Blending his riveting personal story with innovative ideas about how to win the war on terror, former marine turned Al Jazeera reporter Josh ...
read full description
reviews
Jan 18, 2010
Kelsey
rated it: 
i was introduced to josh rushing about 2 years ago in a class i was taking. i immediately fell in love with his ideas & his character! i got really into learning about what he was doing & found a movie on him called the control room, after that i was hooked! i had a hard time with this book though. i bought it years ago & tried to page through it feeling it was all just going right over my head. i only made it about three chapters in before quiting. i thought it was hard because of the culture
More...
Apr 20, 2009
Ash
rated it: 
This book could've used an editor. Although Rushing's critiques of the American media system are interesting, I found that the book wandered a bit and at times lacked focus. That said, if you've seen "Control Room" this book takes his story a lot further, explaining more of his motivations and the US military's side of the situation.
In many ways I also understand that ONLY a member of the USMC could make the same kind of criticism Rushing does in "Mission Al Jazeera." More...
In many ways I also understand that ONLY a member of the USMC could make the same kind of criticism Rushing does in "Mission Al Jazeera." More...
Oct 27, 2008
Christiangal
rated it: 
Very interesting man. Very interesting life. I look forward to seeing what else he accomplishes in his life. If you know me, then you know I enjoy reading as many different accounts of a subject. This is one that I'd recommend because of his deep belief of what he is doing. I see a man working through raw truth and honesty. Sadly, there are not many of his kind, especially in the media.
Info from Amazon.com:
"Book Description
Blending his riveting personal story with More...
Info from Amazon.com:
"Book Description
Blending his riveting personal story with More...
Jul 30, 2007
Laurel
rated it:
I looked to this book for light, enjoyable reading and a sort of juicy, insider's view of both military public affairs and Al Jazeera. I would say the book partly delivered. The chapters about Rushing's times in the media center of the military's Central Command in Qatar were fairly well-written (at probably a 4th grade reading level) and entertaining. However, when Rushing discusses his experiences at Al Jazeera, the book's focus and quality wanes. Instead of writing of the real challenges and
More...
Jul 28, 2007
Amanda
rated it:
John Rushing was a Marine and PR officer for the military during the first couple years of the Iraq War, and now works for Al Jazeera English in Washington, D.C. In the book he tells how, despite ably regurgitating Pentagon talking points about the invasion, he vehemently disagreed with the military/administration's stance to not talk with Al Jazeera. They are/were not a mouthpiece for terrorists as most at US military Central Command thought they were. Rather AJ is wholly funded by the emir of
More...
Mar 28, 2009
Maurice
rated it:
Riveting. One of those rare books that had me break my habit of reading 3 or 4 things at a time and had me experience one of those cover-to-cover-couldn't-put-it-down experiences. In an era during which 'journalists' caved-in en masse to the White House imperial agenda spin, Rushing did seek the truth. Wrote a helluva' good book in the process.
MCP
MCP
Oct 20, 2008
Erikhart
rated it: 
This gift from last year's Christmas haunted my nightstand in a state of perpetual "almost finished reading" for about a year. A quick, breezy read that gives insight into the world of international media, and the politics of military media affairs. Unfortunately, a far better view of Josh Rushing can be seen in the documentary "Control Room", from which he gained his notoriety. I would far sooner recommend you watch "Control Room", and see an EXCELLENT piece o
More...
Aug 09, 2007
Allen
rated it:
I was interested in reading this book after seeing Rushing on The Daily Show, and he definitely has an interesing story to share. I agree with other comments posted about this book that the writing is not necessarily exceptional, and is overall a light and easy read.
It would be interesting to hear from him again in a couple of years after working for Al Jazerra-English. I think Al-Jazeera plays an extremely important role in the media world, and what, if any, impact they will have More...
It would be interesting to hear from him again in a couple of years after working for Al Jazerra-English. I think Al-Jazeera plays an extremely important role in the media world, and what, if any, impact they will have More...
Dec 17, 2009
Julia
rated it: 
I picked this up after hearing Rushing interviewed on WNYC's "On the Media." His career path is just amazing - from Marine with no interest in journalism to Marine public affairs officer to disillusioned Marine public affairs officer to, now, reporter for Al-Jazeera English. Unfortunately, there isn't much depth to the book, which is a very quick summary of his career and some background on Al-Jazeera and its rocky relationship with the U.S. The added detail is interesting, but I th
More...
Feb 19, 2008
Robert
rated it:
Focuses on the Al Jazeera U.K. network and its coverage of things that take place in the Middle East. It also looks at how media coverage outside the U.S. differs from that inside the U.S. Rushing is a news journalists and it shows because he does a great job telling this story. I gotta admit I felt weird reading this book on the subways and bus just because it said Al Jazeera on the cover. This whole idea of America's overall fear and dislike for Al Jazeera is something that Rushing depicts
More...
Aug 20, 2008
Christina
rated it:
I was very excited when I read the dust cover of this book. I mean, a Texas-born Marine that ends up as a reporter for Al Jazeera English? Sounds fascinating, right? And it was interesting. Unfortunately, the quality of the writing left something to be desired. I also found the author to be a bit too much of an apologist for my taste. Even so, it was an enjoyable read on a fascinating topic.
May 17, 2009
Brian
rated it:
Although it definitely could've used another look from a copy editor before being printed, Rushing's book offered valuable insight into the inner workings of both the Arabic- and English-language Al Jazeera networks. I also enjoyed reading the former Marine's thoughts on his former employer's approach to Middle Eastern media outlets.
Dec 17, 2009
This guy is really something. He was the Marine Corps press liaison for al-Jazeera during Iraq war. Now he works as a correspondent for al-Jazeera international. His reports are on youtube. Some are really interesting. It's also pretty funny that he was a Marine, but he got a degree from UT-Austin in Classics.
Oct 23, 2007
Mike
rated it:
Although the prose is a bit flat in most places, I admire Rushing's courage and agree with his message that in today's world, it is foolish for the United States not to actively engage the Arab world through its media, specifically Al Jazeera.
Mar 01, 2008
Ginger
rated it:
quick and easy, but good read. Rushing makes some very valid points about the U.S.'s refusal to acknowledge the Arab press. and does a lot to dispel common misconceptions about Al Jazeera
Aug 22, 2007
(yes, i'm an On The Media addict, but i also find this dude fascinating.)
Dec 17, 2009
Sarah
rated it:
Not all that well-written, but still worth reading just because it's such an interesting story.
Feb 04, 2012
Jan 19, 2012
Jan 18, 2012
Jan 15, 2012
Jan 12, 2012
Jan 03, 2012
Dec 29, 2011
Dec 07, 2011
