Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
Hard Measures: How Aggressive CIA Actions After 9/11 Saved American Lives
While the American public is aware of the CIA’s use of highly controversial “enhanced interrogation techniques,” few know the man who, in the wake of September 11, led all U.S. counterterrorism operations and oversaw the use of those procedures—procedures that obtained vital and timely intelligence and helped safeguard the nation from future attacks. Puerto Rican–born Jose...more
Hardcover, 288 pages
Published
April 30th 2012
by Threshold Editions
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
This book is not yet featured on Listopia.
Add this book to your favorite list »
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
284)
nhanced Interrogation as part of a HUMINT collection program works! Anyone who denies this knows nothing about interrogation or HUMINT. Jose Rodriguez is a great American Patriot. Thank God we still have a few people like this left to keep us safe. On the other hand, the book reveals what many Americans have suspected for some time: There are anti-American ideologues in the government and media, who will do everything within their power to harm the U.S. and anyone who tries to protect and defend...more
I had previously read The Black Banners: The Inside Story of 9/11 and the War Against al-Qaeda by Ali Soufan, so I was curious to read this book, as I thought it was the opposite side of coin vis a vis enhanced interrogation techniques.
After reading this book, some of my resistance to EIT has been lowered. I am glad Mr. Rodriguez has had the opportunity to set the record straight on what had previous been some bias reporting on the nature and extent of EIT. The program was far better reviewed,...more
After reading this book, some of my resistance to EIT has been lowered. I am glad Mr. Rodriguez has had the opportunity to set the record straight on what had previous been some bias reporting on the nature and extent of EIT. The program was far better reviewed,...more
Hard Measures is the story of Jose A. Rodriguez (and told by him) and his time at the CIA. Rodriguez was born in Puerto Rico, but lived in many international locations as his father’s job took him to many countries. Rodriguez attends university in the US and obtains a law degree. After graduation, he decides to join the CIA, to try to recapture some of the excitement and adventure of his youth with his many exotic travels.
The majority of story documents his many years at the CIA and how he moved...more
The majority of story documents his many years at the CIA and how he moved...more
Hard Measures covers the career of Jose Rodriquez, the former director of the CIA’s National Clandestine Service. It is as much his autobiography as it is a leadership story from the intelligence world during the War on Terrorism. He skillfully describes the steps taken in the Counter Terrorism Center after the 9-11 attacks to develop a program capable of combating al-Qaeda.
The author’s primary motivation, as revealed by the subtitle, “How Aggressive CIA Actions After 9/11 Saved American Lives,”...more
The author’s primary motivation, as revealed by the subtitle, “How Aggressive CIA Actions After 9/11 Saved American Lives,”...more
Very enlightening book to highlight how little is done to obtain info from terrorists. Why anyone works in intelligence with how politicized and undervalued our politicians make these positions is beyond me. So few these days willing to make courageous decisions because of politicians try to ruin your reputation and career
An excellent read by a good man and a man of integrity. We need more men like this in government service and fewer of those like Barack Obama.
The book complements others I have read about the CIAs role in terrorist interrogation, including those by George Bush and Dick Cheney.
The book complements others I have read about the CIAs role in terrorist interrogation, including those by George Bush and Dick Cheney.
It's not the most exciting book in the world, but there is a very straightforward style of writing that I appreciated. I saw Mr. Rodriguez discussing the movie Zero Dark Thirty on a video panel discussion and wanted to read more about his angle.
Fred gave me this to read - if you like insider stories about the CIA this one's for you. He had an interesting life - lot of stuff about his views on "torture". Felt it could be a hesaid/she said sort of memoir? I confess I skimmed a lot....
Forget what the major media has told you about CIA interrogations. Listen to the guy in charge of them. Laugh when he reveals what really broke KSM and made him compliant. Water isn't involved but a long standing but simple technique is.
A testament to the United States and its lawful, humane treatment of detainees captured in the War on Terror. Jose Rodriquez is a nonpartisan, genuine hero who is owed immense gratitude, and certainly not what he was subjected to concerning "the tapes." This is a must read.
This is a must read book! Mr. Rodriguez is a true American Hero and needs to be awarded a Nobel Peace Price. Thank you for all the sacrifices you've made to keep our country safe.
PS: Did I mention this book is a page turner?
PS: Did I mention this book is a page turner?
Not in full agreement with Mr. Rodriguez on some of the "hard measures" but appreciate his service as well as his descriptions & explanations of the methods used by his agency.
May 01, 2012
Joe Wisniewski
marked it as to-read
This looks like a good read; esp. with the counter-evidence that Pelosi was fully briefed as to the interrogation techniques; contrary to her repeated vehement claims to the contrary.
Our modern American biases confuse us on the subject of torture. Torture works. It saves lives. We should utilize it. Excellent book by a CIA Officer.
one of those six degrees of separation reads, I know someone who knows his family. Could't resist
Great book about the CIA and the politics at play in the organization. Jose Rodriguez is a hero.
An oddly anemic defense of "enhanced interrogation techniques" from the former CIA director of the clandestine service who saw oversaw their use. Only perhaps a quarter of the book is actually about the question of torture and his service at the CIA. Most of the book is consumed by blistering criticism of government oversight of the Agency, Congress, the CIA Inspector General, leakers, the media and most of all their roles in the flap over videotapes of "enhanced" interrogations that he played a...more
Very interesting first hand perspective on CIA interrogation.
Very interesting and a great book to read. Passed it to my husband and have told others about it.
Very good book, easy read by the man to established, got approval, and oversaw the administration of enhanced interrogation techniques. Describes why they were necessary, how they worked, how they were used, how the terrorists were not harmed by them, how the information obtained has kept Americans safe, and how they led to the capture of Osama Bin Laden.
Really eye opening look at how the CIA operates in regards to what the media and other govt. organizations want us to think. Good read overall.
So far good - will update once finished.
May 07, 2013
Amanda
is currently reading it
May 04, 2013
Beth
marked it as to-read
May 02, 2013
Doyle
marked it as to-read
Apr 19, 2013
Amy Everman
marked it as to-read
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
