Books matching: cia operations and policies
4 result(s)
'Killing Hope: U.S. Military and C.I.A. Interventions Since World War II' by William Blum is a detailed and heart-wrenching history of the USA's involvement in torture and murder in dozens of different countries in the last 60 years. The book meticulously documents American interventions throughout the world, including well-known events like Korea and Vietnam, as well as lesser-known interventions. Blum's writing style presents a harrowing picture of deceit, denial, and amoral manipulation to secure the industrial military political equilibrium, working chronologically through the last 60 years of political history.
Blum's 'Killing Hope' is described as a devastating attack on America's actual foreign policies, as opposed to the propaganda fed to the public. The book provides a damning view of US CIA policy since WWII, offering highly opinionated hot takes on US actions abroad, covering events from the '53 overthrow of Mossadegh to Dubya's invasion of Panama. The author's meticulous documentation, lack of indulgence in repetition, and use of mainstream sources like the NYT for citations make this book a detailed and shocking reference for understanding US foreign interventions post-WWII.
The two sides had been clashing across the Parallel for several years. What happened on that fateful day in June could thus be regarded as no more than the escalation of an ongoing civil war. The Nort...- #2
Save:'Surprise, Kill, Vanish' by Annie Jacobsen is a captivating and informative account of the CIA and its paramilitary operations throughout history, focusing on the controversial use of assassination as a policy option. The book delves into the intricate details of CIA operations, from the WWII OSS to current missions in Afghanistan, providing a well-researched and eye-opening narrative that sheds light on the secretive world of covert operations. Jacobsen's writing style, akin to that of a novelist, skillfully weaves together big ideas and historical perspectives through compelling storytelling, offering readers a fascinating insight into the world of intelligence and military history.
The narrative of 'Surprise, Kill, Vanish' is praised for its thorough exploration of the CIA's paramilitary division, offering a comprehensive overview of the agency's operations and the individuals involved. Readers find the historical perspective illuminating, especially in shedding light on the sometimes troubling aspects of the CIA's paramilitary activities. The book's engaging style and detailed accounts of covert operations, coupled with the author's apolitical approach and focus on factual evidence, make it a must-read for those interested in spy genre movies or novels, providing a deeper understanding of the complexities and morality behind the CIA's secretive missions.
It was the first Sunday in December 1941, and the boy selling popcorn behind the concession stand at the Strand Theatre in Bastrop, Texas, had just turned twelve. His name was William Dawson Waugh, bu... - #3
Save:Bitter Fruit: The Story of the American Coup in Guatemala by Stephen C. Schlesinger and Stephen Kinzer is a well-written and engaging account of the American intervention in Guatemala. The book delves into the historical context surrounding the revolution and coup, providing background information on the parties involved and the aftermath of the events. Through meticulous research and use of various sources, including Freedom of Information Act documents and interviews, the authors present a compelling narrative that reads like a thriller while staying true to historical accuracy. The story unfolds like a Hollywood conspiracy theory movie, shedding light on the darker aspects of US foreign policy during the Cold War era.
- #4
Save:"Charlie Wilson's War" by George Crile is a non-fiction account of the extraordinary story of Congressman Charlie Wilson and a rogue CIA agent who changed the course of history by supporting the Afghan rebels in their fight against the Soviet invasion. paints a picture of Wilson as a larger-than-life character, showcasing his reckless behavior and out-sized influence in shaping US foreign policy, ultimately leading to unintended consequences in the rise of militant Islam in the Middle East.
When Congressman Charlie Wilson set off for a weekend in Las Vegas on June 27, 1980, there was no confusion in his mind about why he had chosen to stay at Caesars Palace. He was a man in search of pur...
