The editors (all of Arizona State U.) present nine papers that apply contemporary theories of communication and media to the problem of countering ideologically sanctioned terrorism. Opening contributions criticize the outmoded theoretical understanding of strategic communication utilized by the Bush administration, discuss the role of strategic ambiguity for public diplomacy in the Middle East, and consider the impact of fundamentalist rhetoric on leadership during the Cold War and the "War on Terror." Case studies then consider the communication principles involved in terrorist media strategies, discuss Iranian President Ahmadinejad's letter to President Bush within the context of jihadi media strategies, and explore the importance of visual communication in light of the death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. Finally, two papers offer theoretical and practical advice on how to retool US strategic communications. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)