“The Dark Side: The Inside Story of How the War on Terror Turned Into a War on American Ideals” by Jane Mayer [BOOK REVIEW]
“The Dark Side” by Jane Mayer is a thought-provoking exposé that uncovers the erosion of American ideals in the pursuit of counterterrorism. Mayer’s meticulous investigative journalism reveals the controversial policies, moral compromises, and human rights abuses that occurred during the War on Terror. This eye-opening book challenges readers to critically examine the consequences of sacrificing fundamental values in the name of national security.
About the Author:
Jane Mayer, born in 1955 in New York City, is an investigative journalist and staff writer for The New Yorker. Known for her in-depth reporting on politics, national security, and civil liberties, Mayer has received numerous awards for her work. She has authored several books, including “Dark Money: The Hidden History of the Billionaires Behind the Rise of the Radical Right” and “The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power.”
The Dark Side Summary:
“The Dark Side” is a compelling and revelatory book by Jane Mayer that explores the transformation of the War on Terror into a war that compromised American ideals. Mayer, an acclaimed investigative journalist, presents a comprehensive and thought-provoking account of the policies and actions undertaken in the name of national security.
One of The New York Times 10 Best Books of the Year
Through research and interviews with key figures, Mayer sheds light on the controversial decisions made during the post-9/11 era. She reveals how the United States, in its pursuit of counterterrorism, adopted morally questionable tactics, policies, and legal justifications that led to the erosion of long-standing democratic principles.
Mayer uncovers the implementation of covert programs, such as secret CIA prisons and the use of enhanced interrogation techniques, including waterboarding and other forms of torture. She exposes the legal justifications put forth to justify these practices and the debates that arose within the government and intelligence community regarding their effectiveness and legality.
National Bestseller
“The Dark Side” also explores the expansion of surveillance programs, both domestically and internationally, in the name of preventing future terrorist attacks. Mayer reveals the erosion of privacy and civil liberties, as well as the blurred lines between intelligence gathering and infringing on individual rights.
Throughout the book, Mayer highlights the individuals involved in these decisions, including key policymakers and officials within the Bush administration. She critically examines their motivations, the interplay of power dynamics, and the ethical dilemmas they faced in balancing national security with upholding American ideals.
National Book Critics Circle Award Finalist
By exposing these practices and their consequences, Mayer challenges readers to confront the moral and ethical implications of sacrificing fundamental values in the name of security. She raises important questions about the long-term impact of such policies on the nation’s reputation, global standing, and commitment to human rights.
In conclusion, “The Dark Side: The Inside Story of How the War on Terror Turned Into a War on American Ideals” by Jane Mayer provides a thought-provoking examination of the consequences of the U.S. government’s response to the 9/11 attacks. Mayer’s meticulous research and compelling narrative shed light on the erosion of civil liberties, the ethical dilemmas surrounding enhanced interrogation techniques, and the lack of accountability and transparency during this period. This book serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of safeguarding democratic values even in times of crisis. Highly recommended for readers interested in the intersection of national security, civil liberties, and the rule of law.
A Best Book of the Year: Salon, Slate, The Economist, The Washington Post, Cleveland Plain-Dealer
Related Books:
- “Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA” by Tim Weiner
- “Dirty Wars: The World Is a Battlefield” by Jeremy Scahill
- “Kill Chain: The Rise of the High-Tech Assassins” by Andrew Cockburn
- “Hard Measures: How Aggressive CIA Actions After 9/11 Saved American Lives” by Jose A. Rodriguez Jr.
- “Courting Disaster: How the CIA Kept America Safe and How Barack Obama Is Inviting the Next Attack” by Marc A. Thiessen
- “Enhanced Interrogation: Inside the Minds and Motives of the Islamic Terrorists Trying to Destroy America” by James E. Mitchell and Bill Harlow
“The Dark Side: The Inside Story of How the War on Terror Turned Into a War on American Ideals” by Jane Mayer [BOOK DETAILS]
FROM AMAZON: The Dark Side is a dramatic, riveting, and definitive narrative account of how the United States made self-destructive decisions in the pursuit of terrorists around the world—decisions that not only violated the Constitution, but also hampered the pursuit of Al Qaeda. In spellbinding detail, Jane Mayer relates the impact of these decisions by which key players, namely Vice President Dick Cheney and his powerful, secretive adviser David Addington, exploited September 11 to further a long held agenda to enhance presidential powers to a degree never known in U.S. history, and obliterate Constitutional protections that define the very essence of the American experiment. With a new afterward.
My Goodreads Review:
The Dark Side: The Inside Story of How the War on Terror Turned Into a War on American Ideals by Jane MayerMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was shocked reading and learning that torture was legalized by American government lawyers by hiding in legal arguments.
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All laws are subject to interpretation. It is the lawyers job to argue for his interpretation alone to be accepted as correct by the decision-making individual or group. It is why legal arguments can also be described as an art form that has all to do with what is legal and not necessarily being moral.