Disinformation: 22 Media Myths That Undermine the War on Terror

by Richard Miniter

Book Overview

Bin Laden was trained and funded by the CIA. The Bush Administration killed 100,000 civilians in Iraq. The Jews who worked at the World Trade Center were warned not to work on Sept. 11. These are just... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0895260069
• ISBN13: 9780895260062
• Release Date: October 2005
• Publisher: Regnery Publishing
• Length: 275 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

An objective observer debunks 22 media myths

This is the kind of book that I wish appeared more often: an author with no obvious partisan axe to grind presents facts to rebut popular misconceptions. Partisans on either side of the angry arguments over the 22 media myths Miniter punctures will not like this book, since balloons on both left and right are popped. What Miniter provides are facts to disprove stories without basis that are all too often repeated by mindless talking-heads and political partisans. Among these myths are "suitcase nukes" as a threat; the effectiveness of racial profiling in the hunt for terrorists; claims that Iraq had no WMD or substantive relations with Al Queda; that Bin Laden was trained or funded by the CIA; that 100,000 Iraqi civilians were killed by U.S. military and seventeen others, including the hoary Halliburton tales. Miniter writes in a crisp, clear style and studiously provides verifiable citations for everything he sets forth as fact. In a few instances, he includes actual documents as appendices. I noted not a single assertion that is not backed by a verifiable source, a rarity in this day. Each of the 22 myths is first set forth in some detail, including its possible origins. Then Miniter sets about his rebuttal. There are no shrill partisan histrionics here (thankfully). This is investigative reporting as it should be. I wish every thinking American, regardless of their political leanings, would read this book and the few others like it. Partisan hacks, ignorant journalists and talking heads and others have so muddled contemporary issues with lies, half-truths and distortions that authors like Miniter who bring the truth to light should be a welcome relief and perhaps stimulus for civilized discussion about hot-button issues. Jerry

Facts and more Facts

Reading the reviews of this book, you could get pretty confused. The writer is accused, serially, of being a Bush supporter and a Bush basher. Well, he's neither. He's done research and published facts. These facts poke holes in cherished arguments from both sides of the political spectrum and rather than deal with the facts that may cause people, left and right, to reevaluate their positions, they lash out at the messenger. That's a shame because this is a well written book from an obviously well-informed source who thinks through facts, not emotions. I think it's clear that the author does "support" the war on terror (define that how you will), but it doesn't influence his reasoning abilities as he pokes holes in arguments that are frequently used, incorrectly, to justify the war. Assuming you're interested in facts and not another wild-eyed rant from Michael Moore or Ann Coulter based on nothing but hatred, then you'll enjoy this book.

The perfect supplement to MSM un-truths

Buy and read this book whether you're liberal or conservative. Sure, there are some points that can be contested...that's true of anything you'll read. Largely, this presents the other side of arguments most of us hear every day...and it doesn't just debunk liberal claims about how to handle the war on terror, there's a few widely held conservative beliefs it tackles.

Miniter does it again!!!!!

This book Disinformation: 22 Media Myths That Undermine the War on Terror by Richard Miniter is an excellent font of information. He takes on many of the myths (mostly from the left wing and some form the right as well) and destroys them with facts. I want to talk hear about a myth I believed for many many years (since many of the other reviewers have already discussed other parts of the book), that the former USSR, when changing to Russia, lost (err sold) 100 plus small sized (briefcase) nukes to terror groups other country's or the highest bidder. Well, I was wrong; Miniter shows hear that those small sized nuke=s were dismantled and that we the USA had inspectors there while it was being done. So just for that alone this book is worth the price. There are many other myths dispelled hear and I would highly recommend this Book to anyone who wants to get informed about terrorism.

Very Informative

This book is for truly open-minded people seeking answers about the war. This book is more intelligent than anything the left can provide. Granted: Miniter is NOT a first year college dropout like Michael Moore, nor is he an unfunny, unhinged commedian that repeats talking points like Al Franken or Bill Maher. He is a Vassar graduate and accomplished journalist who has reported on and traveled with rebels into war zones in Uganda, Sudan and Burma and along smugglers' routes in Laos, Thailand and Cambodia, and has worked for the esteemed Wall Street Journal. One thing that he disputes is the "no WMDs" "point" that has become an obsessive chant by the left. He refutes using verifiable facts such as 1000+ metric tons of uranium WERE found in Iraq, as were more than 1000+ tons of materials used to make dirty bombs. Like I've stated, though; this book is only for the truly open-minded who are interested in seeking in-depth answers and balanced perspective. No simple talking points here.