My friend Kevin Holtsberry writes in:

I think the discussion in the Corner is missing something: D’Souza is not attempting to excuse the events of 9/11 or to say that we had it coming in any way. He is trying to understand WHY the terrorists did what they did. The argument is that the left’s cultural imperialism (via the UN, NGOs, etc.) really does seek to destroy the traditional way of life against the will of the people and that exporting our depraved culture undermines stable cultures across the globe. In addition, American depravity and decadence makes us appear weak and vulnerable which leads the terrorists to think they can defeat us. No where does Dinesh assert that terrorism is an appropriate response, but he does hold that their is some truth to the underlying accusations. His argument that the left and the terrorists seek the same end in Iraq, and American foreign policy in general, may be controversial but it is well argued and worth exploring.

Me: I agree with some of this, and disagree with other bits. But I should keep my powder dry as my review’s not out yet.