Robert BaerCritiques

Very interesting book about Iran and where it stands against the West. Very unsettling book considering that author was working for the government agencies so all of what he says should be more or less visible through political action but unfortunately is not. For whatever reason.
Recommended for anyone interested in Middle East and West-East interactions in general.

Very interesting book on a subject that seems to be a taboo in certain political and economic circles. It is a sad thing that some people present their money hoarding as national interest. Even sadder is the fact that their action in turn motivates majority of people to actually give their lives believing they are doing it for the patriotic reasons.

Dont get me wrong, this is nothing new and it was happenning from dawn of mankind. But saying that it is nothing new is like saying "theft - what about it, its been around for ages". Whenever possible this way of profiteering needs to be made public.

Very disturbing book about a country that is trying to find its way - I might even say its public identity. Is it capable of doing it? Maybe. But it is more than clear that its inability to find path it will thread on brings the balance of everything else in question.

Recommended - it might even help reader to put in context all events that took place in last few years in that troubled region of the world.

The book "See No Evil" by Robert Baer is a thrilling adventure story about the experiences of a young CIA case officer in Asia and the Middle East. It is written with energy and a touch of humor, making it a captivating read for those interested in espionage procedurals. The second half of the book reveals a different side of Baer, as he becomes burnt out and in need of rest. This is marked by a re-call to headquarters and an investigation into his involvement in a murder for hire plot. As Baer continues to operate on his own in the field, he becomes increasingly isolated and out of control, leading to his eventual return to headquarters in Washington D.C. There, he struggles to navigate the unfamiliar and seemingly unfathomable world of Washington politics. Despite these challenges, Baer is a talented writer and deserves a loyal audience for this and his other books.

The book "Sleeping with the Devil" discusses the flawed and corrupt nature of the US political system, intelligence and counterintelligence apparatus, defense industry, energy economy, and policy towards the Middle East. The author, a former intelligence officer, asserts that wealthy Arab officials have made large defense contracts with the US and have manipulated oil prices to stay in power, while also funding terrorists and taking bribes to maintain a lavish lifestyle. The US has inserted its military into the region to maintain this status quo and has used agencies like the FBI to cover up corruption and impropriety in both the US and Arabia. The book suggests self-reform by politicians and corporate elites and the invasion of a 400-mile stretch of oil-rich territory including Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia as potential solutions. However, the invasion is now impossible as it would incite further anger and opposition from Muslims, and the politicians do not have the incentive to reform. The author predicts that the House of Saud will eventually fall, leading to a rise in oil prices and a decline in the US economy.

A book I highly recommend to people thinking about the future of the Middle East. Iran is a major player, clearly desires to become an even larger factor in the region, and its influence is only growing following the weakening of Iraq. Baer's work with the CIA gave him important insights into the Middle East, and he takes care to provide an understanding of Iran and its policies. Our Country's most recent policy has been to isolate Iran and not to participate in discussions between the two countries. The President-elect had stated during the 2008 Campaign that he's interested in opening a dialog with Iran, and this book point out why that approach appears to be a valid one.

Just started but totally likeable couple. Goes from one vignette to another by one then the other. Real; crazy; spying.

A novel with a lot of facts. Fun read and of course very scary.

An essential book about Iran and the Middle East written by someone who understands the history, culture and outlook of that region from first hand experience. Robert Baer's other books, See No Evil and Sleeping With the Devil are both first rate, but this one tops this others, especially because its focus is on contemporary issues that bear directly on the United States and Iran. It should be at the top
of Barack Obama's and Hillary Clinton's reading lists (assuming, of course, that they have reading lists!).

The true story of a ground soldier in the CIA's war on terrorism

Along with " The Devil We Know " , gives you a good take on what the hell's going on over there

has a glossary

I enjoy books about real-life spy craft, Bob Baer's memoir "See No Evil," being one of my favorites. And three-quarters of this book offer similar offers similar stories. Real spy-life is not James Bond. It can be just as dangerous, but more because the spy is working in a menacing theater of operations rather than up against specially identifiable villains and their henchmen. On the other hand, a couple of stories here reveal that real life for the spy also involves things like dealing with one's family relations, including a mother who comes to visit while the spy is on duty!

Because of my interests, the book lost momentum once our spies, Bob and Dayna, retire and marry. The last part of the book is about their efforts adopting a baby from Pakistan. Very meaningful to them, of course, but for this reader, not a story that held the same power.

This was a surprising book in many ways being a diversion from the normal content for books of this genre. It was a thoughtful book giving real insights into the thinking behind the work of covert intelligence agencies. A book that challenged a lot of preconceptions I had and provided a great deal of entertainment along the way.

The author examines the role of political assassinations as a quick and fairly bloodless way to change the course of history for the better. This books if filled with great stories that accompany each rule, showing how assassinations throughout history have changed its course, sometimes for the better, sometimes not. He also explains why if an assassination does not do this, it is simply best not to perform it. This is a very interesting and compelling read in these tough political times.

