Unbelievably readable.
From Amazon
I think it is something of a miracle that Mr. Harris made this book so accessible. I picked up this book because I enjoyed other material that Bob Harris produced, but I was a little wary about this book. After all, he's writing about many of the "b-side" wars in countries that don't make the 7 o'clock news. The sources of these conflicts range from leftover Cold War proxy wars to colonization to ancient struggles when men in bearskins beat each other with femurs. That is a lot of material to cover in a tiny book and simplifying or omitting the histories can prevent readers from gaining any real knowledge of what is going on. Mr. Harris avoided this problem by avoiding lengthy histories and, while acknowledging the roots of the conflicts he describes, largely focusing on the contemporary "things blowing up." There are usually short blurbs about the history of the conflict and then a look at the modern state of the conflict and the parties involved. Generally, these are pretty good. In the interest of not getting himself killed Mr. Harris seems to play a fairly neutral party when examining the various size wars. The sole except is when he gave into his personal rage about the invasion of Iraq. I took the review down to 4 stars just because he left out the Armenia-Azerbaijan/Nagorno-Karabakh war. Sure, things have settled down there, Mr. Harris, but no peace agreement has been reached. And how can you overlook the history of that war - at one point both sides paid the Russians to fight for them and a Russian Air wing ended up fighting a Russian Tank column. That's comedy gold, in a really dark way.
You Can't Tell the Players without a Scorecard!
From Amazon
Bob Harris manages to educate and entertain in this guide to the myriad of wars, conflicts, arguments, rivalries, and turf battles around the world. As advertised, he tells you who hates whom around the globe. We actually keep this book on the coffee table as a quick reference source for those times the news mentions an unfamiliar regional fracas or historical bone of contention in a far away land. The book does manage to educate the reader on history while providing some laugh out loud observations about the absurdity of all the strife. And, somehow, Harris manages to make one feel somewhat optimistic about the future of us all.
Indispensable if you're interested in world events.
From Amazon
If you believe most news outlets, celebrities' parenting styles are some of the most important issues impacting our lives today-- not ethnic conflict in Africa, religious wars in Asia, or drugs and warlords in South America. There is now a book for those know better or want to know better.
Who Hates Whom actually explains, clearly, concisely, and respectfully, what the hot-button issues are in many different parts of the world. Bob Harris's style makes it surprisingly easy and entertaining to read, as a reference or cover-to-cover, while giving the reader an honest account of what they need to know. Not only great for those who follow the news but for anyone interested in learning the roots of many conflicts and making the world around them a bit more peaceful.
A quick read and solid book
From Amazon
Harris offers a great primer for the geopolitically aspiring wonk. I love his writing style, and the rock heavy content material is lightened a touch by his humorous tone. I knew a bit about some of the conflicts Harris discusses, but he provided more information about issues with which I was already familiar and introduced me to many I was not. Great book. Great Price. Highly recommended.
Humorous, informative, and very well-written.
From Amazon
I bought Bob Harris's previous book, Prisoner of Trebekistan, because I'm a big fan of "Jeopardy," but he showed both a knack for self-deprecation of Dangerfield-esque levels and insight into America's favorite quiz show. Now, Bob takes a completely different tack, hoping to give America a glimpse into wars that most Americans were completely unaware of, or failed to care about. If you want to get informed about world events and learn not only who hates whom, but why, I strongly recommend this book.