Published Commentary: The Liberty Incident
Analysis and Criticism
See also: The Liberty Incident's Summary of Position and Critique of the Author.
The Liberty Incident is presented by its author as an objective historical account of the 1967 Israeli attack on USS Liberty. Judged by this standard, the book misses its mark by a mile.
Each of us wants to give others the benefit of the doubt. If we see a small error in a book, we generally assume that it was a mistake, not a deliberate misrepresentation. At some point, however, it becomes clear that some authors do publish deceptive and erroneous material as part of a deliberate attempt to lead the reader to an incorrect understanding. That is the case with The Liberty Incident.
There are so many factual errors, quotes taken out of context, misquotes, and deliberate misrepresentations that it is impossible to conclude that the author is simply careless. Even a casual examination leaves the reader with an understanding that Mr. Cristol is deliberately deceptive. The Liberty Incident is a poorly researched, poorly written advocacy piece and little more. It contradicts itself, misstates evidence and ignores important evidence. It contains enormous logical holes that can only be attributed to an advocate's disregard of objectivity.
The Liberty Incident is a propaganda screed, and a poor one at that.
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