The Quiet Americans

Four CIA Spies at the Dawn of the Cold War--a Tragedy in Three Acts

By: Scott Anderson

Narrated by: Robertson Dean, Scott Anderson

From the bestselling author of Lawrence in Arabia—the gripping story of four CIA agents during the early days of the Cold War—and how the United States, at the very pinnacle of its power, managed to permanently damage its moral standing in the world.

“Enthralling … captivating reading.” —The New York Times Book Review

At the end of World War II, the United States was considered the victor over tyranny and a champion of freedom. But it was clear—to some—that the Soviet Union was already seeking to expand and foment revolution around the world, and the American government’s strategy in response relied on the secret efforts of a newly formed CIA. Chronicling the fascinating lives of four agents, Scott Anderson follows the exploits of four spies: Michael Burke, who organized parachute commandos from an Italian villa; Frank Wisner, an ingenious spymaster who directed actions around the world; Peter Sichel, a German Jew who outwitted the ruthless KGB in Berlin; and Edward Lansdale, a mastermind of psychological warfare in the Far East. But despite their lofty ambitions, time and again their efforts went awry, thwarted by a combination of ham-fisted politicking and ideological rigidity at the highest levels of the government.

AMERICAN SPIES

“The Quiet Americans” is an investigative reporter’s view of the American spy service. It is written by a veteran war correspondent and son of a former foreign aid officer. The author, Scott Anderson, is raised in East Asia. He reviews America’s spy network during and after WWII.

America’s role in Albania, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan raises the hopes of many but at a cost of too many lives and dollars. Hope of many of these country’s citizens becomes despair. How many lives and dollars could have been saved and repurposed for freedom and equality, rather than destruction of cultural difference. What Anderson makes clear is that national purpose (American or other) is distorted when it is undisclosed because human beings are seduced by self-interest, whether that interest is money, power, and/or prestige.

Listening to “The Quiet Americans” makes one understand how important freedom of the press is to America. Americans must lead by example, not by covert action. More recent episodes in Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan show America continues to ignore history’s lessons.

Very interesting, A great insight into the history of the CIA

This is a very well written description of an organization that, in some ways, seems to always cause the trouble it was designed to quell. There is fuel for conspiracy theories in this book, but also a lot of great history to learn from. A very personal story of those that fought what they thought was the good fight against an enemy that had no problems destroying its own people. We need more people like these, now more than ever.

An introduction to the Cold War spy game!

This book walks you through the early years of the CIA and the Cold War and the buracuracy that entrapped both. while it only looks at four early CIA operatives, it give a good look into the world that few ever want to know, much less talk about. History and war buffs alike will like this book.

I wish they taught this in high school

No axes ground, just stories of regular people trying to cope with insane situations.

No wonder so many in the rest of the world don’t trust us.

Spy craft insight

What a great view inside the cold war era CIA. At the end of their reign, their conclusions open our eyes to the fragility of our Nation States. Today‘s political challenges form on the remains of our ancestors.