Snap Judgment

Tim Weiner chronicles the history of the Central Intelligence Agency in his book Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA. His research included the use of over 50,000 documents and interviews with ten directors of central intelligence. Mr. Weiner analyzes the inherent difficulties in maintaining classified information in an open democracy, and argues that the CIA has consistently struggled in the field of espionage.

நன்றி: Timeline by NYT – Evolution of the Interrogation Tactics from September 11

Amazon.com: Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA: Books: Tim Weiner: “This book shines in its vivid accounts of the agency from 1950-1970, covering its inception after Truman, its founding under Ike and bumbling under Kennedy/LBJ and Nixon. The reader leaves with an understanding of the CIA central role in American Foreign Policy during the time and its subsequent downfall.

Would have liked more information from the Clinton and Bush 43 administations. Doesn’t really get in depth with the CIA’s role in picking up on the growing omen of terrorism.”

While there have been other books written about just how much the CIA resembles the Keystone Cops, such as Mike Ledeen‘s “Terror Masters” book written several years ago, (If you’ve read Steven Emerson’s American Jihad, Ellen Harris‘ Guarding the Secrets, Robert Baer‘s See No Evil and keep current with the work of the Middle East Media Research Institute and Middle East Quarterly, Ledeen’s book won’t provide many revelations) Weiner has put together a laundry list of bumbling that is most telling. As Ledeen says, the CIA has become an agency with the efficiency of the Post Office and the intensity of the Agriculture Department.

• 1st Chapter & Video Interviews

• ‘Legacy of Ashes’ looks at the consequences of the U.S.’ ineffectual spying – Los Angeles Times: “Tim Weiner’s book is a magisterial account of the CIA’s history.”

• Entertainment | CIA’s dark history, right up to the present in “Legacy of Ashes” | Seattle Times Newspaper

• NPR : ‘Legacy of Ashes’ Describes Founding of CIA – Podcast Interview

• Video :: Tim Weiner tells the story

The Family Jewels :: Video – New York Times :: Timeline of the C.I.A.’s ‘Family Jewels’

Rules Lay Out C.I.A.’s Tactics in Questioning – New York Times