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25 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Politics Of The 9-11 Commission, August 17, 2006
Two years ago, "The 9-11 Commission Report" was released and discussed the events leading up to and following the 9-11 attacks. This new book by the co-chairs of the 9-11 Commission is the story of their struggle to overcome bureaucratic obstacles and White House resistance (in the guise of White House counsel Alberto Gonzales). This account is a political one, not a fact-finding story of the actual attacks. Republican Thomas Kean and Democrat Lee Hamilton paint a damning picture of resistance at every corner and their use of PR to overcome many (but not all) of the obstacles. For those interested in the workings of Washington politics, this is an excellent read.
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15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A rare inside look at Washington political process, August 25, 2006
I found this book fascinating. There are rarely Washington insiders with the narrative talent and an appreciation for process, and in this case, we have a book that provides both. The careful negotiations, resistance and calculations by federal agencies, the push and pull of partisan politics and the unique friendly-adversarial role of the 911 families provide for absorbing reading. If nothing else, the use of careful diplomacy by the authors in knowing when to wheedle and when to subpoena is a lesson unto itself. The delicacy of diplomacy and the ham-handedness of security considerations provide a rare insight into the difficulties of maneuvering inside the beltway, and the differences amongst and amidst the commission itself are more than simple sniping -- they are in many ways a laboratory for American political struggles. Recommended for policy wonks and aspiring diplomats, and for those, like me, who'd rather get the inside scoop on the White House than Hollywood.
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12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Outstanding Leadership!, August 16, 2006
Kean and Hamilton's invaluable leadership skills in the 9/11 Commission come through naturally, quite clearly, and throughout "Without Precedent." The effort easily could have foundered through political squabbling - either among commission members themselves, or with information sources that had various reasons to without cooperation. Fortunately, Kean and Hamilton learned from prior commissions (eg. those investigating Pearl Harbor and President Kennedy's assassination) and emphasized bi-partisanship in staffing selections, seating, public interviews, and formulating the final report - and thereby provided an excellent product.
The idea of forming an independent commission to look into 9/11 was first voiced 10/01, but it took over a year before it was created. Part of the reason was a joint House/Senate Intelligence Committee investigation that had already started - however, it lacked the time etc. to go into sufficient detail, and was hampered by White House refusal to submit various documents or personnel for review.
Similarly, the White House opposed the creation of the commission - "would distract from waging the ongoing war on terrorism." Fortunately, pressure from the 9/11 families got the idea enacted. Then the real struggles began.
Security clearances took about two months despite many of the members having already served in high positions, and then there was the funding issue. Congress had provided only $3 million - Kean requested a staff determination of a more realistic amount ($14 million), and with Senators Lieberman and McCain (and the 9/11 families) was able to get it approved. (The Challenger Space Shuttle Commission used about $40 million; Republicans, however, were leery of the whole idea of a commission.
The next problem was over-coming resistance to allowing commission members to see the House/Senate inquiry conclusions, then several battles with the White House, FAA, and NORAD for access to materials. Thanks to Kean and Hamilton's patience, however, almost all these barriers were overcome.
Then it was on to NYC. Earlier, the Bloomberg administration had indicated that its cooperation would be limited, at best - despite having not even been involved. Again, however, the 9/11 Commission, building upon the credibility it had established in the prior months, overcame the resistance.
Finally, it was time for the commission report. Kean and Hamilton decided to word it in a manner that garnered unanimous support from the commissioners - thus, ensuring credibility. This too was accomplished.
If only all government was this effective!
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