War

Can we trust France? Apparently not. After more than 200 years of shared history and interests, the U.S.-France marriage looks as if it's ending in an acrimonious divorce. Here is the shocking insider account.In the wake of French behavior at the United Nations, where Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin systematically undermined the efforts of Secretary of State Colin Powell to convince the Security Council to authorize force against Iraq, Americans have at best come to suspect our ally of double dealing, and at worst come to view them as the enemy. Almost daily over the past year, new stories have emerged of how the government of French President Jacques Chirac has sought to undermine the U.S. war on terror, publicly sniping at America and inciting other countries to do the same. What's wrong with France? What's behind their recent perfidy? According to bestselling author Kenneth R. Timmerman, the American public doesn't know half the story. After they read The French Betrayal of America , American anger at France will turn to outrage.Timmerman, who worked as a journalist in France for eighteen years and knows the players on both sides, lifts the veil of Jacques Chirac's scandalous love affair with Saddam Hussein, beginning in 1975, when he took him on a tour of top-secret French nuclear facilities. The French attitude toward the dictator, which seemed to baffle American politicians, was in fact entirely predictable. Put bluntly, it was all about money, oil, and guns. Chirac needed Saddam's oil and Saddam's money, and Saddam needed French weapons and French nuclear technology.Despite this, the relationship between France and America was not only amicable but at times very mutually beneficial. That was until the most recent war on Iraq, where France turned the tables, engaging in dirty diplomacy and helping to sway other European countries to their side. French war coverage was not merely It was viciously inaccurate, skewed, and openly anti-American. Timmerman also presents incredible new evidence of France's duplicity, including the fact that the French stood to gain $100 billion from secret oil contracts they had concluded with Saddam Hussein.The French Betrayal of America raises questions of whether the nuclear cooperation agreements still in force with the French today should be canceled in light of France's behavior. Our security interests no longer converge, and our economic systems increasingly appear to be at loggerheads. The war in Iraq harshly exposed French treachery and their desire to do business with the worst of international tyrants, putting their economy, their international standing, and their relationship with a 200-year-old friend in severe jeopardy.Shocking new revelations in The French Betrayal of AmericaThe French president lied to Bush and to the public about the war in Iraq.President Jacques Chirac had personally told President George W. Bush well ahead of time that France would be at America's side.France urged Saddam to commit genocide.Saddam launched his genocidal campaign against the Marsh Arabs in southern Iraq to make their region "safe" for French oil engineers.France helped build Saddam's long-range missiles and nukes.Based on exclusive access to new documents, provided by Iraq to the United Nations -- that French defense companies were key partners in helping Saddam Hussein perfect the long-range missiles that killed U.S. soldiers in Saudi Arabia in 1991 and rained terror onto Israel.Chirac has blocked cooperation on a high-profile terrorism case.France's top counter-terrorism judge was ordered to stop cooperating with the United States in the prosecution of Zacarias Moussaoui despite mounds of documents that would have helped the United States to convict Moussaoui of conspiracy to commit mass murder.France illegally sold U.S. military secrets to Saddam Hussein.A prominent French defense company shipped U.S.-designed laser designator pods to Iraq in the 1980s that compromised the most high-tech weapons in the U.S. arsenal.President Mitterrand, a Socialist, became Ronald Reagan's best ally in Europe.The French Betrayal of America reveals the extent of French strategic and intelligence cooperation with the United States at the peak of the Cold War, in areas that will surprise readers on both sides of the Atlantic. The French ran a key agent inside the KGB, whose "cosmic" reach -- right up to the general secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union -- hastened the collapse of the Soviet Union.President Chirac almost went to jail for corruption.Chirac was on the verge of getting indicted on corruption charges in 1999 until he cooked up an immunity deal with the head of the French Supreme Court, former Socialist foreign minister Roland Dumas. While the French corruption scandals are well known in France, they have rarely been reported in the United States and will alternately shock and amuse American readers.The Bush administration is now offering France the secrets of our national missile defense.The French Betrayal of America reveals the hitherto top secret missile defense cooperation between the United States and France that has taken off at precisely the same time the Chirac government was undermining the United States on Iraq. Meanwhile, United States and French nuclear weapons designers continue to meet to exchange secrets of maintaining our respective nuclear arsenals.

