Gr 9 Up-Each book presents a series of paired articles expressing opposing viewpoints on current issues. Oil Dependence debates the state of the oil supply and the feasibility of the goal of energy independence; whether the invasion of Iraq was motivated by oil; Middle East oil dependence as a threat to national security; pros and cons of raising the vehicle fuel economy standards; and the proposal to drill for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Rogue Nations considers the doctrine of preemptive war; whether the invasion of Iraq was justified; if the U.S. should support regime change in Syria and Iran; alternative approaches to dealing with North Korea; the value of peace efforts in Sudan; and whether the U.S. should lift sanctions in Libya. Articles are generally clear, detailed, and up-to-date; they have been written by university professors, elected officials, and think-tank representatives and while they do not directly address one another's arguments, they effectively present different sides of each issue. These books are somewhat more challenging than the "Opposing Viewpoints" series (Greenhaven), and are fascinating in presenting the arguments on current topics.-Jeffrey A. French, Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, Willowick, OH Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
