John Nixon Livres

A damning indictment of the perversion of a major intelligence service by little minds inside and above it. -The Times of London That a CIA officer should hold power to account in a memoir is unusual, and patriotic. John Nixon has done so with insight and style. Debriefing The President is a page turner of historical consequence - excellent news for the republic in treacherous times. - Nick McDonell, author of Twelve and The End of Major Combat Operations Nixon captures the psychological give-and-take of these exchanges [with Saddam Hussein] with gripping readability...and he describes the resultant verbal sparring with a sharp ear for nuance. - Steve Donoghue, The Christian Science Monitor Mr. Nixon, the first C.I.A. officer to interrogate Hussein after his capture in December 2003, reveals gobsmacking facts about that deposed Iraqi leader that raise new questions about why the United States bothered to invade Iraq to oust him from power. These details will likely appall Americans who have watched their nation's blood and treasure wasted in Iraq ever since.... More broadly, Mr. Nixon offers a stinging indictment of the C.I.A. and what he sees as the agency's dysfunctional process for providing intelligence to the president and other policy makers.... Mr. Nixon's book comes at an extraordinary moment, when President-elect Donald J. Trump is already at war with the C.I.A....Debriefing the President will add fuel to the fire of the Trump-led criticism. It will also send a chilling warning to anyone counting on the C.I.A. to stand up to Mr. Trump once he is in office. - James Risen, The New York Times Gripping...Nixon's book, Debriefing the President, gives more ammunition to the skeptics; indeed, some of its contents can only be described as sensational. - John Cassidy, The New Yorker A fascinating glimpse of the tough, shrewd, manipulative leader and his views on the U.S. invasion, Iraqi history, and his own role in the Middle East...An intelligent and readable postscript to the Iraq War that will be valuable for future historians. --Kirkus (starred review)

A riveting and revealing account of the CIA's interrogation of Saddam Hussein, written by the agent who conducted the questioning. In December 2003, following an extensive manhunt, US military forces captured Iraqi president Saddam Hussein near Tikrit. Amid rumors and false alarms, the Bush administration required positive identification of the prisoner before announcing his capture. John Nixon, a senior CIA analyst with years of experience studying Hussein, was tasked with making the official ID. He examined telltale scars and tribal tattoos and asked questions only Hussein could answer. While confirming the identity, Nixon discovered that both he and America had fundamentally misunderstood who Saddam Hussein truly was. This account presents a candid portrait of one of the era's most notorious leaders. As the first to conduct a prolonged interrogation of Hussein post-capture, Nixon offers expert insights into the history and psyche of a complex adversary. He recounts his debriefing sessions, stripping away the mythology surrounding a brutal figure. This narrative is not an apology but a sobering examination of how preconceived notions misled Washington policymakers and their allies. Unflinching and unprecedented, it highlights a fundamental misreading of a central figure in modern history, presenting a bold counter-narrative to the established account.

The book provides a detailed history of the Cark Airfield site, exploring its evolution from a proposed airship factory to its significant wartime roles, including training units and anti-aircraft operations during World War II. Lavishly illustrated and infused with humor, it takes readers on a journey beyond Cumbria to various international locations connected to the airfield's history. The author aims to highlight the impact of the war on the South Furness peninsula and share his enduring fascination with local wartime airfields.

Focusing on a significant artifact, the book provides an in-depth examination of a votive marble chair from Estonia, preserved in Northamptonshire. Nixon details its artistic and historical importance, exploring its cultural significance within Estonia. Richly illustrated, the work serves as a scholarly resource for understanding Estonian culture and marble artistry. This facsimile reprint aims to preserve the original's value while making it accessible to modern readers, despite potential imperfections from its antiquarian origins.

Focusing on the historical significance of RAF Walney and No.10 Air Gunnery School, this book explores the evolution of military aviation training during World War II. It delves into the experiences of pilots and aircrew, detailing their training, challenges, and contributions to the war effort. Richly illustrated and meticulously researched, it captures the spirit of resilience and innovation that defined this pivotal period in aviation history, making it a valuable resource for enthusiasts and historians alike.

As a facsimile reprint of an original antiquarian work, this book preserves historical significance despite potential imperfections like marks and notations. It aims to protect and promote literature by providing a high-quality, accessible edition that remains true to the original text. This commitment highlights the cultural importance of the work, ensuring that it continues to be available for readers and scholars alike.

Culturally significant, this work has been meticulously reproduced from its original artifact, preserving its authenticity. Readers will encounter original copyright references and library stamps, reflecting its historical importance and the care taken to maintain its integrity. This edition serves as a vital contribution to the knowledge base of civilization, ensuring that the legacy of the original work is accessible to contemporary audiences.

The book offers a rich collection of personal narratives from airmen and women who served at three South Lakeland airfields during World War II. Marking the 75th anniversary of VE Day, it features both humorous and tragic accounts of service life, showcasing the bravery and resilience of RAF veterans. Readers will encounter gripping stories of bombing raids, evasion tactics, and survival against the odds, alongside reflections on the horrors of war. These firsthand accounts provide a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made for victory over Nazi Germany.

This reprint of the 1885 original provides a comprehensive account of the Transvaal, capturing its historical significance and events in detail. The book offers insights into the region's development, conflicts, and key figures, making it a valuable resource for those interested in South African history. Its unchanged format preserves the authenticity of the period, allowing readers to experience the narrative as it was initially presented.

Focusing on his 1880 journey to South Africa, John Nixon offers a vivid travelogue that captures the essence of the Boer people and their culture. He details the diverse landscapes, flora, and fauna while examining the social and political climate of the era. Nixon's insights into Boer customs, religion, and language provide a rich historical context, making this work a significant resource for those interested in South African history and culture. The book serves as an important preservation of a transformative period in the region's past.