The book is a fascinating account of the six-month-long Paris Peace Talks held after the end of World War I, where politicians and diplomats from around the world came together to shape the post-war future. The book captures the complex personalities of the people involved, including Woodrow Wilson, David Lloyd George, and Lawrence of Arabia and debunks popular myths about the negotiations that led to the Treaty of Versailles. Highly recommended for history buffs and anyone interested in international relations.

By lucidly revealing the common threads that connect the ancient confrontations between Athens & Sparta & between Rome & Carthage with the two calamitous world wars of the 20th century & the Cuban Missile Crisis, Kagan reveals new insights into the nature of war & peace that are vitally important & often surprising.

This book is a well-researched account of the events leading up to and during Operation Blue Star, providing a unique perspective from the Army officer who led it. It offers a detailed insight into the complexities of the operation and the challenges faced by the military. It is recommended for readers interested in military history and political conflicts.

For over 100 years, the agents of MI5 have defended Britain against enemy subversion. Their work has remained shrouded in secrecy—until now. This first-ever authorized account reveals the British Security Service as never before: its inner workings, its clandestine operations, its failures and its triumphs.

If the intricate web of wartime politics and the haunting human cost of warfare hold any interest for you, "Hiroshima Nagasaki" is a profound choice. Paul Ham weaves survivor testimonies with political narrative, providing a visceral, balanced exploration of an event that still shapes our world. It's a compelling read that not only examines the decisions behind the bombings but also immerses you in the experiences of those who lived through them.

From the earliest days of electronic surveillance to the height of the Cold War, Wright was at the center of the action in Mi5, Britain's counterespionage service.

The 9/11 Report is a compelling read for anyone seeking answers on one of the most catastrophic events in modern history. It provides comprehensive insights into the events that led to the attacks, including Al Qaeda's role, intelligence failures, and counterterrorism policies. The report is especially useful for policymakers, law enforcement officials, and anyone interested in national security. The report's most unique feature is the recommendations it provides for preventing terrorist attacks in the future.

This book is a must-read for military personnel and historians who want to understand the challenges of insurgencies and counterinsurgencies. It provides a comprehensive guide to the principles of counterinsurgency warfare that emphasize adaptation, learning, and understanding local politics and customs. The manual also highlights the paradoxical and counterintuitive nature of counterinsurgency operations, making it a valuable tool for those dealing with modern warfare.

The Cold War is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the strategic dynamics that drove the global confrontations during the 20th century. Gaddis provides a thrilling account of the political and economic ideologies that defined the age. This book is perfect for avid history readers who want to gain a deeper understanding of the forces that have shaped our world today.

If you're intrigued by the complex tapestry of history, culture, and conflict that defines the Balkans, "The Fracture Zone" could be the eye-opener you're seeking. Simon Winchester takes you along on a vivid adventure through areas torn by war, piecing together how the region's fractured past impacts its present. It's a compelling read that transcends mere historical account to touch the very essence of human resilience and the perennial nature of strife. This book might change not just how you view the Balkans, but conflict zones around the world.

If you're intrigued by history and its psychological aftermath, "The Wages Of Guilt" could offer you a profound look into how nations grapple with dark pasts. Ian Buruma's exploration into Germany and Japan's dealing with war legacies is as thought-provoking as it is enlightening, providing a deep dive into collective memory and the complexity of national conscience. This book not only educates but also invites reflection on the long shadows cast by historical events.

This book is a powerful and moving account of the Cambodian genocide, providing a firsthand account of the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge regime. It is a must-read for anyone interested in learning about this dark chapter in history and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable horrors.

This is a true story of 1930s Malaysia, of jungle operations, submarines and spies in WWII, and of the postwar Malayan Emergency, as experienced by an extraordinary man. Boris Hembry went out to Malaya as a rubber planter in 1930 to work on estates in Malaya and Sumatra. Following the Japanese invasion in December 1941 he volunteered for Freddy Spencer Chapman's covert Stay Behind Party and spent a month in the jungle behind enemy lines before escaping by sampan across the Malacca Strait to Sumatra. Hembry returned to Singapore shortly before its surrender then escaped to Java and subsequently to India, where he joined V Force, a clandestine intelligence unit operating in Burma. In 1943 Hembry was recruited into the Secret Intelligence Service - given the bland cover name Inter-Services Liaison Department (ISLD) - and returned to Sumatra and Malaya several times by submarine on intelligence-gathering missions. He became Head of Malayan Country Section ISLD in 1944, liaised with Force 136, and was responsible for the most successful intelligence coup of the Malayan war. After WWII, Hembry returned to planting at Sungei Siput, Perak, where the murder of three colleagues on 16 June 1948 signalled the start of the Malayan Emergency. Assuming the leadership of the local planting community, he formed the first Home Guard unit in Malaya, was an early proponent of squatter control (later incorporated into the Briggs Plan), served on district, state and federal security committees, and survived several attempts on his life.

