A review by larryerick
The Dark Side: The Inside Story of How the War on Terror Turned Into a War on American Ideals by Jane Mayer

5.0

In the concluding chapter, author Jane Mayer states, "...it is clear that what began on September 11, 2001, as a battle for America's security became, and continues to be, a battle for the country's soul." I feel she has failed to give herself full credit for the skill with which she reports on her subject. This is much more than just a difference of opinion on how to protect America. The book does an extraordinary job of showing power manipulation at work. I invite any readers of this book to also read the early part of William Shirer's The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich or Joel Brinkley's more contemporary book, Cambodia’s Curse: The Modern History of a Troubled Land, then tell me that the approaches to managing governmental powers are not similar to the actions of the Chaney administration (was Bush ever really in control?) I would offer that Chaney victim, Phillip Zelikow offers a better summary of the book: "Fear and anxiety were exploited by zealots and fools." This is a must read for anyone serious about understanding government at work.