Winning the Long War
Retaking the Offensive Against Radical Islam

CIA and Department of Defense consultant Berman (Tehran Rising, Dismantling Tyranny) flexes serious political-theory muscle in this balanced—though occasionally heated—critique of America's execution of the "long war" against radical Islam. Berman attacks U.S. foreign policy for its militarism, contending that the war of ideals is the one that will determine a victor. Using the example of the Cold War, won through "[p]olitical warfare, in its various permutations" and "strategic communications activities," Berman champions an approach to Iran's obstinacy based in ideology and economic pressure: "Iran is heavily dependent on trade with the outside world—and deeply vulnerable to the disruption of its commerce." Though it barely predates Iran's post-election mayhem, the book presciently advises the U.S. to exploit "the fault line between the ruling regime and its captive population." Rejecting the notion that "Islamic" means "radical," Berman shows how the U.S. can buttress moderate Central Asian Muslim republics that "have not yet been inculcated with the radical, uncompromising brand of political Islam." Partiality can seep into Berman's writing ("conventional wisdom is wrong"), but his mastery of the issues renders his brief bouts of ire forgivable. This call to diplomatic arms will rouse political science aficionados eager for a shift in U.S. foreign policy. (July)