If you're a history buff intrigued by the complexities of political machinations, "Strategy and Power in Russia, 1600-1914" offers a compelling dive into the vast span of Russian history. Fuller's work will enrich your understanding of how strategy shaped the Russian state across centuries.

If you're intrigued by history and the intricate, often shadowed, dance of diplomacy, "No Peace, No Honor" provides a compelling dissection of the secretive negotiations surrounding the Vietnam War's conclusion. It offers a thought-provoking perspective on political maneuvering, moral quandaries, and the decisions that led to a controversial chapter in American history. This book might change how you view leadership and the costs of conflict.

A frank and honest memoir by Britain's former ambassador to Kabul which provides a unique, high-level insight into Western policy in Afghanistan. The West's mission in Afghanistan has never been far from the headlines. For Sherard Cowper-Coles, the former Ambassador, Britain's role in the conflict - the vast amount of money being spent and the huge number of lives being lost - was an everyday reality. In Cables from Kabul, Cowper-Coles takes the reader on a journey through the backstreets of Afghanistan's capital to the corridors of power in London and Washington. He pays tribute to the tactical successes of our soldiers but asks whether these will be enough to secure stability. Nobody is better placed to tell this story of embassy life in one of the most dangerous places on earth. Powerful and astonishingly frank, Cables from Kabul explains how Great Britain got into the quagmire of Afghanistan, and how Great Britain can get out of it.

Recommended read for understanding global power shifts. Explores the relationship between economic strength and military power, making it a good resource for anyone interested in political science and international relations.

Timor - A Nation Reborn is a gripping first-hand account of the struggle for power that ensued after the collapse of Portuguese colonial rule and Indonesia's invasion. Bill Nicol's documentation of the human story of lies, deceit, and suffering offers a compelling read for those interested in political power struggles and the consequences of conflicts. It provides a unique perspective on East Timor's independence and the price it has paid for it.

Recommended for those interested in the Iraq War and its impact on a nation trying to build democracy. Provides a critical commentary on the Coalition Provisional Authority's misguided policies, told through the author's experiences as a reporter in Baghdad. The book sheds light on the dangers of entering wars without realistic goals or understanding of the country in question.

"Dreadnought" isn't just a historical record; it's a narrative crafted with the intensity of a novel while preserving the rigor of scholarly history. Massie excels in distilling complex events into deeply personal stories. If you're drawn to the intricacies of geopolitical power plays, the character-driven history will both educate and captivate you. It's a profound exploration of how individuals and their ambitions can shape, and ultimately steer, the course of nations.

If you're fascinated by time-tested wisdom and have an interest in strategy, "Six Strategies for War" is a treasury of ancient Chinese tactical thinking that's just as relevant today. Dive into the art of war and governance through these six distinct lenses, and you may find strategic inspiration for navigating modern challenges and competitions, be they personal, professional, or otherwise.

This book is a tribute to the Gurkhas, celebrating their 200 years of service to the British Crown. The book gives an insight into the history of the Gurkhas and their bravery, loyalty and honour towards their duty. A recommended read for those interested in military history and traditions.

This book is a must-read for history buffs and military enthusiasts. Max Boot takes you on an enthralling and eye-opening journey, showcasing the power and effectiveness of unconventional warfare throughout history. With a diverse cast of unforgettable characters, this book challenges conventional notions of warfare and sheds light on the lesser-known side of conflicts. Prepare to be fascinated and enlightened by this epic exploration of guerrilla tactics.

"The Prize" offers a compelling dive into the intricacies of the oil industry, revealing how this slippery resource shaped history, wars, and economies. Daniel Yergin's exhaustive research paints a vivid portrait not just of an industry but of the modern world's relentless power struggles. If you're intrigued by the unseen forces that craft our geopolitical landscape, this book is a riveting and enlightening read that will change the way you see the world and its history.

This book is perfect for adventure-seeking readers who crave an adrenaline rush! With its engaging narrative style and vivid illustrations, it takes you deep into the fascinating history of gladiators. You'll learn about their costumes, weaponry, famous fighters, and the arenas where they fought. Be prepared to be captivated by the thrilling tales of bravery, skill, and survival in this brutal world. Don't miss out on this exciting journey into the past!

