The New Republic’s on-line Book section includes an appreciation of the life’s work of Walter Laqueur, written by Jeffrey Herf, upon the release of Laqueur’s memoirs. http://www.tnr.com/book/review/the-wise-man
Laqueur’s career and views are by no means without critics; but let me note his importance as a pioneer of the modern study of terrorism. He saw terrorism not merely as a contemporary phenomenon (whether of the 1960-1970s, or post-9/11) but as an approach to politics and strategy with much deeper historical roots. See, for instance, his 1977 books, Terrorism, and Guerrilla: a Historical and Critical Study.
