Robert Baer cheated death several times during his work around the globe gathering information for the U. S. Government. Even he is surprised to have made it to a stage in life where he is one of the few experts on terrorism that CNN can rely on for first hand knowledge of events occurring in the hot spots of the world like Iraq, Iran, Lebanon and Russia. An insider's look at the CIA, how it operates, how it deteriorated at the end of the 20th century and its changing profile since 9/11, is my third book by Robert Baer. His recollection of events pre 9/11 tell of his foreboding of just such an event happening and how the clues were ignored. A frightening book for sure. The Arab religious clans and their leaders for the past several decades are referenced as are the statesmen who head secular governments. This was a difficult book to read, not only because the subject is extremely complex but also because of the depressing news that as bad as things are currently, it points to a grim future. It appears that at the core of every fight in the Middle East is the quest for oil. I did learn a new term, the accusatory process which is a tactic in interrogation.

Very interesting book that covers the personal career of Robert Baer who was a CIA field agent. Goes into detail his time focusing on fighting terrorism and how their networks operate. Goes into detail how the CIA, White House, and NSA became focused more on politics rather than protecting the country. Definitely makes me think that more large scale attacks are possible which is very scary.

Bob Baer grew up traveling the world and calling his Ma "Mother." Then he went to Georgetown and got a job as a case officer for the CIA. The reader gets to learn some of the ins and outs of running agents and that's pretty interesting. Bob goes to India and talks to members of the military. Then our stuff blows up in Lebanon and Bob gets a pretty shitty feeling about most of the folks over there, especially Iranians. Bob is not a fan of Iran. Bob tries to sort of help kick off a revolution in Iraq but doesn't. Then he has to go back to Washington. There he learns that the CIA is compromised by a bunch of politically correct pussies and oil people. Bob is disgusted by this. Also maybe Iran was behind 9/11. Maybe.

Yours,

Mitters