Spring Reading

[NATO AIR]

En route to the States and then back to Japan, I was able to absorb several recently released books that I think are worth reading.

Army Of Davids- Glenn Reynolds

Fun to read, intriguing to the mind and infectious with optimism about what the common citizen can achieve on so many fronts and issues, Reynolds' book is well-worth a look for anyone depressed or down on the state of the country right now. You'll walk away with a better understanding of the POSITIVE roles technology is playing in our lives, as well as the dangers involved. Its also suitable for young teenagers, who may likely miss the "big picture" of some of the chapters and Reynolds' themes, but will nevertheless interest them because its about how they can be empowered by technology and hope for a better future.

The China Syndrome- Karl Tao Greenfeld

The behind the scenes story behind the SARS epidemic is a powerful, hard-hitting expose on Chinese corruption, scientific mystery and medical heroism and incompetence. Rich with detail and made thorough by the thousands of interviews TIMEASIA reporters conducted with regular civilians, government whistleblowers, scientists and medical professionals, as well as the author's(and his team) personal experiences and observations living in Hong Kong and China at the height of the epidemic, its a book anyone interested in the future of pandemics should read. What ties the book together at an exciting pace is the sheer cinema-like story quality, which makes the book seem like a true-life "Outbreak". Also fitting for teenagers, especially those interested in a medical profession.

The Battle For Peace- Ret. Marine General Tony Zinni (CENTCOM 1997-2000)

Zinni has made no secret of his initial opposition to the Iraq war decision (he's a firm supporter of the war effort), but he treats Pres. Bush and co. with respect, calling them "good men trapped in a bad system that doesn't serve their needs or America's in any good fashion" and avoids political point-making for a serious, down to earth look at what America needs to improve in its foreign policy, government structure and strategy. Zinni's recipe for success includes utilizing military reforms of the past 20 years for government agencies, creating several joint-agency staffs and teams that report directly to the NSC (and thus to the President), cutting through competitive gaps and brickwalls, giving the US the capability to see the signs of trouble BEFORE a crisis erupts somewhere in the world, whether it be Darfur or civil war in Pakistan. Zinni's call for reform and awareness is worthy of reads from conservatives and liberals alike.