Interesting, because the author is a real CIA field operator, not some desk jockey rotated into a safe embassy sinecure for a couple of years to punch their career ticket. I do recommend "spy" aficionados read, but know in advance that the book, in my opinion, is a little "schizophrenic", with the stories jammed into a loose "manual for assassins" framework. This seems quite artificial and unnecessary. But, DO read if you are into this genre! Again, this guy is the real deal.

An enlightening and even entertaining look at how the CIA works (or, according to the author, used to work). After being raised on James Bond and [a:Tom Clancy|3892|Tom Clancy|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1175466521p2/3892.jpg], it is useful to come back down to earth and learn what it is to be an "agent" or "case officer" or "source."

This was a great behind the scenes of how our CIA works. To read how the our government sends these individuals out with a mission. Expects intel, but then limits their capabilities. We all have heard the stories of how this has happens. But to read a first hand account is another.

What makes all this even better is how the CIA proofed the book. So they are basically saying, yes we do this.

I admire our men and women in uniform. My oldest son served in the Air Force. My middle son is in the Marines currently. My you fest is wanting to now serve. But we never say we support our undercover men and women as well. Great book!

I'm a sucker for a good true spy novel. I love the female perspective of the spy world. This book tells two stories in 1 book. You have his side and his undercover world. Her side and her undercover world. Then the two collide!

It had to be hard to live a life, not be able to talk to your spouse about everything but what your doing. I see why affairs and marriages are ruined by this life.

I really enjoyed this book. It was very insightful into what hell our CIA is put through.

This was a great behind the scenes of how our CIA works. To read how the our government sends these individuals out with a mission. Expects intel, but then limits their capabilities. We all have heard the stories of how this has happens. But to read a first hand account is another.

What makes all this even better is how the CIA proofed the book. So they are basically saying, yes we do this.

I admire our men and women in uniform. My oldest son served in the Air Force. My middle son is in the Marines currently. My you fest is wanting to now serve. But we never say we support our undercover men and women as well. Great book!

I'm a sucker for a good true spy novel. I love the female perspective of the spy world. This book tells two stories in 1 book. You have his side and his undercover world. Her side and her undercover world. Then the two collide!

It had to be hard to live a life, not be able to talk to your spouse about everything but what your doing. I see why affairs and marriages are ruined by this life.

I really enjoyed this book. It was very insightful into what hell our CIA is put through.

If anything, the book is even more chillingly convincing than the movie it inspired: Syriana.

You may not believe the full extent to which oil can so blatantly pervert the course of politics and corporate behaviour, but where there's smoke, there must be fire, right? This book delivers plently of smoking guns.

Note to self: Syriana Babel Lord of War = top 3 geopolitical thrillers of recent times

If anything, the book is even more chillingly convincing than the movie it inspired: Syriana.

You may not believe the full extent to which oil can so blatantly pervert the course of politics and corporate behaviour, but where there's smoke, there must be fire, right? This book delivers plently of smoking guns.

Note to self: Syriana Babel Lord of War = top 3 geopolitical thrillers of recent times

Estas memorias-reportaje fueron publicadas en España el año 2002 por la Editorial Crítica y no es un libro que yo hubiera comprado en una librería o buscado en una biblioteca, pero ya que ha llegado a mis manos y me ha apetecido, lo he leído.

No sé qué hay en él de verdad (todo debe ser cierto desde el punto de vista de Baer) o de mentira, pero es interesante. Robert Baer es un ex agente de la CIA al que ésta le deja contar algunas cosas tras su dimisión en 1997. La dimisión provocada su desilusión hacia la Agencia y por su declive: informatización abusiva, politización extrema y dinero. Los servicios secretos que deben salvaguardar a Estados Unidos de cualquier eventualidad adversa sólo sirven para asegurarse el dominio del petróleo.

Baer da fechas, hechos, nombres (reales y camuflados) para mostrarnos la podedumbre del mundo, las circuntancias y las relaciones entre naciones. Nos habla de la batalla contra el terrorismo (como agente principalmente en Oriente Medio) citando a Arafat, 'Imad Mughniyad (hace dos días ví que un lider suní del mismo nombre se opone a la aprobación de la nueva Constitución de IraK, ¿será el mismo terrorista?), Hezbollah, Bin Laden, Afganistán, Líbano, Arabia saudita, etc., así como las extrañas relaciones con el FBI y el papel decisivo de los "lobbies" para llegar a los presidentes de EE.UU.

Un "testimonio" que entretiene e informa. Su lectura es rápida y ágil.

--
Baer, Robert (1952-). Soldado de la CIA / Robert Baer ; [traducción castellana de Bojana Veskovic ...(et al.)]. -- Barcelona : Comunicación y Publicaciones, D.L. 2004. -- 288 p. : mapas ; 22 cm. -- (Testimonio). -- Tit. orig.: See no evil, the true story of a ground soldier in the CIA's war on terrorism. -- D.L. B 31153-2004. -- De venta conjunta e inseparable con esta revista [Qué leer, año 10, n. 101, especial verano 2005]

327.84(73)CIA
929Baer, Robert
821.111(73)-94"19"

Along with " The Devil We Know " , gives you a good take on what the hell's going on over there

Holy cow, this is an interesting book, even if Baer is not as much at the center of the action as he thinks he is.