Worthy Fights: A Memoir of Leadership in War and Peace
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Editorial Reviews
Review
The Washington Post:
“Worthy Fights is Panetta’s addition to the Cabinet bookshelf, and it’s very readable, with the frank descriptions of personalities and events that distinguish this genre at its best.”
“Worthy Fights is Panetta’s addition to the Cabinet bookshelf, and it’s very readable, with the frank descriptions of personalities and events that distinguish this genre at its best.”
About the Author
Leon Panetta served as the director of the Central Intelligence Agency from 2009–2011, and as secretary of defense from 2011–2013. An Italian American Democrat, he was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1977–1993, the director of the Office of Management and Budget from 1993–1994, and President Clinton’s chief of staff from 1994–1997. He is the founder of the Panetta Institute for Public Policy, and has served as professor of public policy at his alma mater, Santa Clara University.
Jim Newton is editor at large of the Los Angeles Times, where he has worked for twenty-five years as a reporter, editor, bureau chief, and columnist. He is the author of two critically acclaimed biographies, Justice for All: Earl Warren and the Nation He Made and Eisenhower: The White House Years.
Jim Newton is editor at large of the Los Angeles Times, where he has worked for twenty-five years as a reporter, editor, bureau chief, and columnist. He is the author of two critically acclaimed biographies, Justice for All: Earl Warren and the Nation He Made and Eisenhower: The White House Years.
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68 of 75 people found the following review helpful
By
outwest
on October 7, 2014
Format: Hardcover
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Leon Panetta’s new book seems to walk the line of both wanting to support and admonish the latest administration at the same time. Partial memoir and in part critique of the president comes less than two years after Panetta retired as Secretary of Defense. As the Director of the CIA from 2009 to 2011, Panetta obviously had deep insight into America’s actions abroad.
Looking back at his tenure, Panetta makes the case that Obama’s decisions and leadership style have made the war against the Islamic State more difficult through Obama’s refusal to push the Iraqi government into keeping a residual force which resulted in the ISIS rise, that he failed to arm Syrian rebels, and failed to follow up against Assad after crossing the “red line.”
He details about the CIA’s “enhanced interrogation techniques,” while admitting that enhanced interrogation yielded “important, even critical intelligence,” including intelligence on the whereabouts of Osama bin Laden. If you are looking for any definitive statement regarding his position on the matter though, it is hard to find here.
In all, as with many books from former administration personnel, the book toes the line of self-glorification while balancing praise and criticism of the administration. Panetta’s book is typical to such memoirs, and as such, is neither disappointing nor particularly spectacular.
Looking back at his tenure, Panetta makes the case that Obama’s decisions and leadership style have made the war against the Islamic State more difficult through Obama’s refusal to push the Iraqi government into keeping a residual force which resulted in the ISIS rise, that he failed to arm Syrian rebels, and failed to follow up against Assad after crossing the “red line.”
He details about the CIA’s “enhanced interrogation techniques,” while admitting that enhanced interrogation yielded “important, even critical intelligence,” including intelligence on the whereabouts of Osama bin Laden. If you are looking for any definitive statement regarding his position on the matter though, it is hard to find here.
In all, as with many books from former administration personnel, the book toes the line of self-glorification while balancing praise and criticism of the administration. Panetta’s book is typical to such memoirs, and as such, is neither disappointing nor particularly spectacular.
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33 of 35 people found the following review helpful
By
MagnoliaSouth
on October 9, 2014
Format: Hardcover
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First off, let me just say that my opinion is a bit biased. I'm a staunch conservative, but that said, I really tried to be objective here. I picked this up from another store out of pure curiosity. Normally, I can't stand disgruntled employee books. They write with an agenda and that's usually revenge. I bought because I felt it amusing that it was happening to Obama for a change, but I have to admit, this book surprised me.
I disagree with a lot of reviewers in that he was self serving in any way. I think his intention was to defend himself to the public. He doesn't defame Obama and his administration at all, but does offer some criticism and sets the record straight on many rumors. Of course he offers his opinions, but what memoirs don't? Isn't that the point of a memoir?
It's really a shame that liberals are viciously attacking this man over this book. There is no reason to do so at all! Clearly he respects Obama and much of his administration, even if there were disagreements.
Despite the fact that I don't agree with all his views, I think it's well written and quite respectable. I think he's being honest, but a little defensive. Still, I think it's well worth the read.
I disagree with a lot of reviewers in that he was self serving in any way. I think his intention was to defend himself to the public. He doesn't defame Obama and his administration at all, but does offer some criticism and sets the record straight on many rumors. Of course he offers his opinions, but what memoirs don't? Isn't that the point of a memoir?
It's really a shame that liberals are viciously attacking this man over this book. There is no reason to do so at all! Clearly he respects Obama and much of his administration, even if there were disagreements.
Despite the fact that I don't agree with all his views, I think it's well written and quite respectable. I think he's being honest, but a little defensive. Still, I think it's well worth the read.
