Goff's impassioned and often vivid critique of U.S. foreign policy derives from the perspective of a long and distinguished military career. Until 1996 an NCO in various arms of Special Forces, he served in the invasions of Panama, Somalia, Grenada and Haiti (recounted in 2000's Hideous Dream
). This book's great strength is in Goff's ability to cut through both the reader's prejudice and the bafflegab of officialdom to offer real "on the ground" insight into the military mind at both its best and worst. In taking apart, for example, both the official report on the infamous Black Hawk Down incident in Mogadishu and its Hollywood depiction, he is able to show how both participate in the same kinds of self-exculpatory distortions. Likewise his account of the replacement of real tactical experience with high-tech panaceas—driven by neo-conservative ideology rather than any practical consideration—is withering and powerful. Unfortunately, these passages of insight don't have the impact they should, due to both the book's haphazard organization and wearyingly didactic tone. Most of the 17 short chapters follow a predictable pattern, beginning in cogent recollection and analysis, but ending with political/philosophical digressions of a confused if decidedly radical hue. Goff proves himself capable of a rare sort of practical and sober analysis, but the vitriol and idle speculation he too often indulges in are already in great supply, from a variety of perspectives. (Feb.)
