The Politics of Truth: A Diplomat's Memoir: Inside the Lies That Led to War and Betrayed My Wife's CIA Identity

by Joseph Wilson

Book Overview

A former career diplomat offers an account of the Bush administration's falsification of intelligence reports prior to the 2003 war in Iraq and the repercussions of his determination to reveal the truth about the situation.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 078671378X
• ISBN13: 9780786713783
• Release Date: April 2004
• Publisher: PublicAffairs
• Length: 528 Pages
• Weight: 2.06 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 6.4" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

Compelling and Terrifying

I have read a number of Bush books recently, and I seem to be devouring them at an ever increasing clip. As an independent fundamentally uncomfortable with highly partisan politics, I have found Paul O'Neill's book (The Price of Loyalty, actually written by Ron Suskind about O'Neill) to be one of the best. Richard Clarke's "Against All Enemies" is also chilling and insightful. Both these books were written by conservative, Republican mavericks with close insight into this administration, and the stories they tell are frightening: a White House run by ideologues surrounding a President whose experience and intellect could not possibly support the level of conviction he brings to the weighty issues confronting our great nation.Wilson's book belongs on any shelf with Suskind's and Clarke's. One obvious parallel: Bush '41 - a moderate and intelligent man - felt great fondness for O'Neill, Clarke, and Wilson. Bush '43 disdains and disrespects them. Wilson gives us an account from the outside: how does the Administration glimpsed by insiders like Clarke and O'Neill affect "outsiders" like Wilson? Or Valerie Plame? Or you? Wilson's account is fired by anger and disappointment, not partisan rage. He comes across as a dedicated civil servant, non-partisan, astute. It should be read by all who care deeply for our country, and are wondering what the hell is happening to it.One final note: The few reviewers who rate this book with one star have clearly a) not read it, or b) ... well, there is no other option, except perhaps that they work for Karl Rove.

The Great Unraveling

It was Joseph Wilson's July, 2003 New York Times op-ed piece that stated the great unraveling. Former ambassador Wilson revealed that despite George W. Bush's contrary claim in his state of the union address, Iraq never took steps to import yellow cake uranium and revitalize a program of manufacturing nuclear weapons. Wilson, in short, caught the Bush administration in an outright lie (one of many). The administration then retaliated, attempting to slime Wilson, and breaking federal law by revealing that his wife was a CIA operative. When the history of this perilous period in our national life is finally written, Joe Wilson and his book The Politics of Truth may receive credit for shedding a bright light on dark and disturbing behavior by George W. Bush and his handlers. It is worth recalling that George H. W. Bush had praised Wilson as an American hero for his work as acting ambassador to Iraq before the Gulf War. Yesterday's hero, however, becomes today's villain, under the end-justifies-the-means policies of the second Bush White House. Three cheers!

The Bush Legacy, A Mockery of Truth in Government

While I have tried to remain neutral during this war of words between the left and right, Joseph Wilson's insightful book invoked a rage aginst everything that this current administration stands for and against. This book demonstrates in no uncertain terms that the right wing of the republican party will resort to any length to destroy the career of anyone who stands in their way no matter how fruitful and loyal one's tenure while working as a government servant has been.

An American Story that needs to be told!

President George H. W. Bush, our current President's father, called Joe Wilson "A True American Hero" for his actions saving American lives at the beginning of the first Gulf War. Mr. Wilson's heroism continues with this engaging and enlightening book that tells "Truth to Power" and stands up against the current Administration's, and the Republican Party's, attack machine. A career political centrist, Mr. Wilson only to be spoke out against this Administration after their deception in the reasons they took us to war and after they attacked his family. In his words, "Anything less would be Un-American." Bravo, Mr. Wilson.

Insightful look at diplomacy & dirty politics

Ambassador Joseph Wilson's book is an absorbing, engaging read, covering a wide range of topics: from his wild youth, to his stints in various diplomatic posts for both Democratic and Republican presidents, and his current dealings with the nefarious G.W. Bush Administration and their leaking of his wife as an undercover CIA operative. If you're curious about the behind-the-scenes games--both abroad and domestic--that get played every day, I highly recommend this book.