Publisher Description
“Turns the long history of the FBI into a story that is as compelling, and important, as today’s headlines.”—Jeffrey Toobin, author of American Heiress NATIONAL BESTSELLER • Named One of the Best Books of the Year by The Washington Post, New York Daily News, and Slate Enemies is the first definitive history of the FBI’s secret intelligence operations, from an author whose work on the Pentagon and the CIA won him the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award. We think of the FBI as America’s police force. But secret intelligence is the Bureau’s first and foremost mission. Enemies is the story of how presidents have used the FBI as the most formidable intelligence force in American history. Here is the hidden history of America’s hundred-year war on terror. The FBI has fought against terrorists, spies, anyone it deemed subversive—and sometimes American presidents. The FBI’s secret intelligence and surveillance techniques have created a tug-of-war between protecting national security and infringing upon civil liberties. It is a tension that strains the very fabric of a free republic. Praise for Enemies “Pulitzer Prize–winning author Tim Weiner has written a riveting inside account of the FBI’s secret machinations that goes so deep into the Bureau’s skulduggery, readers will feel they are tapping the phones along with J. Edgar Hoover. This is a book that every American who cares about civil liberties should read.”—Jane Mayer, author of Dark Money “Outstanding.”—The New York Times “Absorbing . . . a sweeping narrative that is all the more entertaining because it is so redolent with screw-ups and scandals.”—Los Angeles Times “Fascinating.”—The Wall Street Journal “Important and disturbing . . . with all the verve and coherence of a good spy thriller.”—The New York Times Book Review “Exciting and fast-paced.”—The Daily Beast
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“The complete history of the FBI and the absolute disaster that it has been. Every American should be required to read this book and get an idea of “we’re from the government, we’re here to protect you.” Hoover used his secret illegal files to blackmail people in power to gain more power for his own empire. The truth is there was more corruption in the FBI itself than they have ever uncovered in their job to protect the public. Very sad reading. Finally under current Director Mueller the FBI begins to obey the law. Interesting account of Cheney telling Mueller to place wire taps without legal review and Mueller goes to Bush and says “It’s against the law, and if you order me to do it I will resign.” Bush says “Oh, I didn’t know it was against the law.” Confirming he is ether a liar or a moron.”
—
Ross (4 out of 5 stars)
