Curveball answers the crucial question of the Iraq war: How and why was America’s intelligence so catastrophically wrong? In this dram...
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Sep 29, 2009
Steven
rated it: 
Bob Drogin's "Curveball: Spies, Lies, and the Con Man Who Caused a War" is an examination of the refugee from Iraq, code named "Curveball," who contended that he had been involved in WMD biological warfare research and development. It is also another story of serious mistakes by American intelligence in the run up to the Iraq invasion after 9/11.
In 1999, the Iraqi refugee ended up linking up with German intelligence. As the agents worked with the man who became c More...
In 1999, the Iraqi refugee ended up linking up with German intelligence. As the agents worked with the man who became c More...
May 23, 2009
Rebecca
rated it:
I have to say I didn't know much about the WMD contreversoy before I read this book, and although this probably only covers a specific proportion I am shocked.
Three main factors came out of this book:
1. It had to be true because it proved them right
2. Give them what they want to hear
3. People hear what they want to hear
When you read through the book, parts in the first 3/4 I could find ammusing, even laugh at, but by time I finished it I was cranky becua More...
Three main factors came out of this book:
1. It had to be true because it proved them right
2. Give them what they want to hear
3. People hear what they want to hear
When you read through the book, parts in the first 3/4 I could find ammusing, even laugh at, but by time I finished it I was cranky becua More...
Sep 19, 2008
Evan
rated it: 
This book should be required reading for anyone who believes:
1) That weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in Iraq posed a significant threat to the U.S. between 1991-2003 (or even existed, for that matter); 2) That "everyone" at the CIA, DIA, et al. believed that we had credible intelligence indicating the presence of WMD in Iraq; 3)That "all the Europeans" also believed that Iraq possessed WMD.
The fact is, none of these three things is true. Unfortunately, More...
1) That weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in Iraq posed a significant threat to the U.S. between 1991-2003 (or even existed, for that matter); 2) That "everyone" at the CIA, DIA, et al. believed that we had credible intelligence indicating the presence of WMD in Iraq; 3)That "all the Europeans" also believed that Iraq possessed WMD.
The fact is, none of these three things is true. Unfortunately, More...
Apr 28, 2010
Mark
rated it: 
Not bad in learning still more of the imeptitude of the Bush administration and hopefully the last of the books on that subject I'll feel compelled to read for some time.
Nov 12, 2007
Sarah
rated it:
Flat out fantastic. I was a willful ostrach with my head in the sand (in terms of knowing facts about Iraq) but this book is easy to understand, and actually exciting to read. Don't get me wrong...it's yet another horrible blunder of the CIA and our shady government, but it's the most interesting story I've read about Iraq to date. It's all about this Iraqi Chemical Engineer who sought asylum in Germany...and through his fabrications, singlehandedly convinced our government (with Tenent's madnes
More...
Dec 16, 2009
Novotnyej
rated it:
Highly recommended to understand how pre-conceived assumptions influence the selection and manipulation of facts.
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Jul 28, 2011
Just goes to show that some people believe who they want to believe if it suits them.
Jan 14, 2008
Todd
rated it:
Have you ever wondered how it was possible for the world's greatest superpower to blunder so badly when it came to intelligence information about WMD's in Iraq? Journalist Bob Drogin attempts to answer this question.
The book tells the story of an Iraqi national codenamed "Curveball" who defected to Germany and the lies he told in order to stay there. It attempts to explain his role in the fiasco.
The book tells the story of an Iraqi national codenamed "Curveball" who defected to Germany and the lies he told in order to stay there. It attempts to explain his role in the fiasco.
Aug 22, 2007
Sharon
rated it:
This books reads like novel--a motley crew of CIA spies, foreign intelligence, Iraqi defectors and politicos from all over the world. A fast-paced read that leaves you thinking, as Mark Thomas puts it: 'Curveball is the factual equivalent of Catch 22. It is impossible to read this book and then look at our world leaders without thinking, "F*ck. Oh f*ck. Oh my God, oh f*ck."'
Feb 07, 2009
Aelel
rated it:
I found this book to be very interesting. Definitely worth the read. It demonstrates not only a gross failure on the part of the CIA, but also how human egos, fears, and stubborness can drive what we do, for good or for bad. Government is a tricky thing with its own pressures that make making the right decision sometimes very difficult. Read it.
Aug 16, 2008
Diane
rated it:
This book tells the story behind the intelligence source who claimed that Saddam's Iraq had WMD. The story is interesting and features considerable insight into the intelligence community. While not the most inspiring read, the book contains a lot of good information.
Sep 09, 2008
Patsy
rated it:
I learned that a taxi driver fabricator was the source of the tale that lead to the Iraq War. Terrible.
The book is written as a novel, by a journalist. There are many players, which makes it hard to follow, but the story is devastating.
The book is written as a novel, by a journalist. There are many players, which makes it hard to follow, but the story is devastating.
Jan 26, 2008
Pat
rated it:
I read Agent Zigzag first, which is good, because this book shows just how incompetent our CIA can be and how the black and white world of World War II has changed so much.
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