From Publishers Weekly
From the bestselling author of a scathing indictment of Clintonian foreign policy, Betrayal, comes an unbalanced but revealing expose on the mistakes, misdirections and blunders behind "the most damaging intelligence failure since Pearl Harbor." Gertz supports his argument that the intelligence community has "lost sight of its purpose and function" with interviews, news clips and almost 100 pages of government documents, some partially classified (a National Security Agency report reproduced within contains little but the date and the designation "TOP SECRET UMBRA"-the rest is "withheld at the request of U.S. intelligence officials"). He points a very stern finger at the FBI, the NSA and the CIA, "where preservation of the agency's budget takes precedence over its performance." In one confounding case, Gertz writes, veteran CIA field agent Robert Baer was investigated and nearly prosecuted by the FBI for planning an assassination of Saddam Hussein; when the CIA discovered their jig was up, they left Baer out to dry. But while the insights into a government overrun by bureaucracy can be fascinating (and infuriating), Gertz seldom assigns any blame toward either George H.W. or George W. Bush's policies in the Middle East. He saves his condemnation, instead, for the Clinton administration (again). This one-sided portrayal may leave the critical reader feeling as if only half the story is being told, as Gertz's strong conservative bent distorts what could have been an important and well-informed look at the terrorist disaster. Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.


Washington Post
The hottest reporter in town...he breaks dozens of big stories every year...


Rush Limbaugh
What he's uncovered is shocking. He's done a great service for the people of this country.


Book Description
From sources inside the Pentagon and the CIA, Bill Gertz tracks the path of terrorists and terrorism in the United States. He uncovers information that could have prevented 9/11.


About the Author
Bill Gertz, the defense and national security reporter for the Washington Times, is the bestselling author of Betrayal and The China Threat. One of the most respected reporters in his field, he has unrivaled access to sources within the Pentagon and the American intelligence community. He has lectured at the FBI academy and the National Defense University. Gertz lives with his family near Washington, D.C.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

"Here is the real story of how September 11 happened - complete with previously unpublished classified documents, which have been redacted to protect American security." Who's to blame? There's plenty of blame to go around. In Breakdown you'll learn the shocking litany of failures by America's intelligence services that left our country vulnerable.

SYNOPSIS

The defense and national security reporter for The Washington Times argues that US intelligence bureaucracies have lost sight of their mission to support defense and national security objectives, and are now devoted to their own security. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

FROM THE CRITICS

Washington Post

The hottest reporter in town...he breaks dozens of big stories every year, and he's read carefully by people who follow national security issues.

Publishers Weekly

From the bestselling author of a scathing indictment of Clintonian foreign policy, Betrayal, comes an unbalanced but revealing expose on the mistakes, misdirections and blunders behind "the most damaging intelligence failure since Pearl Harbor." Gertz supports his argument that the intelligence community has "lost sight of [its] purpose and function" with interviews, news clips and almost 100 pages of government documents, some partially classified (a National Security Agency report reproduced within contains little but the date and the designation "TOP SECRET UMBRA"-the rest is "withheld at the request of U.S. intelligence officials"). He points a very stern finger at the FBI, the NSA and the CIA, "where preservation of the agency's budget takes precedence over its performance." In one confounding case, Gertz writes, veteran CIA field agent Robert Baer was investigated and nearly prosecuted by the FBI for planning an assassination of Saddam Hussein; when the CIA discovered their jig was up, they left Baer out to dry. But while the insights into a government overrun by bureaucracy can be fascinating (and infuriating), Gertz seldom assigns any blame toward either George H.W. or George W. Bush's policies in the Middle East. He saves his condemnation, instead, for the Clinton administration (again). This one-sided portrayal may leave the critical reader feeling as if only half the story is being told, as Gertz's strong conservative bent distorts what could have been an important and well-informed look at the terrorist disaster. (Aug. 25) Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.

Booknews

The defense and national security reporter for argues that US intelligence bureaucracies have lost sight of their mission to support defense and national security objectives, and are now devoted to their own security. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING