See No Evil

This memoir by a former CIA officer offers an insider's perspective on terrorism, detailing the agency's struggles against it and the political obstacles that hindered their efforts, particularly in the Middle East.

See No Evil is a compelling memoir by Robert Baer, a former CIA field officer who provides an insider’s perspective on the agency's operations in the Middle East. Through his candid recounting of experiences running agents in the region, Baer reveals the intricate workings of terrorism and the challenges faced by the CIA in combating it. His narrative is marked by a stark honesty that sheds light on the complexities of intelligence work and the often-frustrating interference from Washington politics that undermined efforts to eliminate some of the world’s most dangerous terrorists.

Baer delves into critical events, such as the strategic alliance formed between Osama bin Laden and Iran in 1996, which aimed at orchestrating attacks on the United States. He also discusses the aborted coup against Saddam Hussein and the CIA's misguided decision to cease operations in Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia in 1991, ignoring the rising threat of fundamentalism in those regions. These revelations paint a troubling picture of not only the failures of the CIA but also the broader implications for global security.

Since its publication, See No Evil has gained notoriety for its unflinching examination of modern terrorism and the intelligence community's shortcomings. It offers an extraordinary account that resonates even more profoundly in the context of post-9/11 events and the War on Iraq. Baer’s memoir serves as a crucial reminder of the complexities of intelligence work and the critical need for vigilance in the face of evolving threats.