The Lexus and the Olive Tree

In the wake of the horrific terrorist attacks against the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington there is a nearly universal response: "How could such a thing happen?" While it will take weeks, months or even years before that question is fully answered, journalist Thomas Friedman has taken a close look at the mindset of what he calls the "Super-Empowered Angry Men" who use terrorism as a weapon against the U.S. In describing the worldview that permits and encourages the use of violence against American civilians, Friedman identifies a scorching resentment of U.S. power, affluence and culture. This resentment has increased exponentially with globalization, which, ironically, has provided the angry men with the very tools and technology that allow them to personally strike at the U.S. After this week, there is no doubt that these men - and the violent rage that drives them - are now America’s greatest foe.