Book excerpt: For its candid examination of the historical, political and sociological contexts of international terrorism, Terrorist Modus Operandi is a valuable addition to counter terrorism classics. It is in the category of "must read" for anyone who wants to understand the ideology and causes behind terrorism and how we can and should respond to acts of terrorism. Terrorism Modus Operandi covers the history and development of terrorism and explains in detail the full terrorist planning process from its "Original Cause" through the 8-Phases of the terrorist planning process to execution, and escape and exploitation. Including case studies and in-depth researched statistics of international terrorism incidents and specific terror groups. The final chapters explain the similarities between terrorism and organized crime and explain the best methods for detecting the terrorist planning process. According to Dan Sommer, an understanding of the mindset of terrorists is vital to success in the war on terror.