Pisces Moon: The Dark Arts of Empire

by Douglas Valentine

Pisces The Dark Arts of Empire is a non-fiction book about what writer William Burroughs called, "the backlash and bad karma of empire." Set against the author's month-long trip to London, Vietnam and Thailand in early 1991, it tells how the American empire was created by rapacious businessmen backed by a murderous military establishment, media moguls who designed a relentless psychological warfare campaign that glorifies warriors who are programmed to kill on command, and clerics who contrived a religious justification for imperialism, the subordination of women, and the establishment of chattel slavery. Pisces Moon shows how these mythmakers, led by CIA drug traffickers after World War Two, destroyed much of Southeast Asia. It also tells how the myth of American greatest has come home to roost and is now manifest as the vainglorious, militant Christian nationalist movement that wishes to establish a right-wing dictatorship. Pisces Moon argues that the survival of American democracy, and the world, depends upon people being able to distinguish between material evidence and substantiated facts on the one hand, and conspiracy theories, religious beliefs, and supremacist myths on the other.

Genres: Conspiracy Theories, Nonfiction

418 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 15, 2023

About the author

Douglas Valentine is the author of four books of historical nonfiction: The Hotel Tacloban, The Phoenix Program, The Strength of the Wolf: The Secret History of America's War on Drugs, and The Strength of the Pack: The Personalities, Politics and Espionage Intrigues that Shaped the DEA. He is the author of the novel TDY, and a book of poems, A Crow's Dream. He is also the editor of the poetry anthology With Our Eyes Wide Open: Poems of the New American Century (West End Press, 2014). He lives with his wife, Alice, in Massachusetts.

Reviews

[Dameon Launert · Rating 3 out of 5]

The travel memoir was entertaining. The historical descriptions of CIA and related personnel in Southeast Asia was fascinating, but difficult for me to keep track of all the names and contexts. Following along as best I could, the author painted a broad picture of the US empire in one part of the world. The book would serve as excellent research material as well.

There was a bit of commentary about the current state of affairs as well. I agree with most of it. It would have been interesting to see more analysis about US empire abroad, cultural developments at home, and how these culminated in our present political predicament.

There was some astrology and similar perspectives, which added flavor to the book, even if I didn't entirely agree.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the 3rd , almost 4th book of Valentine’s , I’ve read . Almost finished Phoenix Program, can’t remember why I didn’t. It was a long time ago . Anyway, the concept of this book seemed interesting , after reading his tweets.
He’s about 7 yrs older than me, so when he writes about & describes what was Really happening in SE Asia when I came into this world, and throughout my childhood & teenage yrs when Vietnam was going on, I understand a lil better what my neighbors’ relatives went through.
I live in San Jose which has the largest Vietnamese population in the country. In fact, they are the largest demographic in Santa Clara County ; in front of Mexicans & Whites.
Doug’s personal stories about his health issues & stories about his dad left me feeling morose & melancholic. My dad was drafted into the Korean War, and after reading about the CW & BW , in other books about American Pilots spraying that stuff, I sometimes wonder if my dad didn’t get a whiff of that stuff ; which could explain some of his mental problems over the years.
Pieces Moon is a 2 month long travel journal during the 1st qtr of 1991, when he went to SE Asia as a courier (runner) for BBC; The book mixes astrology, geography of SE Asia, mostly Vietnam & Thailand, with stories about Laos, Cambodia, Burma, Indonesia Malaysia ,(with good maps)& history lessons, from pre-colonialism by the French during mid 19th century to the 21st century , & parts of his previous books. His purpose was to trace the SE Asian drug trade in the Golden Triangle by interviewing known CIA operatives, “Tony Po “Anthony Posephny being the most infamous .
Coppola’s “ Colonel Kurtz” in Apocalypse Now was based on Tony Po. Hollywood left all the drug running parts out , but kept the blood & gore in.

Here is the 5/17/88 Frontline w/Leslie Cockburn interviewing Tony Po

https://youtu.be/FTmEy2GEVL8?si=dRgeZ...

Doug opened every chapter with his astrological birth chart reading from his astrologer’s explanation , relating it to his upcoming interviews & situations he found himself in.
He explained the different Buddhism sects and their reliance on astrologers, mysticism tying that in with the “high cabal “ (CIA, Military Intelligence) used religious missionaries, anthropologists to exploit & facilitate indoctrinating amenable villagers & turning them into cannon fodder & drug mules .
The book goes deeper & deeper into the High Cabal’s psychopathic methods of destruction & manipulation of the SE Asian culture & the American citizens’ mindset through militarism. Just watch the first few minutes of any college & NFL game.

