Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
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100 reviews
July 14,2025
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The statement that "Confirms all the facts that the Democrat party is just an old soviet psyop" is a rather extreme and unsubstantiated claim.

The Democratic Party in the United States has a long and complex history. It has been involved in various political, social, and economic issues over the years.

While there may be differences in political ideology and policy positions between the Democratic Party and other political entities, it is inaccurate and unfair to simply label it as a "soviet psyop."

Political parties are made up of individuals with diverse backgrounds and beliefs, and they engage in the democratic process to represent the interests and views of their constituents.

We should approach political analysis and discussion with objectivity and respect for different perspectives, rather than making unfounded accusations and generalizations.

By doing so, we can have a more informed and meaningful dialogue about the future of our society and the role that political parties play in shaping it.

July 14,2025
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Amazon 2008 - 12 - 29.

I was truly quite shocked when I discovered that this was published after The Cardinal in the Kremlin. It appears as if it sets up the entire story of that book.

Andrew's editor seems to have made some rather glaring mistakes. In the last few chapters, there are a string of noticeable errors that are splashed across the closing pages. This really detracts from the overall quality of the work.

Furthermore, the arrangement of the material is extremely poor. There is a great deal of massive duplication, which makes the reading experience rather disjointed. It feels as if the author didn't quite know how to organize the information in a more coherent manner.

However, having said all that, the material itself is, as far as I know, without equal. Despite the flaws in the editing and arrangement, I still managed to learn a tremendous amount over the two or three days that I spent devouring this book. It contains a wealth of knowledge and insights that are truly fascinating.

Overall, while this book has its flaws, it is still a worthwhile read for those who are interested in the subject matter.
July 14,2025
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Fascinating details that help shed a light on current Russian active measures and foreign policy.

These details are truly captivating as they offer valuable insights into the complex and often mysterious world of Russian international affairs.

The active measures employed by Russia can range from information warfare and propaganda to more covert operations.

Understanding these details is crucial for policymakers, analysts, and anyone interested in global politics.

However, getting through this information can be quite a slog.

The sheer volume of data and the complexity of the subject matter can make it a challenging task.

Nevertheless, the effort is well worth it as it provides a deeper understanding of Russia's motives and strategies.

By delving into these details, we can better anticipate and respond to the actions and policies of the Russian government.

Overall, the study of Russian active measures and foreign policy is a fascinating and important area of research.
July 14,2025
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The problem with some works like this is that you have to accept that every person in the chain is accurately reporting what they did. People still haven't confirmed how much, if any, KGB influence there was with Romano Prodi, the former Prime Minister of Italy. And we've seen boasting about Oppenheimer being a feather in the cap by some spies too, and nothing conclusive happens either. The following might make you question some of the usefulness of the information at times. There's been a fair deal of CIA and KGB people who just fabricate information on rare occasions to make sure they look busy and productive too. Sometimes telling the truth doesn't help your career. Information collecting and stealing technology is something they excel at, but when it comes to dealing with operational issues, there is a lot less clarity.

I still think the main utility of the Mitrokin Archive was the exposing of a large amount of Soviet agents. A lot of projects never bear much fruit, others are information goldmines, but the important thing to ask is 'why you're doing it' and 'what you really believe is going on'. James Angleton is a very interesting case in how objective one may or may not be.

The Mitrokhin Commission was an Italian parliamentary commission set up in 2002 to investigate alleged KGB ties of some Italian politicians. It was controversial and viewed with scepticism. The commission alleged that Romano Prodi was the "KGB's man in Italy". However, it was disbanded in March 2006 without any concrete evidence to support the original allegations. In five years, the commission had heard 47 witnesses, at a total cost of 1.9 million euros.
Scaramella has a strange history. He met with Alexander Litvinenko for lunch in London. Litvinenko's brother said that Scaramella wanted to use his brother as a source. Scaramella was later arrested and charged with calumny and illegal weapons' trade. He struck a plea bargain deal to a four-year sentence but did not serve any time in jail due to a pardon.
The Mitrokhin Commission was shut down in March 2006 without any concrete result. After the 2006 general election, a new parliamentary commission was instituted to investigate the controversial Mitrokhin Commission.
July 14,2025
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This article is truly very informative.

Unlike many other non-fiction works that I have read, it presents a remarkable combination of detailed information and engaging stories.

The details are presented in a clear and concise manner, making it easy for the reader to understand and absorb the content.

At the same time, the inclusion of stories adds an element of interest and entertainment, keeping the reader engaged throughout the entire piece.

It is this unique blend of details and stories that makes this article stand out from the rest.

Whether you are looking to learn something new or simply enjoy a good read, this article is definitely worth checking out.

It offers a wealth of knowledge and entertainment in one package, making it a great choice for anyone with an interest in non-fiction literature.
July 14,2025
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Not for the faint of heart.

This large volume is filled with dry facts, yet it is highly informative. Chapter 22 (?) on SIGINT (signals intelligence) was particularly interesting. Additionally, there were other engaging sections. A significant amount of time was dedicated to Czechoslovakia and the Prague Spring. However, I'm not familiar enough with this period (even though it was part of the Cold War), so that section didn't fully capture my interest. Perhaps I'll brush up on that era and then revisit the book at a future date. I'm more knowledgeable about the '70s, '80s, and into the '90s. I gained some clarification on known and suspected information. Some incidents and scenes were repeated as new info in various sections.

