Man Without a Gun: One Diplomat's Secret Struggle to Free the Hostages, Fight Terrorism, and End a War

Picco's vivid description of his courageous efforts to win the freedom of all persons (not just the Western hostages) who became involuntary pawns in the politics of Lebanon's civil war is fascinating indeed. The most remarkable aspect of Picco's work was his ability to gain and keep the trust of the kidnappers, despite the actions of the U.S. and Israeli governments which often undermined his efforts. Picco is to be commended for risking his life on multiple occassions to save the lives of people whom he had never met. He did it because it was the right thing to do. Picco is a remarkable diplomat who simultaneously juggled the conflicting interests of the kidnappers, Iran, Israel, Syria and the United States. This was definitely a story that needed to be told. I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about the now largely forgotten hostage crisis in Lebanon.

I found this book to be absolutely fascinating. I went into it with a limited memory of what I had heard through the news of the time of the hostages and the Iran-Iraq war, but came out with a much deeper understanding - not only of the times, but also of the people, the real players. I have come to appreciate the work of the brave Mr. Picco and those who worked along with him, and I am grateful for their service to those who could not serve themselves.

Mr. Picco and I are bonded more tightly than most: my husband, Colonel William ("Rich") Higgins was a part of the filthy hostage fabric, and is a part of Mr. Picco's story. My husband, however, was one of the few that did not come home to a joyful reunion with his family and the Marine Corps he served for 22 years. But, thanks only to Mr. Picco, his remains did come home, almost 4 years after he was taken. Reading the book was fascinating to me, in a way only one who lived every moment with Mr. Picco could be. As I wrote in my diary, Mr. Picco wrote in his. As I wondered where Rich was, Mr. Picco was looking. As I wondered if the media reports that he had been murdered could be true, Mr. Picco was hearing them from the shadowy kidnappers and their sponsors. I had never personally met or heard from Mr. Picco before reading the book, and only knew of his existence very late in the game. I only wish Mr. Picco had entered the darkness earlier. The book strengthens my assertion that my husband suffered from bad timing and bad bureaucracy, as much as he did from his treatment. Thank you Mr. Picco for your courage and your honesty.

My summation of this book can best be described by the self-explanatory quote from the author: "Principles matter more than life itself." That sentance exemplifies the level of intregity that Mr. Picco brought onto the scene of every place he set foot...the drama of so many world stages. By reading this book, our insights are enlarged and newly questioned, unexpectantly, as it encourages reassessment of recent history. Once you have read the book, this will be just one of the aspects that from which you will benefit.