Ambush at Osirak

This is a scary, scary book. It is slightly dated in terms of technology, but it deals with a frightening situation that is easily envisioned today. Written in 1988 when the Soviets were yet a force to be reckoned with, it could still easily happen now, with an unnamed Arab group playing the Soviet role. After all, who could believe that crazy people would attack the US proper with our own jetliners?This tale is created from a combination of spy vs spy vs beautiful spy, fast-moving high-tech action, and the Israelis finally having had enough. This leads to the brink of world war, as the Israelis plan to bomb an Iraqi nuclear reactor protected by secret missle sites. Our hero must avert total disaster in the best Ludlam-esque manner, while of course becoming involved with the lovely but secretive sabra and dealing with the "is he, is he not" double agent.Although much of the weapons and aircraft are from the last generation of military technology, the author as a former WWII navigator writes convincing battle scenes. The fact that it is set in a Middle East aflame with hatred on all sides is what makes it so timely - with Sharon in the lead, I can easily believe that Operation Fiery Furnace could take place any day now, with opposition from Hussein, supported by bin Laden's followers.This is fiction, but just barely.