Seymour M. Hersh

Written in 2004, shortly after the wars in Afghanistan and then Iraq, Hersch takes a critical look at the wars, and especially the civilian leaders in the Pentagon. Hersch spent a lifetime writing about the U.S. Military, and has established numerous contacts of people in the know. As a trusted writer, he has access to a significant number of high level officials, and his story seems to have stood the test of time. It provides a very different perspective than some of the books released after Bush left office, especially Donald Rumsfeld's memoir, and is probably a more accurate summary of those war years and decisions.… (lisätietoja)

This memoir is a great read from beginning to end. Vietnam (My Lai) and Watergate are the obvious highlights but Hersh’s descriptions of his CIA, Gulf-Western, Kissinger, Kennedy, Abu Graib and Bin Laden investigative reports and books are also fascinating. By protecting his sources, Hersh gained and kept the trust of those inside the US Government who wanted the truth to get out. While often controversial, his reports have stood the test of time. His Democratic leanings are clear in the book (and the story of his role as press spokesman for Gene McCarthy’s presidential campaign is another highlight), but the integrity of his investigative reports seem unaffected by his politics. Some of his best sources have not been Democrats. His interactions with the editors and management of the New York Times, New Yorker and other publications are another entertaining and insightful aspect of the book, especially his relationship with Abe Rosenthal. Despite the efforts of the media to concoct a rivalry of Bob Woodward and Seymour Hersh, he mentioned several times his positive relationship with Woodward and their efforts to build on each others’ work in the Watergate and other stories. By describing his journalistic techniques, he also intends that his memoirs should have a vocational benefit for beginning journalists.… (lisätietoja)