This book could be a good read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of America's overseas military bases and their strategic importance. With a unique focus on optimizing the country's military footprint, Jonathan Stevenson explores the delicate balance between reducing military activities and maintaining global influence. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the geopolitical realities and strategic imperatives that shape America's presence in different regions, making it an essential guide for policymakers and military enthusiasts alike.

Written by Hitler's Minister of Armaments and War Production, the man who kept Germany armed and the war machine running even after Hitler's mystique had faded, this memoir gives us as complete a view as we will ever get of the inside of the Nazi state. B&W photos.

He became a myth in his own lifetime and an international martyr-figure upon his death; he was a revolutionary fighter, a military strategist, a social philosopher, an economist, a medical doctor, and a friend and confidant of Fidel Castro. Che Guevara's dream was an epic one - to unite Latin America and the rest of the developing world through armed revolution, and to end once and for all the poverty, injustice and petty nationalisms that had bled it for centuries. In the end, Che failed in his quest but he is recognized as that one-in-a-million personality who just might have pulled it off. "Che A Revolutionary Life" shuttles between the revolutionary capitals of Havana and Algiers to the battlegrounds of Bolivia and the Congo; from the halls of power in Moscow and Washington to the exile havens of Miami, Mexico and Guatemala, in a gripping tale of revolution, international intrigue and covert operations. It has an epic sweep as it evokes an era of tumultuous change, describing major events like the Bay of Pigs invasion, the October Missile crisis and Kennedy's assassination. Among its cast of characters are scores of historic personalities including Castro, Kennedy, Kruschev, Mao Tse-tung, Jean Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, to name but a few. Jon Lee Anderson has been given unprecedented access to the Cuban Government's archives and has had total co-operation from Che's widow, Aleida March, who has never previously spoken for publication about her late husband. He has obtained hitherto unpublished documents, including several of Che's personal diaries and, in the course of his research, broke open a twenty-eight-year-old mystery - the whereabouts of Che's body in Bolivia. There is no doubt that this monumental work will stand as the definitive portrait of one of the twentieth century's most fascinating, yet largely unexplored, historical figures.

Recommended to those interested in delving deep into the horrors of Soviet camps through the personal accounts of survivors. The author meticulously documents the history of the notorious Gulag system, exploring its evolution under different regimes and its eventual collapse. This is an eye-opening read on one of the greatest atrocities of the 20th century.

Dive into the trenches and experience the true stories of courage, heroism, and disaster from World War I. Paul Dowswell's book offers an approachable and gripping insight into key events of the past. Whether you're a history enthusiast or curious about the human side of war, this collection of true stories will leave you amazed and inspired by the bravery of those who lived through the Great War.

This book is recommended for students and scholars of peace and conflict studies, security studies, and international relations. It provides a thorough analysis of the theories, practices, and politics of peacekeeping operations, using historical and contemporary case studies. Its unique feature is its evaluation of the changing characteristics of the contemporary environment in which peacekeepers operate, what role peace operations play in wider processes of global politics, and the major challenges facing today's peacekeepers.

This book would be a good read for anyone interested in learning more about genocide, political science, or postcolonial African history. Gourevitch's firsthand accounts and intimate portraits of Rwandans provide a moving and thought-provoking exploration of the human spirit in the face of extreme adversity. Overall, this book is an unforgettable testament to humanity's resilience and the urgent need for sane and habitable political orders.

"The Assassins' Gate" provides an insightful and thought-provoking analysis of America's role in the Iraq War. George Packer's firsthand account of his experiences in Iraq offers a unique perspective on the conflict and its impact on both American and Iraqi lives. This book is recommended for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of this controversial war and its aftermath.

This classic work details what happened in France during the year 1789, the first year of the French Revolution. Lefebvre's signature contribution was writing history "from below" -- a Marxist approach -- and his particular specialty was the French Revolution as viewed from the experiences of the peasantry. Placing the "common people" at the center of his analysis, Lefebvre emphasized the class struggles within France and the significant role they played in the coming of the Revolution. First published in 1939 for the sesquicentennial of the Revolution, the book was suppressed by the Vichy government as a piece of revolutionary literature after the outbreak of the Second World War and the subsequent collapse of the Third Republic. R.R. Palmer, a distinguished historian of the French Revolution, translated the book into English in 1947. Although recent historians have reinterpreted the Revolution and disputed Lefebvre's conclusions, The Coming of the French Revolution remains essential reading for anyone interested in the origins of this great turning point in the formation of the modern world.

