In Search of Enemies: A CIA Story

What does a war machine do after more than two decades of sustained, intricate intelligence operations in a kinetic environment? Should the machine be powered down, rested, and reevaluated? Or should it pivot from Asia to another continent to face Russia? This is not a story of US intelligence and military activities after withdrawing from Afghanistan in 2021 and pivoting to Ukraine, though recent events certainly mirror Stockwell's story. Instead, this is an earlier story about another war in Asia and another pivot toward confronting Russia, this time in 1976 in Angola.Stockwell played a major role in this war America forgot. That war in Angola is full of lessons about the tyranny of bureaucracy, the inability of practitioners to stop practicing, and the force of habit driving us toward doom even when failure is accepted from the outset. Indeed, the presidential finding authorizing the covert war in Angola explicitly directed the CIA to avoid victory -- the goal was instead to hemorrhage Russian coffers and bleed Angolan bodies, all to keep Russia "on its toes" after the US abandoned Vietnam the year before. What lessons can a story like this teach us? And, more importantly, are we ready to listen?

Stockwell should be required reading! If more read his work we'd be a far less propagandized society, than the one we've unfortunately become here in the U.S.

First, I was pleasantly surprised to receive a book in great condition as compared to it's selling description.Second, I learned of this book while watching a YouTube video documentary about the authors last months in Vietnam. He is a very well spoken person, & that carries over into his writing.Third, the old saying "Those who don't know history are condemned to repeat it" clearly applies to the CIA. Observant & thinking people would see the similarities between this authors experience in Vietnam & what the United States experienced (repeated) in both Iraq & Afghanistan. I coined the phrase, "Make enough mistakes, & you learn what NOT to do." This is usually true for most.Overall a grade of "A++", & I intend to purchase his other books along with many of those he referenced in the book. From Amazon, it possible!

Quite an exposure of CIA covert operations extending from 1949 to this day covering the globe, an identical modus operandi for the current war with Ukraine. Just change the names and country.

a spot-on hands down accurate read of USI activity and the good old boy protection racket and the creation of threats to forward political goals and keep the senior staff employed, "war is a racket". accurate account of inside USI political games regarding promotions, friends in high places

Okay, for starters I see 1-2 stars reviews saying that this book is boring and not enough explosions for a book about war. Coming from Angola, I can tell you that their where enough explosions. However, this book isn't about that. It's about the corruption of a government and it's involvement in a war, that they had no business being in. So yeah, it is a bit boring to read about off the books politics, what did you expect? If your looking for facts from a ex-CIA personal this book is great. If your looking for action and downright fiction, pick up another book.As far as from the conditions the book I received, because I bought this used, it was good. Missing the dust jacket, and the sides are slightly yellowing. Other than those too minor cosmetic imperfections the book in more than acceptable.

History tends to repeat itself, and thus book provides preview of similar things to come.

This is a must read for anyone interesting in US foreign policy or war issues as it illustrates in detail who the CIA runs a covert operation, from beginning to end. It ain't pretty, if you believes in the Constitution. The author illustrates how the CIA lies, to Congress, to the public, and even to the layers within its bureaucratic web.

Braces unclip regularly very annoying.but delivery very good and fast.

Arrived in perfect condition. Enjoyed the book.

Elegí el libro para un trabajo y me gustó bastan te por ver la CIA desde dentro, no todo por supuesto, pero aprendes que la CIA no lo hace todo por dinero, ni por petróleo, ni por materias primas, ni por posición estratégica. Naturalmente pega saltos de cosas que no puede o no quiere decir, como el contenido de algunas reuniones.

Muss zugeben, dass ich das Buch bis heute nicht zu Ende gelesen habe. Stockwell, ein alter CIA Haudegen, ist jedoch klar zu empfehlen, wenn man sich ein Bild von der Szene machen will.

in very poor condition