You know that old question about who would you invite to dinner if you could invite anyone? Stansfield Turner would be on my must-ask list (along with Elizabeth I). Turner, whose military career was distinguished, went on to head the CIA from 1977 to 1981. His history of American espionage and counter-intelligence highlights the difficulties a democracy has in protecting itself and its citizens. And it usually doesn't do such a good job (from Pearl Harbor to the Bay of Pigs to 9/11, much has gone wrong in the "intelligence" world). Current and recent events in the intelligence community, the posturing and pontificating and hand-wringing Congress is overly fond of, the turf battles short-sighted men indulge in to the detriment of getting the job done, all are fleshed out in this intense but very readable book. Whether you're pro-CIA or wish they'd be defunded, this book will enlighten you and give you a historical background necessary to not only understanding today's issues but perhaps coming toward better solutions to problems and situations that will never go away. It's a 5. Originally reviewed in 2013.
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