Terror in Black September: The First Eyewitness Account of the Infamous 1970 Hijackings

by David Raab

Book Overview

Though David Raab was only 17 when his plane was hijacked, he kept a diary of what happened. He has done extensive research on the political and historical background of the hijackings in September... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1403984204
• ISBN13: 9781403984203
• Release Date: September 2007
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.14 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.4" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Thoroughly engrossing account

David Raab's engrossing account of the 1970 airline hijackings gives the reader the vicarious experience of what it was like to be a hostage with David and his family. It also reveals the behind the scenes negotiations and diplomatic maneuvering that took place. I highly recommend this fascinating story to those who have an interest in the middle east and the origins of terrorism.

Its in the Details

I was amazed at the level of detail supporting the hostages' point of view narrative. The personal recollections astounded me as to how people could remain so calm for so many days under the terrible and threatening conditions. I would have liked to have known more of what the participants are doing today.

An important account

In this fast paced book that jumps from Washington to the streets of Amman the month of September, 1970, plays out with the hijecking of four planes on the same day and the ordeal of the hostages and the Jordanian civil war as background. Partly based on the diaries of one of the hostages and interviews with others as well as accounts of the backroom dealings of the Red Cross and the Jordanian government, this is one of the best accounts of what has become known as Black September. However the book suffers from two general weaknesses. It is far too fast paced for most readers. Jumping back and forth between setings, sometimes on the same page, leaves the reader exhausted and searching for some cohesion. In addition the descriptions of what is going on in the general contaxt, for instance King Hussien's decision to fight the PLO, is only marginally well written and provides little understanding or context, whereas the narrative of the hostages is far better. This was one of the most fascinating stories, of the terrorists such as Leila Khaled, and of the times, and of the Civil War in Jordan in which a plucky king confronted a viscous gang of terrorists. But this book does not entirely do it justice. Nevertheless it is one of the few book length accounts on the subject. One migth be dismayed to see the author enjoying a coffee at the end with one of his former captors as if it was all a joke and this may leave a sour taste in the mouth regarding moral relativism and terrorism. Seth J. Frantzman

David Raab's book on Arab Terrorism

Well written, well documented, and an authoritative explanation of the sources of terrorism. Highly recommended.