Divorcing The Dictator: America's Bungled Affair with Noriega

by Frederick Kempe

Criticizes U.S. policy towards Noriega, who offered aid to the contras in exchange for $200,000 a year and a blind eye to his illegal activities

Genres: History, Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published March 5, 1990

About the author

Journalist and author. Editor and associate publisher of The Wall Street Journal Europe, founding editor of Central European Economic Review.

Reviews

[Lance Karlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be the most thoroughly researched and entertaining expose on the sordid relationship between Manuel Noriega and the CIA. Kempe tells historical facts with the descriptions and suspense of a novelist, and in this case, truth is far stranger than fiction.
Manuel Noriega was a tyrant - on that I think everyone agrees - but it was the US, and in particular the CIA, who created this monster. To think that he was on the payroll of the CIA for so many years after there was credible evidence of his drug trafficking, double-crossing and blackmailing is truly disturbing. But then again, it is not so unbelievable when you dig deeper into the CIA's involvement in the Iran-Contra affair, and just about every other covert activity occurring in Central America in the 70's and 80's.
This book ultimately inspired my novel, The Noriega Tapes, and I am very grateful to Fred for his responses to my contact and inherent support of my work.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written book that explains our complicit cooperation in aiding a thug to power in Panama. Noriega was a very intriguing character because of his ability to manipulate and control those in power by using what he learned from army intel training. The author covered the guy from the beginning of his ascension to intel chief. he was ruthless and on the CIA payroll making 6 figures for his supposed intel aid for us. He also helped out Castro quite a bit and Castro considered him a good friend. A lot of great detail from people who knew and it also is interesting to see how such a creep falls from power after finally being seen as a thug from those in the DA office in Miami. Washington was in his corner until they finally couldnt politically take his drug and gangster affiliation. Anyway a lot of interesting reading for someone who likes to know what goes on in this hemisphere.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This would not be the type of book that you would consider a page turner. Yet the story of now Noriega rose to power and the key role the U.S. played in so much of what happened and the manuevers to get him out of power are compelling. It's hard to find a single good book on Panama, and this one of course only covers a specific period, but if you want to read one that is not about building the canal, this is the book.

[Sophia · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was almost too thorough - so much detail! I can't say I really enjoyed reading it all that much, but I can say I'm glad I read it. I learned a great deal about Panama which is worth knowing!

[Marc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone should correct the typo in the title!!!
Fully engaging read. Irony upon irony. The beginning of the end of America.