"No Ordinary Time" is a must-read for anyone interested in American history, particularly World War II. Doris Kearns Goodwin effortlessly weaves together the personal lives of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt with the larger story of America's transformation during the war. Her in-depth research and vivid storytelling make this book not only informative but also a pleasure to read. The most unique feature of the book is how it explores the dynamic partnership between the Roosevelts, highlighting Eleanor's incredible impact as a First Lady and social reformer.

If you're fascinated by how the world's geopolitical landscape dramatically transformed after World War II, "Decolonization - The Fall of the European Empires" will be a compelling read. Chamberlain's work meticulously charts the unraveling of European colonialism, offering a sweeping, historical perspective that's bound to enrich your understanding of current global relations, intriguing for history buffs and anyone interested in the shifting sands of international power.

This book is a must-read for those intrigued by the intricate web of political maneuvering and decision-making that led to the Iraq War. Bob Woodward's meticulous research and exclusive interviews offer unprecedented insight into the minds of key figures such as President Bush, Cheney, Powell, and Rumsfeld. With gripping accounts of war planning and CIA operations, Plan of Attack provides a thought-provoking analysis of the intelligence assessments and the consequences of this highly controversial conflict.

On a midsummer day in 1937, Boris Bibikov kissed his two daughters goodbye and disappeared. One of those girls, Lyudmila, was to fall in love with a tall young foreigner in Moscow at the height of the Cold War and embark on a dangerous and passionate affair. Decades later, a reporter in nineties Moscow, her son Owen Matthews pieces together his grandfather's passage through the harrowing world of Stalin's purges, and tells the story of his parents' Cold War love affair through their heartbreaking letters and memories. Stalin's Children is a raw, vivid memoir about a young man's struggle to understand his parents' lives and the history of the strange country in which they lived.

Slight shelf wear crease to cover. Pages are clean and binding is tight. Solid Book.

If medieval history fascinates you, the "Historical Atlas of the Crucades" by Angus Konstam could be a treasure on your shelf. The book's unique balance of Christian and Muslim perspectives offers a comprehensive look into an era of knights and conquests, enhanced by detailed maps that bring the storied past to life. It's a visual and intellectual journey that deepens understanding beyond the typical narratives of victors and vanquished.

If history's shadowy corners intrigue you, "Other Losses" offers a grim exploration of the consequences of war policies that you might not have learned in school. James Bacque's controversial research challenges mainstream narratives and invites you to question the complexities and moral dilemmas of military decisions following WWII. It's a thought-provoking read that promises to open up heated debates and offer a different perspective on historical events.

Uplifting, tragic and entirely gripping, this is the extraordinary true story of the girl from the jungle who became an icon of a suffering land.Zoya Phan was born in the remote jungles of Burma to the Karen tribe. For decades the Karen have been under attack from Burma's military junta; Zoya's mother was a guerrilla soldier, her father a freedom activist. Many Karen are Christian or Buddhist, but Zoya's parents were animist, venerating the spirits of the forest, river and moon, and the family lived in a bamboo hut on stilts by the Moei River. Her early years were blissfully removed from the war.At the age of 14, however, Zoya's childhood was shattered as the Burma army attacked. With their house in flames, Zoya and her family fled. So began two terrible years of running from guns, as Zoya joined thousands of refugees hiding in the jungle. Her family scattered, Zoya sought sanctuary across the border in a Thai refugee camp. Zoya, a gifted pupil, was eventually able to escape, first to Bangkok and then, with her enemies still pursuing her, in 2004 she fled to the UK and claimed asylum.The following year, at a 'free Burma' march, she was plucked form the crowd to appear on BBC, the first of countless interview with the world's media. She became the face of a nation enslaved, rubbing shoulders with presidents and film stars.Zoya Phan, now 28, lives in London and works for the human rights organisation Burma Campaign UK.

Recommendation: This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the hidden financial and human costs of the Iraq War. Stiglitz and Bilmes provide a thorough analysis that challenges the conventional narrative, shedding light on the immense resources spent and the long-term consequences. This eye-opening account will leave you questioning the true price of war.

Discusses major battles, campaigns, and leaders as well as political, economic, and cultural conditions in the colonies