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Rating: 
Summary: Not a History Book; More an Overview of US Black Ops Policy
Review: ...which made it tiresome and a bit frustrating to read. I was hoping/expecting more details on the nature of the operations themselves. I agree with the author that the use of black ops is a clear policy of the US, and there are far-reaching effects as a result. But that is more of the "why". If you want more of the "how", read elsewhere.BTW this is not to say that this is a poorly written book. It is very engaging especially for those unfamiliar with the subjects and the history behind various operations. But be aware that this is more of a book aimed at a college level course - ie provoking discussions - than being semi-sensationalistic.
Rating: 
Summary: Somewhat of a Disappointment
Review: From covert acts against Hussein to secret Afghan missions and the overthrow of leaders and governments around the world, The CIA's Black Ops charts the CIA's secret operations and controversial plans, revealing a country fascinated by covert action and surveying how such operations have become a part of U.S. foreign policy. Essential for any surveying international politics.
Rating: 
Summary: Factual Fear
Review: Nutter has done his homework in throughly researching this work. Unlike many in the political world, he has no axe to grind, and no need to pump himself up. He delivers a solidly written, must-read book. Given what has happened since September 11, 2001, you are doing yourself a great disservice if you don't read this book. The CIA has had issues for quite some time as Nutter points out. The events of 9-1-1 just make the background that he presents all the more significant to the International Relations student.
Rating:
Summary: Covert Action Rehashed
Review: This is a disappointing review of covert activities by the CIA based largely on old sources. There's nothing new here, and one of the faults lies in Nutter's reliance on outdated sources. The author is clearly no believer in the efficacy of covert action, but even here he fails to make a strong case why it should be rejected as a foreign policy instrument, concluding that as long as power politics reign, Presidents and leaders of the intelligence community will resort to what they see as a "third option" between diplomacy and the use of force. The book is riddled with error beginning with crediting Gen Gehlen with covert action in the Baltics and the Ukraine under CIA control. It is, as a previous reviewer has noted, flawed by a lack of documentation. Nutter, for example, insinuates that the CIA was somehow involved in stealing Jimmy Carter's briefing books in preparation for the 1980 Presidential debates. There is nothing here on a host of covert actions which have long been known to insiders, ranging from the hostage escape in Tehran to prominent agents of influence. Covert action should be a subject of serious study and debate, but this is a useful compendium of failures and abuses in the Cold War. It says little about how --- or whether --- covert action should be used to combat current anhd future threats.
Rating:
Summary: Covert Action Rehashed
Review: This is a disappointing review of covert activities by the CIA based largely on old sources. There's nothing new here, and one of the faults lies in Nutter's reliance on outdated sources. The author is clearly no believer in the efficacy of covert action, but even here he fails to make a strong case why it should be rejected as a foreign policy instrument, concluding that as long as power politics reign, Presidents and leaders of the intelligence community will resort to what they see as a "third option" between diplomacy and the use of force. The book is riddled with error beginning with crediting Gen Gehlen with covert action in the Baltics and the Ukraine under CIA control. It is, as a previous reviewer has noted, flawed by a lack of documentation. Nutter, for example, insinuates that the CIA was somehow involved in stealing Jimmy Carter's briefing books in preparation for the 1980 Presidential debates. There is nothing here on a host of covert actions which have long been known to insiders, ranging from the hostage escape in Tehran to prominent agents of influence. Covert action should be a subject of serious study and debate, but this is a useful compendium of failures and abuses in the Cold War. It says little about how --- or whether --- covert action should be used to combat current anhd future threats.
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