The author of several books on terrorism and international conflict, Whittaker attempts in his latest volume to clarify and disentangle some of the main problems of counter-terrorism--especially that of finding a balance between operating strategies and human rights. Looking both at the United States and European Union, Whittaker examines the controversies surrounding detention, the legal prosecution of terrorists, punishment, and rendition. This balanced treatment of the subject is a good introduction to the practical and legal issues involved in counter-terrorism. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)