Crusade: Chronicles of an Unjust War

by James Carroll

A devastating indictment of the Bush administration's war policies from the bestselling author and respected moral authority.

With the words "this Crusade, this war on terror," George W. Bush defined the purpose of his presidency. And just as promptly, James Carroll- Boston Globe columnist, son of a general, former antiwar chaplain and activist, and recognized voice of ethical authority-began a week-by-week argument with the administration over its actions. In powerful, passionate bulletins, Carroll dissected the President's exploitation of the nation's fears, invocations of a Christian mission, and efforts to overturn America's traditional relations-with other nations and its own citizens.

Crusade , the collection of Carroll's searing columns, offers a comprehensive and tough-minded critique of the war on terror. From Carroll's first rejection of "war" as the proper response to Osama bin Laden, to his prescient verdict of failure in Iraq, to his never-before-published analysis of the faith-based roots of current U.S. policies, this volume displays his rare insight and scope. Combining clear moral consciousness, an acute sense of history, and a real-world grasp of the unforgiving demands of politics, Crusade is a compelling call for the rescue of America's noblest traditions.

A cry from the heart, a record of protest, and a permanently relevant analysis, Carroll's work confronts the Bush era and measures it against what America was meant to be.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Politics, American History

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

James Carroll was born in Chicago and raised in Washington, D.C. He has been a civil rights worker, an antiwar activist, and a community organizer in Washington and New York. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1969 and served as Catholic chaplain at Boston University. Carroll left the priesthood to become a novelist and playwright. He lives in Boston with his wife, the novelist Alexandra Marshall, and their two children.

Reviews

[Ludwig Dinkloh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A superbly written critical review of the US war against "the evil Empire", in this case Iraq, starting with 9/11. Having lived in the US at the time, it was also a time travel for me. Unfortunately James could have written the same book with the same observations on false and misleading politics today (and the Gaza strip was already starving 20 years ago). Reading James chronological comments today is actually quite frustrating as "we" in general haven't learnt anything from these lessons. In the end a bit much ranting on Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion of the Christ" (never watched it) but very worthwhile reading today.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book for me spelled out how christianity can go horribly wrong. Get those reds! Kill the infidels! Terrorist!
Thou shalt not kill! Wait, what? Pretty eye opening. He doesn't really take it all the way. I wouldn't mind talking to this guy sometime.

If you ever wondered how christianity could become associated with the republican party then here's a good place to start.
-EC

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contained some very interesting articles, many of which gave me more insight into our (still current!) war in Iraq as well as other wars of the twentieth century. Carroll's politics were sometimes a bit predictable.

[Weavre]

OST NON-FICTION ADULT STK 327 CAR