"[1][3] Smith himself cites the "strong horse" conceptualization of Arab politics to Ibn Khaldun (1332-1406).

"[4] Smith argues that "Bin Ladenism is not drawn from the extremist fringe but represents the political and social norm [of the Arabic-speaking Middle East]."

and "give(s) no credence to the idea that the Arab-Israeli crisis is the [Middle East’s] central issue.

"[7] Kirkus Reviews concluded that "Smith could have smoothed his narrative into a more coherent story, but he offers a somewhat provocative look at an endlessly troubled region.

"[8] In his review, Michael C. Moynihan faulted Smith for failing to perceive that "a peculiarly Arab version of democracy, with all its deficiencies, is indeed developing in Iraq—by Iraqis—with the help of steadfast American action.