International Affairs


By Davis K. Thanjan
Bookstand Publishing, 2011

Review by Dr. John Samuel

This is indeed a remarkable book. It analyzes very briefly the current affairs of ALL nations (about 190 of them) in the context of US foreign policy. As stated, it goes “beyond the borders and expand the horizon”.

The facts are well documented in terms of numbers and percentages. Even to compile them it must have taken a lot of the burning of the midnight oil and to compress them all into 319 pages in a paper back is indeed an achievement.

After giving an overall view of the world, its and the UN organizations, the book goes into US affairs and then examines the regions and each and every country in the region. Of course a book of this coverage is obsolete the moment it is written since the world does not stand still. Therefore, to be relevant the book would need revision quite frequently.

Certain observations contained in the book, do not appear to be politically neutral and perhaps betrays the political leaning of the author. For instance, without adequate substantiation, it is mentioned that “Bill Clinton transferred unconstitutionally and secretly” certain territories in the South Pacific to Kiribati without a treaty or congressional approval (p.52) and “this act of treason by President Clinton make him eligible for impeachment”.

Similarly it is stated that President Obama’s “actions are deplorable, his pronouncements are impractical, his declarations are political, his agendas are controversial, his visions are ideologically leftist and his announcements are subject to U turn” (p.63).

Nevertheless, I do not see any criticism of George Bush, most likely the worst president the US has had in recent years.

For the US residents, one of the most naïve in the world despite or because of its wealth, such observations if they happen to read the book will be gospel truth. After all, we are talking about a population 15-20% still claims or even believes that President Obama is a Muslim! Americans badly need to expand their horizons.

I do hope he will revise the book frequently and eliminate views that are not very objective and supported by unassailable facts.