How To Break A Terrorist: The U.S. Interrogators Who Used Brains, Not Brutality, To Take Down The Deadliest Man In Iraq (2008) - Plot & Excerpts
Good, fast read about an US Air Force interrogator who (by his account) was instrumental in extracting the information used to target and kill al Zarqawi, head of the group Al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI).The book reads like an extended episode of '24', albeit without torture. In fact, the central theme of the pseudonymous author decries the use of torture in interrogations.The primary conflict is between the interrogators ("gators") and subjects, though the secondary conflict is between "old school" interrogators intent on maintaining control, versus more enlightened ones who try to build rapport in order to get an edge.Anonymous comments on other sites call it a self-aggrandizing account of events; I have no insights as to that, though I do note that the anti-torture narrative and call for nuance and knowledge in the counterterrorism/counterinsurgency fight will resonate highly with some audiences, and not at all with others. There was nothing truly surprising in this -- if you treat people with respect they will respond better than if you try and demean and control them. It's the whole "you get more bees with honey" theory in action. That said, it was nice to read was is essentially one like piece of ancedotal evidence that proves the theory. It also shows that some people, for whatever reason, will always stick to the old, cruel ways of interrogation. Disappointing, but I suppose that is human nature as well.
What do You think about How To Break A Terrorist: The U.S. Interrogators Who Used Brains, Not Brutality, To Take Down The Deadliest Man In Iraq (2008)?
Very interesting, easy read. Thought it would be more "Bourne Identity-ish" but it was still great.
—eve
Page turner for anyone who loves the TV show Homeland :)
—SUPERDOUCHE100
Interesting, informative book. Very quick read, too.
—Wise
Interesting view into common interrogation tactics.
—Kenna
