A Covert Action: Reagan, the CIA, and the Cold War Struggle in Poland

Nonfiction, History, European General, Americas, United States, 20th Century, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science
Cover of the book A Covert Action: Reagan, the CIA, and the Cold War Struggle in Poland by Seth G. Jones, W. W. Norton & Company
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Seth G. Jones ISBN: 9780393247015
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company Publication: September 11, 2018
Imprint: W. W. Norton & Company Language: English
Author: Seth G. Jones
ISBN: 9780393247015
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Publication: September 11, 2018
Imprint: W. W. Norton & Company
Language: English

The dramatic, untold story of one of the CIA’s most successful Cold War intelligence operations.

December, 1981—the CIA receives word that the Polish government has cut telephone communications with the West and closed the Polish border. The agency’s leaders quickly inform President Ronald Reagan, who is enjoying a serene weekend at Camp David. Within hours, Prime Minister Wojciech Jaruzelski has appeared on Polish national television to announce the establishment of martial law. A new era in Cold War politics has begun: Washington and Moscow are on a collision course.

In this gripping narrative history, Seth G. Jones reveals the little-known story of the CIA’s subsequent operations in Poland, which produced a landmark victory for democracy during the Cold War. While the Soviet-backed Polish government worked to crush a budding liberal opposition movement, the CIA began a sophisticated intelligence campaign, code-named QRHELPFUL, that supported dissident groups. The most powerful of these groups was Solidarity, a trade union that swelled to a membership of ten million and became one of the first legitimate anti-Communist opposition movements in Eastern Europe. With President Reagan’s support, the CIA provided money that helped Solidarity print newspapers, broadcast radio programs, and conduct a wide-ranging information warfare campaign against the Soviet-backed government. QRHELPFUL proved vital in establishing a free and democratic Poland.

Long overlooked by CIA historians and Reagan biographers, the story of QRHELPFUL features an extraordinary cast of characters—including spymaster Bill Casey, CIA officer Richard Malzahn, Polish-speaking CIA case officer Celia Larkin, Solidarity leader Lech Walesa, and Pope John Paul II. Based on in-depth interviews and recently declassified evidence, A Covert Action celebrates a decisive victory over tyranny for U.S. intelligence behind the Iron Curtain, one that prefigured the Soviet collapse.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The dramatic, untold story of one of the CIA’s most successful Cold War intelligence operations.

December, 1981—the CIA receives word that the Polish government has cut telephone communications with the West and closed the Polish border. The agency’s leaders quickly inform President Ronald Reagan, who is enjoying a serene weekend at Camp David. Within hours, Prime Minister Wojciech Jaruzelski has appeared on Polish national television to announce the establishment of martial law. A new era in Cold War politics has begun: Washington and Moscow are on a collision course.

In this gripping narrative history, Seth G. Jones reveals the little-known story of the CIA’s subsequent operations in Poland, which produced a landmark victory for democracy during the Cold War. While the Soviet-backed Polish government worked to crush a budding liberal opposition movement, the CIA began a sophisticated intelligence campaign, code-named QRHELPFUL, that supported dissident groups. The most powerful of these groups was Solidarity, a trade union that swelled to a membership of ten million and became one of the first legitimate anti-Communist opposition movements in Eastern Europe. With President Reagan’s support, the CIA provided money that helped Solidarity print newspapers, broadcast radio programs, and conduct a wide-ranging information warfare campaign against the Soviet-backed government. QRHELPFUL proved vital in establishing a free and democratic Poland.

Long overlooked by CIA historians and Reagan biographers, the story of QRHELPFUL features an extraordinary cast of characters—including spymaster Bill Casey, CIA officer Richard Malzahn, Polish-speaking CIA case officer Celia Larkin, Solidarity leader Lech Walesa, and Pope John Paul II. Based on in-depth interviews and recently declassified evidence, A Covert Action celebrates a decisive victory over tyranny for U.S. intelligence behind the Iron Curtain, one that prefigured the Soviet collapse.

More books from W. W. Norton & Company

Cover of the book North Carolina: A History by Seth G. Jones
Cover of the book A Christmas Carol: The Original Manuscript Edition by Seth G. Jones
Cover of the book Globish: How English Became the World's Language by Seth G. Jones
Cover of the book Out of Gas: The End of the Age of Oil by Seth G. Jones
Cover of the book The Feeling Brain: The Biology and Psychology of Emotions by Seth G. Jones
Cover of the book Morning Meditations: Awaken Your Power to Change by Seth G. Jones
Cover of the book New Hampshire: A History by Seth G. Jones
Cover of the book The Founders at Home: The Building of America, 1735-1817 by Seth G. Jones
Cover of the book Pig Tales: An Omnivore's Quest for Sustainable Meat by Seth G. Jones
Cover of the book Love & Will by Seth G. Jones
Cover of the book Of Woman Born: Motherhood as Experience and Institution by Seth G. Jones
Cover of the book The Cruelest Miles: The Heroic Story of Dogs and Men in a Race Against an Epidemic by Seth G. Jones
Cover of the book The Earth Moves: Galileo and the Roman Inquisition (Great Discoveries) by Seth G. Jones
Cover of the book The Compassionate Connection: The Healing Power of Empathy and Mindful Listening by Seth G. Jones
Cover of the book Beneath the Lion's Gaze: A Novel by Seth G. Jones
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy