The flexibility and patience of Benjamin C. Bradlee, the executive editor of The Washington Post, and Richard E. Snyder, the chairman of Simon & Schuster, Inc., have permitted me to weave my way through the dual existence of newspaper reporter and book author. I doubt if anywhere there are more formidable believers in independent inquiry or the printed word than these two. I owe them both an extra debt for their backing and friendship. This project was initially begun with my Post colleague Charles R. Babcock in the fall of 1984. It was to be a series of articles for the Post. Instead, we published a number of news articles on covert operations. I owe him special gratitude for his efforts. Though he bears no responsibility for this book, I thank Chuck, one of the most careful and thorough reporters, for the information, suggestions and insights he unselfishly shared with me.
The Post provided me with immense support and guidance. In particular I thank the managing editor, Leonard Downie, Jr. No one cares more about the Post or devotes more attention to the quality of its daily product and professional standards. Assistant managing editor for national news Robert G. Kaiser and the deputy projects editor Steve Luxenberg—two of the wisest and most talented newspapermen anywhere—both spent days reading this manuscript and advising me. I owe much to other Post colleagues: in particular Ferman Patterson for his eternal good nature, competency and research skills; the Post library staff who often chased and located what we thought was lost or unobtainable; the telephone operators who fielded the calls and separated the essential from the nonessential.
For the complicated legal review, special thanks to John Bender and Eric Rayman of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
At Simon and Schuster, much appreciation to Joni Evans, who has always been a source of great support. Also to Henry Ferris and David Shipley for a thousand assists. Many thanks to Sophie Sorkin, Eve Metz, Frank Metz and Jeanne Palmer. Greatest respect and appreciation to Vera Schneider.
Alice Mayhew, my editor at Simon and Schuster on now my fifth book, is, like the best of book people, someone concerned with the truth. She wields a relentless red pen, and has the intellect, backbone and stamina of a team of editors. She is a true collaborator.
No work about intelligence can be pieced together in a vacuum. I acknowledge the many books and newspaper and magazine articles that added background or detail to my own work: especially the articles that have appeared in the The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Wall Street Journal, on the Associated Press wire and by Post colleagues Patrick Tyler, Benjamin Weiser, George Lardner, Walter Pincus, Dan Morgan, Joe Pichirallo, Lou Cannon, David Hoffman, Don Oberdorfer, John Goshko, George Wilson, David Ignatius, Michael Getler, James Conaway and Rick Atkinson. Extra thanks also to William Greider.
Tali and Fe are thanked for moral support and understanding. Carl Bernstein, my friend, colleague and sounding board, provided several critical and most helpful readings.
My greatest thanks go to the sources for this book. Many sat with me for days, endured repeated requests for more information, recollection, explanation and documentation.
And to Elsa Walsh for daily counsel and love.