When President Clinton sent Richard Holbrooke to Bosnia as America's chief negotiator in late 1995, he took a gamble that would eventually redefine...
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reviews
Dec 28, 2010
Merilee
rated it: 
I started this over a year ago and somehow put it down without getting very far, but not because it wasn't good. I think my French Revolution enthusiasm took me away from my Balkan enthusiasm - temporarily. Now that we have so sadly lost this brilliant diplomat, I think it's time to begin the book again.
This book is excellent, and especially interesting in these days of debating whether or not WikiLeaks is a good or bad thing. The amount of negotiating and diplomacy that Holbrooke More...
This book is excellent, and especially interesting in these days of debating whether or not WikiLeaks is a good or bad thing. The amount of negotiating and diplomacy that Holbrooke More...
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Feb 26, 2011
Kelly
rated it:
A riveting account of diplomacy to stop the war in Bosnia. I found it particularly telling how much the behaviour of the politicians and diplomats reflected the psyche of their nations. Surprisingly, I developed some respect towards Milosevic, relative to other presidents
I liked the forthright views of Holbrooke and his sudden death triggered the interest to learn more about his signature diplomatic breakthrough in Dayton. Some reckoned that was an achievement worthy of the Nobel Peace More...
I liked the forthright views of Holbrooke and his sudden death triggered the interest to learn more about his signature diplomatic breakthrough in Dayton. Some reckoned that was an achievement worthy of the Nobel Peace More...
Jan 29, 2012
Sebastian
rated it: 
A rare insight into the mind of an American diplomat, a combination of naivity, skills, arrogance and guts. I'm not a fan of Holbrooke and his achievements (or lack of), but I did enjoy reading the book.
May 28, 2010
Rayrumtum
rated it:
A good history of the final year of the war in the Balkans. The ever modest Holbrooke explains why he is right and everyone else is wrong and why foreign interventions are fine. Could have served as a rationale for Bush's misadventure in Iraq.
Jul 13, 2009
Emma
rated it:
Fascinating behind-the-scenes account of the Balkan war! Having visited the region, it was riveting to hear about the war and the subtleties of foreign diplomacy... a must read.
Mar 15, 2008
Amy
rated it:
This is the only book I've read that makes working in a bureaucracy (ie - the State Department) seem exciting. :) A great book, though I have to think that Holbrook's recollection of his own work is a bit grandiose at times. Will give ya an interesting look as well at Kosovo, the world's newest country!
Feb 25, 2008
Shannon
rated it: 
Somewhat informative if you can get past the author's megalomania. However, the book is cluttered with so many meetings it is very hard to get a sense of linear, chronological events. For a more comprehensive book about the former Yugoslavia, Read Death of a Nation by Laura Silber.
Dec 31, 2007
Dragana
rated it:
Diplomatic and writerly whiz. Makes Dayton Peace Agreement read like adventure.
Jul 17, 2008
Phoebe
rated it:
Dick Holbrooke talks about the diplomatic effort to end the war in the Balkans
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