EQBAL AHMAD, Terrorism: Theirs and Ours (New York: Seven Stories Press, 2001). Pp. 59. $6.95 paper RAHUL MAHAJAN, The New Crusade (New York: Monthly Review Press, 2002). Pp. 160. $17.95 paper HOWARD ZINN, Terrorism and War (New York: Seven Stories Press, 2002). Pp. 159. $9.95 paper

The term “terrorism” is normally applied to activities of small and scattered groups who pursue their goals with fanaticism and press their political and religious agenda by the force of fear and insecurity. There are also states that sponsor terrorism. However, whether a major country such as the United States can be labeled a terrorist country is not often addressed. A few writers on the left have explored that notion. They claim that the United States' militarism abroad is similar to what terrorist groups do. Moreover, most terrorists, from the Islamic fundamentalists of the Middle East to the right-wing assassins of Latin America, are products of U.S. imperial policies. Osama bin Laden was groomed by the CIA, as were Manuel Noriega of Panama and Roberto D'Aubuisson of El Salvador.