You don't have to be particularly interested in Israel to enjoy this book. What is interesting is that Israel's posture of "nuclear opacity" (as described by the author) is unique in the world. No where has Israel's nuclear policy been studied so extensively, and explained forthrightly. While the showing of arms was conducive to the ambitions of the "great" nuclear powers, Israel had no such ambitions, and thus developed a unique posture. Fascinating for those interested in nuclear policy (for whom I would suggest comparing with South Africa's nuclear program, which was eventually shut down), as well as for those interested in the emergence of Israel.

For me, as an Israeli, this book is formally contraband, but thanks to amazon.com, I was able to get it. Although it contains no classified material, the Israeli government banned its publication in Israel and the courts chose not to intervene. It is one of the few scholarly books that reads like a detective novel and as an Israeli who lived through the era up to 1970 depicted in the book, I found it fascinating. The description of the fandango danced by Israel, France and the US through the 1950's and 1960's including the original texts of the diplomatic correspondence provides insight into understanding today's configuration as well as that of the past. Cohen's recommendations for future Israeli nuclear policy and his critique of "opacity" should be considered seriously by Israel's policy makers. I think Cohen did us all a great service by writing it and also by showing up the idiocy of the political establishment and its "security" concerns. I also think that it should be translated into Hebrew and made required reading in Israeli civics classes.

Dr. Avner Cohen's book is unquestionable the most thorough, complete account available on this crucial subject!After almost a decade of minute detail research, ISRAEL AND THE BOMB, IS THE DEFINITIVE REFERENCE WORK ON THIS MATTER! For the record please allow me to state, that as a individual, I have been studying Israel's Defense and Security Matters for over 28 years. David Chindler maucha@unisys.com.br Rio de Janeiro Brazil