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Summary: What Pollack should have learned in college and the CIA
Review: I borrowed this book from the library because it was suggested reading by Time magazine. Unfortunately, I find it hard to get past the first chapter. Pollack gives plenty of information about the history of the Persian Gulf region; none of which is backed by primary sources. These are basic rules to writing history...
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Summary: Would anyone out there trust a book written by the CIA
Review: People please. War is a racket and most smart Americans know that.Saddam has never been a threat to the US. He's never worked with the CIA made Bin Ladin. He has no WMD. People. Wake up. First ther's this perpetual war on terrorism. Then you are told we must topple this evil government because of their WMD. Then when they find zero, notta, zilch, a whole number between -1 and 1, they change the story to one of liberating the people. Please. It's all lies. Go read Russ Kick's book "your being lied to"
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Summary: Just finished this book
Review: I can't add much to what previous reviwers have already said. While Dr Pollack may have scimmed the surface of some issues, I think that to have delved into the Palestinian issue, as an example, would have resulted in an overwhelming and unreadable book. I would encourage him to produce another book on that subject. If you are interested in learning why the world (and this is a world issue whether some people like it or not) is in the situation that it is and why it's time for action, vis-a-vis the Iraqi regime (Hussein in particular), then read this book. Some friendly advice...read a bit, then put the book down to reflect on what you have just read for a while before returning to where you left off.
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Summary: give it a oscar, a grammy? No, those are for the uninformed!
Review: Deserving of accolades from the lay reader and possibly the government as well. Kevin Pollack, a former top CIA analyst and Clinton advisor, gives a detailed and rational step by step analysis of Saddam and his reign of terror. He begins with the early years of Saddam and concludes with the current state of affairs post 9/11 and pre gulf war II. He clearly lays out the options of the US in dealing with Iraq and the pros and cons of each option(how many war planners read this book? His predictions and the way the war has been executed are strikingly similar). -As a society we need to stop being so short sited and hung up with instant gratification. George Bush probably could have finished a second term as president without major consequences from the Iraqi terror regime. But passing the buck and avoiding major scrutiny from pacifists and ignorant individuals could have had catastrophic consequences in the long run!
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Summary: Well documented arguement
Review: While you can agree or not with what Pollack has to say at the very least he gives you lots of information to base your decision on. I think if the government had given a more detailed argument for dethroning Saddam, like Pollack does, than much of the criticism they are getting now would have been headed off. The most striking points in the book are the poor policies enacted by the Reagan and Bush administrations of the 80's and early 90's. Bush now calls him "evil" but we knew Saddam was a madman then and still supported him. Like Afghanistan, yet another fallout from Reagen policy. I hate to see whats next.
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Summary: Become an expert on Iraq
Review: Great read. You watch the news, read the paper...now get real insight on what is going on in the middle east.
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Summary: Required reading for concerned citizens.
Review: This is a fascinating book. Kenneth Pollack has done an extraordinary job of explaining the issues surrounding the current conflict between the United States and Iraq. Having served as a Persian Gulf military analyst for the CIA, Mr. Pollack is well-versed in the relevant issues. However, what makes this book so unique is that the author also demonstrates an unusually good ability to write articulately and explain complicated issues clearly. Despite its length of over 400 pages and a wealth of information contained within its pages, the book is very readable. It's a quick read that's actually hard to put down. Although he attempts to present a neutral analysis, even the author doesn't attempt to disguise his opinion as anything other than hawkish with regards to dealing with Saddam. The argument he develops is compelling. However, it really does not matter where your personal views fall on this divisive topic. If you are pro-invasion, this book will confirm your beliefs and give you a sound basis for your views. If you are anti-invasion, even if this book doesn't persuade you otherwise, you really should read this book. This is the argument that thoughtful pacifists need to refute. Nor is the text purely supportive of the President's handling of the events leading up to the invasion. Indeed, towards the end of the book, the author outlines potential stumbling blocks to coalition building and successful invasion which this administration does not seem to have avoided. Even if reading this book doesn't change your opinions, it will make them better informed. The perspective gained from reading this authoritative source is superior to pro- or con-biased op-ed pieces in newspapers or magazines and superficial news coverage. Anyone interested in current events will benefit from reading this book. I recommend it without reservations to anyone interested.
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Summary: Where are you standing?
Review: This book is an interesting read for anyone interested in US foreign policy in the middle east. It contains some pretty extensive information and history on the Islamic gov'ts, as well as providing a good example of why you shouldn't get your information from the perspective of an ex CIA agent. This book offers relevant facts and then draws conclusions that could be picked apart by a first-year philosophy student, in addition to leaving out several important factors and influences within US international policy (which, as it turns out, also didn't get mentioned at home in the media either). The willingness of many to jump on board with this book is indicative of the effectiveness of the north american propaganda system, not of the effectiveness of the argument. I hate to sound so leftist, but please folks, if you want to read about US political history, read Chomsky or Lindqvist.
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Summary: An awful written book. The case for executing Mr. Pollack
Review: If you think you can trust in what a CIA agent can tell you, then go ahead and read this nonsense. A spy is, by definition, someone who lies always to almost everybody. I think the CIA should give a medal to this guy. Well done, baby !
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Summary: The Bible for liberal hawks
Review: If you want to know why we're going into Iraq, you need look no farther than this book. Pollack (former CIA analyst turned policy advisor to the Clinton administration) carefully examines all of the policy options for dealing with Iraq and shows why invasion is the only logical (and humane) option. Required reading for those who want to sound sensible talking about this topic...
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