I have to admit, the sheer audacity and scope of the "illegals" program has always fascinated me. I recall sitting in security briefings in the early '80s and being constantly warned/reminded that the person or family living next to me, or befriending me could actually be Soviet agents who had been trained for years and sent (usually via Canada, after living there for several years) to America to pass themselves off as Americans. It seemed so far-fetched at the time, but you had to be aware that it was a possibility - especially with the constant reminders at every briefing. Being "wet behind the ears" (extremely young), I'm quite sure I needed those constant reminders. So, when I saw the television show "The Americans" years later, I couldn't help but smile. The show took me back to that time period and I really enjoyed it. Overall, at least according to this book, the "Illegals" program wasn't highly successful. On the other hand, the honeytrap program, using "swallows" trained in the art of sexual entrapment to compromise and blackmail foreigners, was wildly successful.

There is a wealth of information in this book, although many of the more interesting events and facts can be found in lighter works. Having said that, the fact that this book is based on actual Soviet/KGB files/archives lends credibility to the events and information, verifying much of what has been known or suspected for years.
July 14,2025
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Here is some very interesting historical information. It is truly captivating and offers a wealth of knowledge. However, it is also quite dense, which means it can be a bit overwhelming to take in all at once. The details are rich and require careful study and attention. But despite its density, it is well worth delving into as it provides valuable insights into the past. We can learn a great deal from this historical information, about the events, people, and cultures that have shaped our world. It is like a treasure trove waiting to be discovered and explored. So, even though it may seem challenging at first, we should not shy away from it but rather embrace it and strive to understand its significance.

July 14,2025
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This is an extremely huge work.

Just the act of holding it and reading through it was like a marathon.

It is based on the gleanings from the KGB archives collected by Vasili Mitrokhin.

This enormous work takes the reader behind the scenes at the Soviet security agency, which has been variously called the Cheka, NKVD, MGB, KGB, and SVR.

It documents the highs and lows, the successes and failures of the agency in its different incarnations, starting from the founding of the Bolshevik state.

The most fascinating aspect that I discovered was the manner in which the agency was utilized to uphold the one-party state and guarantee its survival for nearly seventy years.

This is a remarkable feat, made possible only by the application of vast resources of time, money, and manpower, all focused on suppressing dissent in any form.

It went as far as preventing Nobel prize winners from collecting their prizes.

There is also a warning that the SVR, the latest incarnation, is not a powerless organization, and "active measures" have always been its specialty.

And that Putin fellow? He was actively involved in Germany for at least 15 years as a KGB agent during the Cold War.
July 14,2025
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This book is interesting if you have a passion for spycraft and cold war history. It offers unique insights and details that can be quite captivating.

However, it also has its drawbacks. At times, it can be quite tedious, especially when delving into overly detailed accounts or repetitive information.

Another issue with this edition is the frequent misprinting of foreign characters such as é, è, ê, and so on. This can be quite distracting and take away from the overall reading experience.

Despite these flaws, if you're truly interested in the subject matter, it may still be worth giving this book a try. Just be prepared for some of the less enjoyable aspects.
July 14,2025
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It's a bit scattered, to be sure.

However, if you are paying close attention, it does offer some valuable background information.

This background can provide insights into the other side of the Cold War.

The events and circumstances that took place during this period were complex and multifaceted.

By delving deeper into this scattered information, we can begin to piece together a more comprehensive understanding of the Cold War.

We can see the various political, economic, and social factors that contributed to the tensions and rivalries between the two superpowers.

It allows us to explore the strategies and maneuvers that were employed, as well as the impact on the rest of the world.

So, while it may seem scattered at first glance, this information holds the key to uncovering the hidden aspects of the Cold War.

July 14,2025
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Well, if that isn't just an interesting coincidence...

I finished reading this remarkable work on May 1, 2022. As I was reading, I couldn't help but have vivid visions of troops and missiles on display, marching through Red Square. This book offers an extremely detailed history of the security services of the Soviet Union. It is based on the Mitrokhin Archives, which consists of some 6000 pages of notes that Vasili Mitrokhin brought out when he defected.

It is truly a captivating and informative read. The level of detail provided is astonishing, allowing readers to gain a deep understanding of the inner workings of the Soviet security services. However, it must be noted that this book requires a significant commitment of time and attention.

One cannot simply breeze through it. It demands careful consideration and absorption of the information presented. But for those who are interested in Soviet history or the world of intelligence, it is definitely worth the effort.

Overall, this book is a valuable addition to any library and a must-read for anyone seeking to expand their knowledge of this fascinating era.
July 14,2025
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Dated (it originally pubbed while Yeltsin was still president)

but still interesting!

This piece of writing might be a bit old, as it was published during the time when Yeltsin was the president. However, despite its age, it still holds a certain level of interest. It could potentially offer insights into the events, ideas, or situations that were relevant during that particular era. Even though the political and social landscape may have changed since then, there might be aspects of this article that can still capture our attention and make us think. Maybe it presents a unique perspective or tells a story that is worth revisiting. So, although it is dated, it is still interesting enough to take a closer look at and discover what it has to offer.
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