FLASH POINT

James W. Huston again displays political and military savvy in this saga of conspiracy, terrorism, and revenge in the turbulent Middle East. A bin Laden-like religious zealot has declared a jihad against the U.S. In Israel, a Navy F-14 pilot is brutally murdered. Congress invokes obscure Article 1, Section 8, of the Constitution which allows it to declare war against an individual threatening U.S. interests. Adams Morgan's intelligent performance shifts easily from naval personnel to Israeli counterterrorists, from National Security Agency strategy rooms to the sheik's bunker. Through his vocal expertise, we experience aerial dogfights and moments of personal courage. Never overwrought, Morgan's minimal characterizations are effective in this highly volatile adventure, a must for those who enjoy their war stories filled with military acronyms and jargon. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC/ JAN 02]