The university bookstore had Clarke's book on sale for ~$20 and I decided on Friday that I needed to read it. Just finished about an hour ago and I have some thoughts:
It was not a difficult read. He is a pretty effective writer (not ghostwritten from what I could tell).
There is a fair amount of interesting history in the book over and above the criticisms of the Bush administration that have received so much attention.
While in retrospect Clarke certainly seems to have more sympathy for Clinton's attempts to deal with terrorist threats, Clarke come across as a career professional and no bleeding heart -- somebody who advocated a lot of bombing and more direct action in Afghanistan earlier.
His headshaking "WTF?" reaction to the bizarre Bush/Wolfowitz/Rice/Cheney/Rumsfeld obsession with Iraq don't come off as the isolated reaction of a lone malcontent. From the sounds of it, Clarke had his share of headshaking, WTF? company. Current attampts at Clarke character assasination may further backfire if more Clarkes, O'Neals and Wilsons come forward. (Heard former ambassador Joe Wilson speak on the radio a few weeks back. Talk about icy anger. Made Clarke seem like Pollyanna on Prozac).
Was I shocked at Clarke's testimony or outraged? Hardly. I feel like I have gone beyond outrage at the horrific, wrong-headed ideological bumbling of Bush & Co. I *am* gratified to have another pro take them to task in such a detailed fashion.
_________________________
Jim
'Tis the exceptional fellow who lies awake at night thinking of his successes.
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