic hero's. Even without this pandering, I thought the book was fair. The most damaging words come not from the author, but by interviews many of the people detailed in the book make. You just can not spin it away when someone says that all Jews need to be eliminated.

Overall I was disappointed with the book. It reminded me a of college student tiring to get the required length of a report by increasing the font, shrinking the margins and adding in long winded and off topic quotes to beef up page count. The book offered too little detail on the main theme of Islamic terrorists in the States and not enough to be a good broad overview of the problem.

What could be more American, more rousingly patriotic than a political convention held smack in the middle of Kansas City, USA? You know, the kind where you can stroll amongst the various booths in the lobby, then excitedly bounce up and down in your seat cheering the inspirational speakers. And maybe afterwards meet up with fellow activists and plot strategy at, say, a nearby Ramada Inn. Oh yes, forgot to mention, this was an Hamas convention, focusing on future "crusader-Zionist-infidel conspiracy" targets around the world , with discussion groups devoted to "car-bomb lessons," "how to handle improvised explosives" and the "interrogation and execution of collaborators."

Yes, all true in the suicidal pre-9/11, bendy-border, got-my-visa-in-a-Cracker-Jack-box America, as meticulously and courageously detailed by Steven Emerson.

While reading Emerson you keep wanting to smack the heel of your hand to the middle of your forehead-Nuuh! What UNBELIEVABLE dangers were allowed to grow up around us! The book's cover shows a map of America, pinpointing communities that unwittingly hosted terrorist headquarters, conventions, conferences, rallies, training camps, internet servers, money-laundering businesses, `charitable' groups and, yes, God strike me dead, `summer retreats for adults and children.'

Besides Kansas City, what communities? Well, just a few out-of-the-way places, like: New York; Chicago; Los Angeles; Washington, DC; San Francisco; Philadelphia; San Diego; Dallas; Boston; Cleveland; Detroit; Denver; Seattle; Oklahoma City; Laurel and Potomac, Maryland; Brooklyn, New York; Charlotte, North Carolina; Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale and Boca Raton, Florida; Sacramento, Santa Clara and Anaheim, California; Tucson, Arizona; Bridgeview, Illinois; Herndon, Springfield and Falls Church, Virginia; Arlington and Richardson, Texas; Plainfield, Indiana; Oxford, Mississippi; and Manhattan, Kansas.

Emerson's investigation into all this began on Christmas Day, 1992, when he was drawn into the Oklahoma City Convention Center by a buzz of activity involving men wearing traditional Middle Eastern attire, and then noticed books and videos on sale "preaching Islamic jihad." Gaining further admittance as a `recent convert,' he heard speaker after speaker "preach violence," while the audience chanted `kill the Jews!' and `Destroy the West!' Hmm.

Since this was nine years before the 9/11 attack we might wonder exactly where were our half-dozen or so biggest mega-million-dollar national security and law-enforcement agencies, for example, the Federal Bureau of Investigation? At this point it is hard to avoid the Dave Barry line: "I'm not making this up."

While observing a Muslim conference in Detroit in December 1993, Emerson tells how, "After five days of listening to speakers urging Muslims to wage jihad," he was startled to see introduced as a guest speaker a senior FBI agent from the Detroit office, who then delivered some perfunctory remarks that were greeted by hostility and sarcasm. When Emerson later asked FBI officials how this could possibly be, they first denied it, then admitted that the agent had gone there thinking it was `some kind of Rotary club.' (Name couldn't have been Clouseau?)

What could account for such obliviousness, such a narcoleptic lack of urgency?

Not long before 9/11 Emerson attended a security meeting of top government officials, afterward emailing a friend: `We are doomed.' Because the prevailing attitude seemed to be, `We are such good people that nobody would ever want to attack us.' (Not unlike the zippity-do-da fall-of-Baghdad expectations?)

Americans had also become "numbed" by terrorist infiltration methods that take advantage of our very porous system (Emerson, Congressional testimony, 12/01)--which leads to what may be the most chilling development of all.

It is not just that terrorists have penetrated our borders, but that America is being colonized by dozens of unassimilated cultures, to such an extent that foreign terrorists and criminal gangs can immerse themselves in neighborhoods where once suspicious behavior now goes unnoticed.

Meanwhile most of America's political, corporate, media, educational, religious, and creative, e.g. Hollywood, elites have become enthralled with (no doubt some just plain terrified of criticizing) "diversity," "multiculturalism" and mass legal and illegal immigration. Is their now any major politician who does not daily bow down and chant "Our strength is in our diversity!"? Curious, since numerous studies have shown that nations with the greatest diversity are also the most war-torn. Exhibit A: Iraq.

Only the intervention of average voters seems capable of turning these grave security threats around. This of course is made much less likely with a two-party monopoly system that almost never allows popular votes on the issues of lower legal immigration or greater border enforcement--in spite of (or because of ?) decades of opinion polls showing a clear majority of voters strongly favoring both reforms.

Emerson stresses that most Muslim immigrants are decent hard-working people. No doubt, but experts, some of them Muslim, Emerson reports, estimated that 50 to 80 percent of the 1200 Muslim mosques in the US had been taken over by extremists.

Is Emerson alarmist? Although estimating the number of "sleeper cells" and the like needs constant reevaluation, his basic thesis has been all too tragically vindicated. In June of 1997, after considering `the mounting evidence of the strength of al Qaeda and other groups,' he warned in an interview, `get ready for twenty World Trade Center bombings.' Pretty much what happened--only all at once.


After 9/11 we kept hearing "Everything has changed." But has it?

It is somewhat as if violent criminals had invaded, burned and ransacked our homes, butchering members of our family, and we respond by demanding random ID checks from the Avon Lady and mounting gun turrets on the roof--all the while we hop into bed each night continuing to leave our back doors yawning open in the breeze, beckoning to the dark unknown.

Emerson's excellent reporting clearly demonstrates what happens when a nation comes to think of itself as an exception to history and virtually throws open its borders. On the individual corporal level we can imagine what would happen if someone were to cast aside their own protective immune system--so embarrassingly passé, so intolerant!

For all these reasons I strongly recommend Steven Emerson's AMERICAN JIHAD.

Emerson traces the history of what went on in the Muslim world and shows the seriousness of the Jihad that was put into motion many years before 9/11.What surprised me was how extensive this network of evil is around the world and particularly in the US.He spends very little time describing the situtation here in Canada;but I don't feel it is any different than in the US.
The greatest thing we have in North America is our freedom and basic trust of one another and also extend it to people from other countries.These Terrorists take advantage of that goodness in every way;and while it will be a long difficult journey to defeat this scourge;good,as always, will triumph over evil.
Emerson has awaken us to the evil and danger that has spread worldwide and is rampant right in our neighborhoods.We must all be constantly vigilant of that threat for a long time.
If you have been lulled into believing that the Terrorists just consist of bin Laden and a ragtag bunch hiding in some far off caves;maybe this book will wake you up.