The Inheritance: The World Obama Confronts and the Challenges to American Power

The Inheritance

Mr. Sanger's work is a guidebook for anyone interested in understanding the debacle that has come to characterize America's foreign policy in the Middle, Near, and Far East. Sanger makes it clear that the U.S., for many years, has been engaged in a deadly game--a game in which the two presidential administrations preceding Obama's did not bother to study or learn most of the rules. This tragic flaw became a hallmark of policies crafted "on the fly" by Bush administration officials. Relying on military strongmen, cronies, and hacks to do their bidding, Bush officials did not trouble themselves to understand the many weaknesses posed by relying on such a motley gaggle of so-called allies and "friends." No one, it seems, bothered to to work religion, a realistic view of nuclear proliferation, or nascent nationalism into the flawed political equations used to define America's military and foreign policies.

Sanger rightly focuses much of his attention on the failing state of Pakistan and its nuclear weapons and missile programs. Pakistan is the linchpin for a frightening puzzle that also includes, Afghanistan, Israel, India, and North Korea. The future is bleak, he concludes, unless, of course, the Obama Administration takes decisive and thoughtful action to solve the puzzle soon. If it does not, Sanger also provides us many reasons to despair for the future, not only for the future of people living in those far-away places, but also for people living in North America and Western Europe.

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Could have been better

Could have been better if Sanger just focused on the events in China, Iraq, Iran, North Korea, and the many other hot spots of today. But no, he was more interested in bashing Bush and crediting him with causing the ills of today's world. As a Monday morning quarterback, Sanger excels. To make his point, he omits many things and fails to take into consideration the mind set, the knowledge, and the issues of the times.

Nuclear Annihilation is Still Possible

That old fear, nuclear war, persists. However, the fear about this threat doesn't come from a fellow superpower, it comes in the form of rogue states--hello North Korea, Iran, and Pakistani factions. This world was made more possible by the Iraq distraction, according to Sanger. And his evidence is compelling.

A Must Read

I thought Sanger did a great job of researching the issues. Fascinating look at how we got into the mess we are in today. Everyone should read this book.

Parting Gifts from the GWB Administration...

A deep exploration of the massive load the Obama administration inherited - especially the botched - and needless - war in Iraq. Although many books have been written on the woes and arrogance of the Bush administration, this one takes a different tack - namely how we will have to deal with it all moving forward. good vacation reading - although not necessarily "soothing"!

Run out to Barnes and Noble and buy it.

Excellent book. Well written. Easy to understand. Answered many of my questions about what is going on in the world beyond the U.S.

Excellent Service

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Someting wicked comes this way

Whatever the last administration left us the current administraion will have a very sticky path to walk. As an American, for the first time, I actually contemplated, throught his book, what it might be like to share power or be a number two power in this world. It won't happen tomorrow, but soon. The book, through it's research, makes the future something to think about.

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