The Quiet Americans is a book written by Scott Anderson that explores the history of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and its involvement in the Middle East during the Cold War. The book focuses on four American spies who played significant roles in shaping U.S. foreign policy in the region.

Anderson begins by providing a historical background of the Middle East, particularly focusing on the aftermath of World War II and the rise of Arab nationalism. He then delves into the formation of the CIA and its early operations in the region, highlighting the agency’s efforts to counter Soviet influence and protect American interests.

The author introduces four key individuals who became known as “the quiet Americans” due to their discreet nature and behind-the-scenes work. These spies are Kermit Roosevelt, Archie Roosevelt, Miles Copeland Jr., and James Critchfield. Anderson meticulously examines their lives, careers, and contributions to U.S. intelligence operations in the Middle East.

Kermit Roosevelt, a grandson of President Theodore Roosevelt, played a pivotal role in orchestrating the 1953 coup d’état in Iran that overthrew Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh. Anderson provides an in-depth analysis of this operation, known as Operation Ajax, and its long-lasting consequences for Iran and U.S.-Iran relations.

Archie Roosevelt, another member of the Roosevelt family, was involved in covert operations in Lebanon during the 1950s. He worked closely with Lebanese President Camille Chamoun to counter communist influence and maintain stability in the country.

Miles Copeland Jr., a former FBI agent turned CIA operative, operated primarily in Egypt and Syria. He played a significant role in supporting Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser’s rise to power and later worked to undermine him when his policies became unfavorable to U.S. interests.

James Critchfield focused on Iraq and was instrumental in supporting Saddam Hussein’s rise to power. However, he later became disillusioned with the dictator and worked to prevent Iraq from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Throughout the book, Anderson explores the complex relationship between these spies and the governments they served. He delves into their motivations, successes, failures, and the ethical dilemmas they faced in their covert operations. The author also examines the impact of their actions on the countries involved and the long-term consequences for U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.

The Quiet Americans provides a comprehensive and thought-provoking analysis of the CIA’s activities in the Middle East during the Cold War. It sheds light on the often overlooked role of intelligence operatives and their influence on shaping U.S. foreign policy in the region. By focusing on these four individuals, Anderson offers a unique perspective on the complexities and challenges of espionage and its impact on international relations.

• The Quiet Americans

• Four CIA Spies at the Dawn of the Cold War – a Tragedy in Three Acts
• By: Scott Anderson
• Narrated by: Robertson Dean, Scott Anderson

At the end of World War II, the United States was seen as the victor of tyranny and the champion of freedom. But it is clear – to some – that the Soviet Union sought to expand and promote revolution around the world, and that the US government’s strategy of response was based on the clandestine efforts of a newly formed CIA. Recording the fascinating lives of four agents, Scott Anderson follows four spies: Michael Burke, who organizes squads of paratroopers from an Italian villa; Frank Wisner, an ingenious spy who directs actions around the world; Peter Sichel, a German Jew who ruthlessly fooled the KGB in Berlin; and Edward Lansdale, an instigator of psychological warfare in the Far East. But despite their lofty ambitions, their efforts have failed again and again, hampered by a combination of greedy politics and ideological rigidity at the highest levels of government.

Those who were truly anti-communist in 1946 were buried under hollow politics and frenzied extremism. We never plan and don’t follow, as in Hungary. The country is still divided along lines that appeared 70 years ago. Ultimately, the United States will become less and less important because the plans simply fail. From this time to that time.

It’s great to experience various details of the history of US espionage and geopolitics from a new publication. So many other books rewrite or summarize stories already in other books, so to get a fresh look at the people involved and their personal struggles is a real contribution to the discipline.

A simply elegant and wonderful book. It takes on a personal touch while sharing people’s lack of appreciation for governments in general. Our overwhelming fascination with statistics and good and evil prevents our governments from making a real difference.

Well worth reading to get a glimpse of the real conspiracy of American emigration from before World War II to the present day.

This is a long and well-written history of the early days. Fascinating detail of the transition from OSS to CIA. It also clarifies political issues and intervenes in complex issues. I’m not sure what the good or bad solution is but at least someone has to try. Similar problems exist today and there are still a lot of bad people out there with no global consequences for them. The population is still at risk and no one is there to help them within a reasonable time frame. So sad.

The history of the CIA, and the agencies before it, is a must-listen/read. You won’t learn about these events – certainly not the actual plot – from any published textbook.
Anderson’s narrative neatly combines the startling events of the end of World War II through to the Cold War. Much of our geopolitical world today is better understood by this book.

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