The Last Inauguration

Hollywood, Florida: Lifetime Books, Inc, 1998. First Printing [Stated]. Hardcover. Very good/Very good. xv, [1], 432 pages. Autographed copy sticker on front of DJ. Signed by the author, Charles Lichtman, on the title page. DJ has slight wear and soiling. Corners ofr several pages have been creased. The Last Inauguration is an exciting, realistic story with non-stop action throughout the book. Lichtman clearly understands and accurately portrays the terrorist's mentality, the Mid-Eastern peace process, and the mindset of Saddam Hussein, especially in these days. The action starts when a group of U.S. Marines attempts to assassinate Saddam Hussein, moves on to a murderous bombing attack at the United Nations' headquarters in Geneva, and finally climaxes during a dramatic showdown in Washington, D.C. The Last Inauguration is an exciting, realistic story with non-stop action throughout the book. Lichtman clearly understands and accurately portrays the terrorist's mentality, the Mid-Eastern peace process, and the mindset of Saddam Hussein, especially in these days. The action starts when a group of U.S. Marines attempts to assassinate Saddam Hussein, moves on to a murderous bombing attack at the United Nations' headquarters in Geneva, and finally climaxes during a dramatic showdown in Washington, D.C. Written well before 9-11, this book is scary in its accuracy of what used to be thought of as a "never could happen" situation. Very well researched, and the author personally corresponded with Carlos the Jackal, who is one of the cast of characters. Charles Lichtman is an expert in Middle East affairs and issues regarding terrorism. He has twice been recognized as "Lawyer of the Year." Extracted from a review in Florida's Sun-Sentinel: In The Last Inauguration, the Cooper City novelist shows Saddam Hussein hiring legendary terrorist Carlos the Jackal to assassinate the entire U.S. government at one time as a prelude to overrunning Israel. As an appetizer, Carlos commits a heinous horror at the Swiss headquarters of the United Nations. Then he trains three successors in chapters that provide a blueprint for those wanting to terrorize. Finally, Carlos sets in motion an ingenious plot for his new minions to devastate the inauguration of the President of the United States. Lichtman's storytelling keeps your interest. Lichtman's extensive homework informs his absorbing tour inside the world of terrorism and the complex politics of warring factions in the Mideast. Lichtman also wins over the reader with a delightful cartoon of a hero in smart-alecky Norman Richards. The disillusioned refugee from the CIA's dirty tricks squad is running guns to whoever pays cash when his old bosses dragoon him back into service. From a Kirkus review "the endlessly suffering, quietly restrained Richards is a winner. ... Richards, for all his tough-talking and misplaced idealism, is a sensible, decent guy." Lichtman makes you believe his basic premise.