Peace, War, and Politics: An Eyewitness Account

As a self-professed muckraker, Anderson provides some new and even amusing insights into a clumsy government which, to the public's good fortune, is often its own worst enemy. He is particularly effective in providing the contrasting sides of J. Edgar Hoover, a tyrant on the one hand but a protector of the system (for varying reasons of his own) as well. Frankly, I learned as much about Drew Pearson as I did Jack Anderson, which I enjoyed as well. Overall, excellent reading.

Page 350 refers to ""the kidnapping of CIA Beirut Station Chief William Buckley by the pro-Iranian extremist group Islamic Jihad"" later tortured to death (P351) and then executed (P352) ""in retaliation for an Israeli air raid on the headquarters of the Palestinian Liberation Organization in Tunis..... During that period, which followed the aftermath of the occupation of Beirut - the only Arab Capital ever to be entered by the Israeli Army - nothing could really dull the grief and anguish that swept the `ruined' city and the predominant feeling in Beirut had been one that while the niceties of diplomacy could no longer be observed, many people would now have to face their moment of destiny, come as it may. For those who have lost scores of their love ones during the raging battles three years back, the capture of `CIA Station Chief' was a signal for wild rejoicing, because during Israel incursion into Beirut (in specific) the city was actually gripped by `spy mania.' The lack of enthusiasm of Beiruti masked in effect a vague feeling that, though pro-Iranian groups were now riding on the crest of a wave, retribution would follow if Buckley was harmed. Unlike the Israelis, whose war machine so far consisted entirely of more action and less vainglorious boast, the American Administration remained lethargic and apathetic to this event.

An absolutely phenomenal read. Jack Anderson was a HUGE asset to the American public, and yet the vast majority of us never even knew it. We also had no clue of what was going on behind the closed doors of the White House, CIA, FBI, Senate, House, IRS, Pentagon...and on and on and on. Jack Anderson shaped national policy with his "Washington Merri-Go-Round" column. He rubbed shoulders with the likes of JFK, Warren Beatty, Robert Redford, LBJ, President Bush, etc. An unbelievable book which leaves you staring at your ceiling at night wondering what else is going on in Washington, D.C. and other places in the US & World that our government and leaders are involved in....most of which we are completely clueless to. If you have ever voted, you must read this book. THE best book I have read in years. Hands down!! This book has juicy secrets, how he got them, how he uncovered them, and all the messy details about how the truth would usually prevail. Jack Anderson is a National Hero. Without question.

Very informative, yet very influentual. Lets you know what has really happened in past wars and what has happened in the goverment, that the average citzen doesn't even know about now. I have very diferent issues on politics now that i have read this book. I recomend it to anyone & everyone. I've read alot of books and this happens to be one of my personal favorites.

Peace, War and Politics unveils a side to US history that is lost in survey courses. Anderson and Gibson cover everything from McCarthyism to the Iran-Contra scandal, all while toppling political figures to their ruin in true mudracker style. It will interest those who have lived through the events and embarass others about their lack of knowledge. Anderson is not afraid to admit when his investigative reporting went too far or when he's wrong. The trouble he gets in when he is right (CIA surveillance, debates with polished politicians) is hiliarious.