Jim Popkin

Arrested on Sept. 21, 2001, the fantastical but true story of Ana Montes was buried because of the focus on the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11. Ana operated as a spy for Cuba for 17 years while working for the Defense Intelligence Agency. This book is an account of her early life, her recruitment as a spy while a college student, and some of the devastating effects of the information that she gave to the Cubans.
The account is well written and laid out chronologically. Occassionally there is the unavoidable confusion of acronyms ascribed to various government agencies.
It is astounding to me that she has been released from prison. And equally astounding how vulnerable our government's secrets are.… (more)

Fascinating story of Ana Montes who worked for the US Defense Intelligence Agency as an analyst on Cuba. However, Ana had a second job as a spy for Fidel Castro. Her deception was fueled by various people that she met along in college and other friendships, as well as disquiet over the way Reagan handled things internationally. Fortunately, someone noticed that Ana left a meeting after a particular event, and began to question her loyalty. Strangely enough, bringing her to justice was more difficult than you would think. Various events stalled investigation, and other people questioned whether or not she was really a spy. The incompetence at different levels of our security infrastructure concern me. Also sad was how she not only betrayed her country, but her family, as they all had connections to service in the US Government.… (more)