Doug saves the worst for last , Nixon’s bombing of Cambodia in 4/1970 & the blowback demonstrations in the US.; , describing the 20 yr aftermath/ post 1975 when the CIA allied with Khmer Rouge against the Vietnamese while telling the American audience the exact opposite. Hollywood made a movie about the Killing Fields & Henry Kissinger won a Nobel Peace Prize

Here is Pilger’s Year Zero referenced in the book . It’s all about the real Killing Fields & the Khmer Rouge
https://youtu.be/FTmEy2GEVL8?si=dRgeZ...

Doug’s epilogue describes the beginning of the American Conquest. Like I’ve always said, It all started with the Indians . He juxtaposes Indian Reservations with WWII Japanese internment camps & talks about how the CIA used the prisoners as imperialist tools against their own people.
He also trashed the “Dark Arts”, collectors who aquire stolen relics to display in their homes, offices & museums.

His criticism of Trump & J6 Proud Boys & III%ers with Fascist rulers & the palace guard, & CIAs made up armies was/is a good comparison . He borrowed the Khmer Rouge’s “Year Zero” label signifying the beginning of their rule ; to describe the aftermath of 1/6/2021 as America’s Year Zero.😱🫣
The CIAs Ed Landsdale created the label “VietCong” for American Propaganda purposes in 1956. The people fighting against the French & then Americans called themselves liberation fighters.
For his final rant , he reminded readers that over 80% of the refugees that fled Vietnam & came to America were Christians whose fore fathers had been baptized & converted by the missionaries the CIA had subsidized & co-opted in the 1st place.

Re; the blowback during the late 60s-70s ; as a Segue, as a follow-up to this book, I’m reading Frank Rafalko’s book MA/CHAOS ; The CIAs campaign against the Radical Left & The Black Panthers.

[Daniel Lang · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Pisces Moon: The Dark Arts of Empire" by Douglas Valentine is a riveting exploration of the covert and often unsettling operations that have shaped global politics. As someone who has always been fascinated by the intricacies of power and espionage, I found this book to be a compelling and thought-provoking read that delves deep into the hidden mechanisms of empires.

Douglas Valentine, known for his meticulous research and ability to weave intricate narratives, does not disappoint with "Pisces Moon." From the very first chapter, I was drawn into the shadowy world of intelligence agencies, secret wars, and clandestine operations. Valentine’s writing is both informative and engaging, making complex historical events and covert operations accessible to a wide audience.

One of the standout features of this book is Valentine’s unparalleled ability to uncover and present lesser-known aspects of American and global intelligence activities. His detailed accounts are backed by extensive research and interviews, giving readers a rare glimpse into the operations that typically remain hidden from public view. Whether it's the CIA’s secret missions or the manipulative strategies employed by governments, Valentine brings to light the dark arts that have shaped modern geopolitics.

The book is structured in a way that each chapter builds upon the previous one, creating a cohesive narrative that is both educational and gripping. Valentine expertly interlaces historical context with personal anecdotes and testimonies, providing a human element to the otherwise impersonal world of espionage. This approach not only enriches the narrative but also makes the complex subject matter more relatable and engaging.

Valentine’s critique of imperialism and the ethical questions surrounding covert operations is both sharp and thought-provoking. He does not shy away from exposing the moral ambiguities and often stark realities of intelligence work. This critical perspective is balanced with a nuanced understanding of the necessity and impact of such operations, making the book a well-rounded examination rather than a one-sided condemnation.

One of the aspects I particularly appreciated about "Pisces Moon" is Valentine’s ability to connect historical events with contemporary issues. By drawing parallels between past and present, he highlights the enduring influence of covert operations on current geopolitical dynamics. This not only adds relevance to the historical narrative but also prompts readers to think critically about current events and the unseen forces that shape them.

However, the book is dense with information, and at times, the sheer volume of details can be overwhelming. Readers who are not familiar with the subject matter might find themselves having to re-read sections to fully grasp the intricate details. Additionally, Valentine’s critical tone, while insightful, may come across as heavy-handed to some readers. Despite these minor challenges, they do not significantly detract from the overall impact and importance of the book.

In conclusion, "Pisces Moon: The Dark Arts of Empire" by Douglas Valentine is a masterful exploration of the hidden world of intelligence and covert operations. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities and ethical dimensions of global power dynamics. Valentine’s thorough research, engaging narrative, and critical insights make this book a powerful and enlightening read. It is a stark reminder of the often unseen forces that shape our world, urging readers to look beyond the surface and question the narratives presented to us.