Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA
Doubleday - Doubleday
Release date: 2007-06-28
Hardcover
Author: Tim Weiner
Intelligence Agencies, U.S. Government - Intelligence Agencies, History, Politics / Current Events, History: American, History / United States / 20th Century, Political Freedom & Security - Intelligence, United States - 20th Century (1945 to 2000), United States - 21st Century, Political Freedom & Security - International Secur, United States - 20th Century, 1945-, Central Intelligence Agency, Intelligence service, United States, United States.
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Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA
Date undefinedThis is really the first book I have read about the US intellingence
community, and it was a very enjoyable read. Tim Weiner has
very few good things to say about the CIA. It is difficult to judge
whether he is too critical - I am certain he stuck to the facts, but there
are many different ways of presenting them, and many different
things to pick on in the nearly 60 year history of the agency.
However, I've learned quite a bit about some of the most important
moments in the nation's history from a very special viewpoint.
It is frightening if an agency that has for so long eluded oversight and
accountability was involved in these events to the extent portrayed.
Ultimately, all intelligence services are antithetical to democracy - particularly
those whose activities go beyond collecting information. Even if the
present book does not tell the complete story, it does make clear that the US has
not solved the problem of how such an agency can be part of a democratic
society without undermining its very tenets.
Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA
Date undefinedWell, I did not know much about the CIA and this book did not provide me any thing beyond what I already knew. I knew CIA was dysfunctional and inefficient. I knew CIA was full of liberal driven morons who take themselves seriously and probably don't care much about the interests of the country they serve (Check the recent Iran's NIE report for example). I also knew CIA's ability and power was exaggerated in the media and hollywood. What got me interested in this book was Tim Weiner's interview with Hugh Hewitt on KRLA radio show. I was mistaken and now am disappointed at this book. First, this book started very boring and when the author got to Iran, he lost me. For several reasons including the factual errors with respect to the 1953 incident. His interpretation of the Mossadegh related events is of a liberal/leftist (Stephen Kinzer like) analogy and agenda. He lost me right there and I abandoned the book for a while. The 1953 coup is a liberal made myth and this author is promoting it right there. I didn't want to read a book that is biased and not factual. But I got back to it solely because I didnt want to leave a book unfinished. It got better once it was past the Cuban and Vietnam era 50s and 60s but still it is a disappointment. Once, Tim Weiner claims that Iranian coup of 1953 was the single biggest success of CIA yet he keeps mentioning the countries where CIA had successful endeavors too like Italy, Haiti, Dominican rep... . The author is basically confused on every thing. He portrays liberal democrat presidents as more competent and portrays Republican presidents as criminals or liars. I am going to sell my book for a buck, really. For CIA's official reviews of this book you should check CIA's website. It's devastating and that review also helped me get some info right.
Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA
Date undefinedMy recent order for a book was processed quickly and efficiently delivered in short order. This was important since I was under a deadline for reading the book in time for our monthly book discussion group meeting.
