I recently finished Scheuer's "Marching Toward Hell - America and islam After Iraq" (2008 Free Press, New York, New York, 270 p.).  I got the book on reserve from the Flint River Library system.  I give it 5/5 stars.

The book's author is a retired employee of the CIA who ran the Bin Laden unit there.  Scheuer has also authored previous books as well as many print articles.

Scheuer writes the book with a truly fresh (for me) look at issues facing our country and does it in a simple, easy-reading fashion.  The author covers national security issues from energy dependence to terrorism to immigration and everything in between.  Based on his previous employment Scheuer boils everything down to life-or-death issues.  I should note that this is not a "hate" book in regards to Islam - quite the contrary.  It is about us, the United States, our government, and we citizens.

For example, on energy dependency Scheuer offers this:  "...only the federal government can lead the Manhattan Project-like effort that is required to release the United States from energy dependence on governments who are our enemies, who cannot control their own territory..., or who would be tempted to disrupt our economy for religious reasons...."  He goes on to say that our country's energy policy (quite timely) is a "life-and-death issue for our economy and our lifestyle."  The entire book is filled with facts and issues no one in a position of power seems motivated to discuss or to solve.

In closing, let me give you a disclaimer.  If you are truly dedicated to a particular political party, this book might go against some of your bedrock views.  Give it a chance and be prepared to be surprised.  The book really gave me a different outlook on issues facing our country.  It might do the same for you.