Detailed but worth every minute.

Slow to start however picks up pace significantly a 3rd of the way into the book. The story is mesmerizing as it outlines the brutality Of those hidden enemies that lurk in the shadows.

5 people found this helpful

For those who wish to truly understand

Beirut Station Chief William Buckley’s kidnapping and murder is shrouded in mystery and secrecy. It is perhaps one of the most significant episodes in the lead up to where the United States stands with modern terrorism.
It should have been a major red flag.
As a matter of public relations, it was an unmitigated disaster, swept under the rug at the time by politicians.
Now, with time, the event’s significance in the evolution of terrorism and our current relationship with Iran is made very clear in this historical text.
Well-written and with great narration, only the CIA-redactions mar the narrative, reminding the reader how these evens are still in play to this day.

3 people found this helpful

Why We Must Contain and Defeat Iran

If you have any questions about the threat posed by Iran, directly and through its proxies, read this book.

5 people found this helpful

educational, detailed, and important

Great book on a very important moment in USA history. The information detailed by Fred Burton allows you to see the bigger picture of our involvement in the middle east.

2 people found this helpful

Must hear to understand middle east

Very important history. I recommend with the following comments. I think the editors missed places where the book seems repetitive. Secondly, I was not a fan of the narrator. Very drone and almost robotic.

1 person found this helpful

A fairly concise and coherent rundown

A good rundown of the four decade war between Hezbollah and the US and Israel. it's a little sexed up but still well worth the time.

1 person found this helpful

informative, detailed, thrilling!!

what a great listen. I enjoy the suspense of military special operation books, so I wasnt to sure of this book. Boy was i wrong.

1 person found this helpful

He Defined Honor

I remembered these events as it was yesterday, and at 67, I can tell you it was the most painful book in my life to even get through. The whole book refreshed my memories and answered so many questions that have plauged me for years, and can now say based on the book itself, that Mr.. William Buckley was tortured every day for over 400 days in such a way that the 16th Century Tower of London personnel would have envied.
It looks to me that Bill Casey and a few friends ached over Mr.. Buckley's horrid death, and I was also, but in a very naive manner as those were the day's I believed that great institutions such as the CIA were beyond approach. I think Mr. Buckley knew the first day he was snatched out off his car, he knew full well that his employer was impotent when it came to any type of rescue, and they have not improved much since. This book should tell Americans that they are an agency of the government that has outlived its use. Retribution after the fact is a folly when the other party takes it up another notch after such. I wonder if someone had said let's leave these sociopathic idelogs alone in 1980?
I can say for certainty 9/11 would be unknown to all Americans and that's the lesson you should end up with at the end of this book. I am so sorry Mr.. Buckley we did not try harder to free you Sir, but I can tell you the military had several ideas and an idea beats nothing any day of the week. In your darkest of days, your friends those that knew the man tried in vain to do more. The book also confirms that "Fake News" was alive and well the day the music died.

2 people found this helpful

Eye opening

Non-political fact based account of rise in terror / terror tactics from bombing of U.S. Embassy in Lebanon to today. Well written, a book that would be good for every American to read.

Excellent reference material

I hate buying a book twice, but after listening to the audio version, you’re going to want a hard copy to put on your shelf for reference material.