The Fall of Che Guevara: A Story of Soldiers, Spies, and Diplomats
"This work is well researched, utilizing Cuban, U.S., and Bolivian sources, and is a cracking 'good read.'"--The Journal of Military History"Ryan offers a thoughtful critique of both the operational and intelligence-gathering aspects of the U.S. intervention against the Cuban intervention in Bolivia....[He] enlivens his narrative with vivid portraits of the two American officials who played key parts in the hunt for Guevara....[This book] is a welcome addition to the literature on both Che Guevara and U.S. intervention in Latin America."--The Washington Monthly"The Fall of Che Guevarahas the merit of being both original and brief. It consists largely of a trawl through the American archives, in the wake of the Freedom of Information Act, to discover what the various U.S. government agencies really knew, and thought, and did about Guevara."--London Reviewof Books"Ryan's is a balanced and carefully-documented book and a great read about one of the most fascinating characters of our times. Ryan pretty well destroys the idea that Guevara left Cuba in virtual disgrace because of disagreements with Castro. Guevara remained, and remains today, one of the most honored figures in Cuba's hall of heroes. Soviet pressure may have played some role in Guevara's decision to leave, but clearly his missions to the Congo and then to Bolivia were of tremendous importance in Cuba's foreign policy projections. Guevara would probably have embarked upon them even had there been no disagreements with the Soviets. It is appropriate that this excellent book is published just as Guevara's remains at last have been returned from Bolivia to Cuba."--Wayne S. Smith, Visiting Professor of Latin American Studies at the Johns Hopkins University; formerly a member of the Foreign Service and the State Department's leading expert on Cuba"The enigmatic personality--and persona--of 'Che' will fascinate writers on many different levels for decades to come. But this detailed and comprehensive book is important because, for the first time, the American part in the notorious 1967 capture of Guevara is believably told. You'll be surprised."--Georgie Anne Geyer, syndicated columnist and author ofGuerrilla Prince: The Untold Story of Fidel Castro