- Published Year: 2002
- Page count: 634
- File Size: 135 MB
- Language: English
- Published by: University Press of Kansas
- Visited by: 26
- Rating/Review: 4.7
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ISBN:
0700612130
9780700612130
Decent Interval: An Insider's Account of Saigon's Indecent End Told by the CIA's Chief Strategy Analyst in Vietnam
4.7
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Each download or ask from book AI costs 2 points. To earn more free points, please visit the Points Guide Page and complete some valuable actions.Introduction to 'Decent Interval: An Insider's Account of Saigon's Indecent End Told by the CIA's Chief Strategy Analyst in Vietnam'
Frank Snepp's gripping narrative, 'Decent Interval,' exposes the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from South Vietnam in 1975, revealing the harrowing realities and strategic blunders by the CIA during the final days of the Vietnam War. This insider's account provides readers with an unmatched perspective on a pivotal moment in history.
Detailed Summary of the Book
In 'Decent Interval,' Frank Snepp meticulously chronicles the fall of Saigon through the eyes of a CIA agent deeply embedded in the complexities of the Vietnam conflict. As the Chief Strategy Analyst for the CIA in Vietnam, Snepp witnessed firsthand the goings-on within both Washington and Saigon as they unfolded with alarming incompetence and indifference.
The book is divided into detailed accounts of the political machinations, intelligence failures, and bureaucratic entanglements that characterized the final years of U.S. involvement. Snepp portrays the American withdrawal as not just a military defeat but a moral catastrophe, highlighting a lack of preparation and coordination that left many South Vietnamese allies to their fate.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. lacked a coherent exit strategy from Vietnam, leading to chaotic evacuation procedures.
- Communication failures and conflicting agendas within the U.S. government exacerbated the crisis.
- Many South Vietnamese allies were abandoned, resulting in dire consequences for those left behind.
- The book serves as a potent reminder of the ethical considerations governments must take when involved in international conflicts.
Famous Quotes from the Book
"The fall of Saigon was a spectacular example of how things fall apart, how great powers often retreat in disorder and disarray."
"In the end, the real casualties were not just the Americans or their Vietnamese allies, but also the truth itself."
Why This Book Matters
'Decent Interval' matters because it offers an unflinching account of the tragic end to America's involvement in Vietnam, providing critical insights into the consequences of poorly planned military and political strategies. Frank Snepp's testimony is a powerhouse of truth that underscores the importance of accountability and foresight in governmental actions. This book is essential reading for military historians, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the broader implications of U.S. foreign interventions.
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