World Of Secrets

An assessment of U.S. intelligence gathering pinpoints its successes and failures and examines where improvements are needed based on an analysis of previously inaccessible material and personal interviews with leaders of government and the intelligence community

Laqueur, author of numerous books on the Middle East, terrorism, and European history, now writes about intelligence. Eschewing the dramatic ``spy story'' approach, he focuses on the production, analysis, and consumption of political intelligence. Thus the discussion of types of information, the history of intelligence collection, foreign systems, and successes and failures is filtered through the lens of political utility in making sound decisions. The ``missile gap,'' the Cuban missile crisis, and Vietnam provide examples of ambiguity, success, and failure in collection, analysis, and impact of decisions. Laqueur concludes that good intelligence depends upon talented and experienced practitioners, but in the final analysis it can only enhance sound policy, not replace it. A valuable book for scholars and decision makers. Richard B. Finnegan, Political Science Dept., Stonehill Coll., N. Easton, Mass.
Copyright 1985 Reed Business Information, Inc.