Treachery

by Bill Gertz

In the stunning New York Times bestseller Treachery , Bill Gertz blows the lid off the dirty dealings of our so-called allies. Gertz’s groundbreaking reporting exposes how France, Germany, Russia, and other “friends” of the United States have armed the world’s most dangerous tyrants and terrorists— putting Americans directly in the line of fire .

And in a brand-new chapter based on classified intelligence reports, Gertz documents how the treachery continues unchecked. Plus, for the first time ever, he reveals the complete story on what happened to Saddam Hussein’s weapons—a shocking account that will change the way you look at the dangers in the Middle East.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics

Audio Cassette

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Jim Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gertz unveils how foreign 'allies' are arming some of the most dangerous people in the world such as tyrants like Qaddafi. He comes at it from a betrayal of America angle. The truth is every country has only one important thing to do, and that's do what's in their individual best interest. He seems to forget that. But he does tell an interesting story worth reading regardless of his thoughts on it.

[Zach · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you are familiar with Bill Gertz you are likely aware that he is a columnist for the Washington Times with apparently very good contacts w/i the N.Security/Intel communities and that he has a conservative view (schocking, I know --he writes for the Wash. Times!!) In this book you get both--some good reporting on the issue of international weapons trafficking and a lot of the conservative view point.

The first half to 2/3 of the book do a decent job of providing descriptions of how AQ Khan's network developed, how S. Hussein and Libya have continued to obtain weapons despite intl. pressure. Overall this is a good overiew, as each of these issues has received more thorough analysis in other works. Keep in mind that depending on your political persuasion, much of this material you will have to skim, as the author peppers his descriptions with a great deal of rhetoric about "betrayl" etc. Also, these descriptions are completely one sided. There is no mention of how the US allies, such as Israel, may also be involved in weapons trafficking. Furthermore, the author makes no effort to examine broader issues of the arms trade and larger impacts--ie how the US arming allies such as Saudi Arabia can adversely affect the climate in the ME and create an incentive (or at the very least an excuse) for Iranain WMD programs.

The last sections of the book provide recommendations for more aggressive military/intelligence operations. Much of this section sounds as if it may have been written by Jerry Bruckheimer. Gertz completely glosses over how the US will obtain the intel necessary for these surgical SOCOM operations. At the same time Gertz also goes on a tirade against "Washington bureaucrats" in the IC and Dept. of State who apprently are the main obstacle to many successful operation. In all fairness his general ideas for more rapid collaboration/approval process is interesting, and I would have liked to have seen this point more thoroughly explained and with out all the rhetoric.

[Winnifred · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frightening to learn that our so-called "friends" sell nuclear, biological and conventional weapons and components to our enemies. It is no surprise when our enemies, such as North Korea and Iran, do so. Even Pakistan. However, theoretically, France, Germany, China and Russia are our allies. They sold these to our enemies before and after 9/11.

The UN did nothing the many instances when this info was brought to their attention.

China has sold hundreds of assault rifles to Los Angeles gang members. Just an example.

Documentation included in book.

[Maria Aenlle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the book full of interesting information about how other countries are arming rogue states. It provides some background on why some countries supported or not the Iraq War or at least part of their stand on the war. It is a bit disturbing to think what our enemies and those of freedom could do with the weapons of mass destruction.

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

whatever enables war secures peace TJ, weapons everywhere, Iraqi centrifuge equipment, Russian alliances and distrust, lies key to fooling naïve people of foolish governments, easy to make high yield by dropping half with highly enriched, trust but verify, Libya bomb nightclub and flight 103, best way to keep peace is to deter aggression, unchecked proliferation appeasement fails the people.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learned more about global terrorism.

[Steven]

Good info on some of the behind the scenes activity that goes on in international relations.

[Steven Raszewski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dry style but important story.

[Kay Mercuro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Troubling. Not surprising that so many of America's so-called friends are actually full of treachery.