WASHINGTON'S WAR ON NICARAGUA

Washington's War on Nicaragua is a thorough investigation into the contemporary involvement of the American government's attempt to disrupt-overtly and covertly-the Nicaraguan revolution and destabilize the Sandinista government. Following a brief historical outline of United States military intervention into Nicaragua, the background to this government's current policy is set out with a description of the Carter administration's role during the period in which the opposition to the Somoza family rule was developing. Synthesized from a number of published sources and gleaned from interviews are the intricacies of intelligence operations and diplomatic efforts first to moderate Somoza's domestic policies and then to combat the leftist elements in the country that succeeded in deposing Somoza and running the country. The arguments and evidence presented, while not specifically stated, are put forth in a manner whose purpose is to indict the American foreign policy toward Nicaragua and Central America. The materials are geared to appeal to the readers' emotions. Thus, there is a wealth of information but little analysis, and the framework is not especially clear except for the obvious intent of the author. All the vignettes tend to cast either an evil light on American governmental intentions or at least a strong sense of incompetence, especially when a covert action fails and comes to public light. Overall, this is one of the better studies on the United States involvement in the undercover war with Nicaragua. It is strongly recommended to a wide audience ranging from the general reader and the public library to the specialist in an academic setting. -- From Independent Publisher