Journal: Shoot the Messenger–Not the Originators

Phi Beta Iota: With the utmost respect for both the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (C/JCS) and the Secretary of Defense (SecDef), their “outrage” is nonsense–nothing more than political theater.  On BBC, the moderately intelligent evening news, this is right up there with the French mom who murdered eight babies. 1.  The Taliban …

Review: Shooting the Truth–The Rise of American Political Documentaries

Both a Tour of Substance, and an Eye Opener for Book People July 29, 2010 James McEnteer This is a 6 Star and Beyond book and is so categorized at Phi Beta Iota, the Public Intelligence Blog, where one can browse all 1600+ of my non-fiction reviews sorted into 98 categories and easily found with …

Review: Searching for Everardo–A Story of Love, War, and the CIA in Guatemala

6 Star Epic–Genocide, CIA Complicity, & Indigenous Honor July 27, 2010 Jennifer K. Harbury This is one of multiple books by this author, and a huge bargain as a used book–I got the used hardcopy. This book is a book-end to Secret History: The CIA’s Classified Account of Its Operations in Guatemala, 1952-1954. The author …

Review: The CIA in Iran–The 1953 Coup and the Origins of the US-Iran Divide

Stunning Account of Unethical Incompetence Triumphant July 26, 2010 Christopher J. Petherick I strongly recommend that this book (or my review) be read in conjunction with its counterpart for Guatemala, Secret History: The CIA’s Classified Account of Its Operations in Guatemala, 1952-1954 (or my review). I’ve been a clandestine case officer (C/O) with three tours …

Journal: New Strategy for Afghanistan? Or Just a New Naked Emperor and a 2012 Bow Wave?

The  report of Damian McElroy in the Telegraph [UK] describes General Petraeus new strategy for Afghanistan.  It will be have a broad emphasis on counterinsurgency, like McChrystal’s strategy, but McElroy highlighted the following (presumed) differences or distinguishing features: Recognition that Taliban defections are crucial to achieving goal of ending war in 4 yrs (2014). … Observation: …