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27 of 29 people found the following review helpful
By
J. White
on October 9, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition
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This book is very well written and provides a lot of insight into the background of a truly dedicated public servant. I first met Leon Panetta back around 1978. He as my local congressman had come to the university I was attending in San Luis Obispo to give a talk. Back then I was extremely conservative and jumped at the chance to go experience a real life "liberal". He was great. It was obvious that he was one to put America first and then politics second. Talking about things like fiscal responsibility decades before it became popular. What I got out of that hour or so talk was a lifelong interest in politics. Over the years my views moderated. I followed his career through the Clinton years, and his appointment as CIA director under Obama. Folks if you ever have the chance please go and experience him on the speaking circuit. Few other people can top him.
There is a lot going around now that says this book bashes Obama. I disagree. Liberals and conservatives alike take a beating. You need to read the entire book to understand where he is coming from.
Highly recommended.
There is a lot going around now that says this book bashes Obama. I disagree. Liberals and conservatives alike take a beating. You need to read the entire book to understand where he is coming from.
Highly recommended.
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28 of 33 people found the following review helpful
By
Amazon Customer
on October 8, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition
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Fascinating insight on how our government works. It's also a great human interest story about a man from humble beginnings who rose to be one of the most influential men in America. It's a true american success story. I started by downloading the sample preview. After reading the beginning I knew I just had to read the rest of the book. Given the timing of the release its hard not to see possible political motivations behind the scenes. If you're a supporter of the current administration you might get a little heartburn. If you're an opponent you're sure to experience a little schadenfreude. Either way its an excellent read. Well written and not at all boring. I found it to be a page turner. No matter what side of the political spectrum you fall on, knowledge is knowledge. I recommend it.
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22 of 26 people found the following review helpful
By
Chris Gregory
on October 9, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition
4 Comments
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Mr. Panetta has written an open, honest presentation of his experiences and knowledge of events in public life. Unfortunately for the current president, several of his characterizations reveal an unwillingness to learn from mistakes or take advice from advisers.
The book is well written, honest and revelatory, but I wonder if it was written at this time in order to kick-start the separation process between HRC and Obama. From this reading, I can't glean that for certain, but it is a consideration. In any event this book sheds light on the inner workings of government.
The book is well written, honest and revelatory, but I wonder if it was written at this time in order to kick-start the separation process between HRC and Obama. From this reading, I can't glean that for certain, but it is a consideration. In any event this book sheds light on the inner workings of government.
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62 of 86 people found the following review helpful
By
Roger J Jones
on October 7, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition
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14 Comments
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Overall impression: Like a stone skipping across water. Lots of history, very little depth, almost nothing that has not been extensively reported elsewhere. There are a couple of nuggets that I found interesting.
The first part of the book is a chronological history of Mr. Panetta's career. He highlights those legislative and administrative controversies and successes that were of particular importance to him. There is little in the way of analysis. I found the style more I was there, here is what I did, and here is what happened.
In his discussion of the Abdulmutallab incident (the underwear bomber) Mr. Panetta points out that Abdulmutallab eventually gave up valuable intelligence information without being subject to enhanced interrogation techniques. Since Mr. Panetta is not in favor of such techniques the inference is that they are not necessary. I believe this is projecting the universe from a sample of one and really doesn't enlighten the issue. Again, my desire for more of a policy argument and why Mr. Panetta holds his views.
IMHO Mr. Panetta starts to get interesting when he discusses the Balawi incident. (Balawi was belived to be a double agent working for the CIA. He was, it turned out, a suicide bomber who killed 7 CIA agents and additional non-US personnel.) Even so, while noting that the Agency performed a postmortem to figure out what went wrong Mr. Panetta focuses on the emotional impact rather than the lessons learned.
Mr. Panetta goes into some length describing the process around the assault that killed Osama bin Laden. After the decision is reached he points out:
"I was struck by the enormity of what the president had just approved. The lives of two dozen men would be at risk ...Read more ›
The first part of the book is a chronological history of Mr. Panetta's career. He highlights those legislative and administrative controversies and successes that were of particular importance to him. There is little in the way of analysis. I found the style more I was there, here is what I did, and here is what happened.
In his discussion of the Abdulmutallab incident (the underwear bomber) Mr. Panetta points out that Abdulmutallab eventually gave up valuable intelligence information without being subject to enhanced interrogation techniques. Since Mr. Panetta is not in favor of such techniques the inference is that they are not necessary. I believe this is projecting the universe from a sample of one and really doesn't enlighten the issue. Again, my desire for more of a policy argument and why Mr. Panetta holds his views.
IMHO Mr. Panetta starts to get interesting when he discusses the Balawi incident. (Balawi was belived to be a double agent working for the CIA. He was, it turned out, a suicide bomber who killed 7 CIA agents and additional non-US personnel.) Even so, while noting that the Agency performed a postmortem to figure out what went wrong Mr. Panetta focuses on the emotional impact rather than the lessons learned.
Mr. Panetta goes into some length describing the process around the assault that killed Osama bin Laden. After the decision is reached he points out:
"I was struck by the enormity of what the president had just approved. The lives of two dozen men would be at risk ...Read more ›
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