Interesting article by Blum. And I will definitely grab a copy of that book (if available).
Some comments on the source an the author. Counterpunch is a recognized as a radical LW source of opinion. It does provide a voice some some pretty bizzare points of view at times, but for the most part has extremely accurate articles that are will sourced and backed up. It is definitey much more accurate than many of the RW sites/sources that repeatedly refuse to source their stories and have been caught red handed inventing evidence. A grain of salt should always be employed when reading opinion, but counterpunch, and its authors, does have a good history of being able to back up their claims.
William Blum should have a pretty good grasp on this subject. He worked in the State Department and has been a long critic of US foreign policy. He has written several excellent books (exposes really) that delve into the shadowy actions of the American government and the CIA, including outlining the illegal actions they have undertaken to destabalize other nations and regions. Sadly, Blum's greatest claim to fame is having one of his books, Rogue State: A Guide to the World's Only Superpower, quoted by Osama bin Laden in one of his tapes.
Blum is an excellent writer and extremely well versed in his subject matter. If anyone wants some real history on the actions of the United States and the CIA feel free to pick up:
Killing Hope: US Military and CIA Interventions since WWII
Freeing the World to Death: Essays on the American Empire
The CIA: A Forgotten History
All three of these books are excellent reads and will open your eyes to the reality faced by those who hold different views to that of America. I have yet to find a copy of Rogue State (at a reasonable price) but one of my co-workers has read it and says it is very well done and the information accurate.
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