Customer Reviews

In the Aftermath of Genocide: The U.S. Role in Rwanda

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An outstanding contribution to the literature on Rwanda. There have been several good books about the 1994 genocide, but Gribbin's book stands out as the best source on the post-genocide era. His observations on the 1996-7 war in Eastern Zaire, which drove Mobutu from power and put the Kabilas in the presidency in Kinshasa, are especially valuable. These times remain a controversial topic, and it's essential to get the viewpoint of an American diplomat in the field, which Gribbin ably provides. The book is well-written and an enjoyable read, even though it deals with serious subjects. No student of Rwanda, the Congo or genocide should be without it.

I take great pleasure in writing this review as Bob Gribbin was my Ambassador for the last 3 months of my own tour as the US Defense Attache in Rwanda from 1994-1996. Much tripe concerning US roles in Rwanda and the Congo War has been offered directly to the US Congress or in the press, various blogs, and even in some published works.

This book has many strengths. First it offers more than the title implies: Ambassador Gribbin's previous assigments in Rwanda and Uganda provide critical insights into the workings of the RPF and Museveni's Uganda. Second it is both concise and personal. I read the book cover to cover in 2 evenings. The Rwandan Genocide is still a very personal issue to me. Bob captures its horrors well and yet manages to offer very balanced interpretations of its causes and its effects. Finally, it is without doubt the authoritative account of the 1996-1998 events in Rwanda and Zaire (now the DRC). I am proud to have worked for Ambassador Gribbin and I am proud to have his book in my library.

Sincerely,
Thomas P. Odom
Author, Journey into Darkness: Genocide in Rwanda, Texas A&M University Press, 2005

The world watched in horror as Rwanda descended into hellish barbarism. And after the violence ended, what then? That is Gribbin's subject, written from the perspective of the U.S. ambassador -- the embodiment of U.S. policy in the post-conflict period. His book is filled with exotic names and places, probably more than the non-expert can keep up with. (And the skimpy index is not much help.) Nevertheless, this pioneering book provides a depth of detail and an appreciation for the complexities of nation building under mind-bogglingly challenging conditions. It will be an indispensable resource for the student of the Rwandan tragedy or, more broadly, as a case study on the death -- and, we hope, rebirth -- of a modern nation-state.