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Hard Measures: How Aggressive CIA Actions After 9/11 Saved American Lives Hardcover – April 30, 2012
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While the American public is aware of the CIA’s use of highly controversial “enhanced interrogation techniques,” few know the man who, in the wake of September 11, led all U.S. counterterrorism operations and oversaw the use of those procedures—procedures that obtained vital and timely intelligence and helped safeguard the nation from future attacks.
Puerto Rican–born Jose A. Rodriguez, Jr., served the United States for twenty-five years as an undercover officer before bringing his wealth of field knowledge to the CIA’s Counterterrorism Center; now, in this riveting account and fascinating life story, one of America’s top undercover operatives reveals how hard measures have derailed terrorist activity targeting the U.S., and saved countless American lives. Fully disclosed here for the first time are the undercover operations and tactics implemented during the George W. Bush presidency—which were approved by the highest levels of the U.S. government, certified as legal by the Department of Justice, and supported by bipartisan leadership of congressional intelligence oversight committees.
But as the shock of 9/11 faded, the support that the intelligence community enjoyed and deserved gave way to shortsighted and potentially dangerous political correctness. One by one, the tools needed to successfully fight terrorism were banished, and the men and women who volunteered to carry out our nation’s orders in combating al-Qa'ida found themselves second-guessed, hamstrung, and investigated— including Rodriguez himself. In effect, the United States has chosen to willfully and unilaterally disarm itself in the war on terror. In Hard Measures, Rodriguez convincingly argues for the techniques used, and uncompromisingly details when these techniques were necessary, why they worked, and how, ultimately, they contributed to the capture of the world’s most-wanted terror operatives, including Usama bin Ladin. From law school student to CIA recruit to his role as America’s top spy, Rodriguez’s full story is one of utmost importance—a rare, insider’s look at an issue that demands attention. Above all, it’s a reasoned, imperative, and fully informed case for hard measures, and an explosive and gripping account of the real war on terror— where it’s been and where it’s headed.
***
Terrorism has always been one of the toughest targets on which to collect intelligence. The secrets you want to steal frequently don’t reside in computer systems, which can be hacked, or safes, which can be broken into, but in the inner recesses of a handful of individuals’ minds.
The cliché about intelligence work is that it is like working on a thousand-piece jigsaw puzzle but not having the box top to show you what the finished picture should look like. If only it were that easy. In fact, it is more like working on a million-piece puzzle with no box top, and having millions more random pieces that look like they might fit, but actually are from different puzzles altogether.
It fell to us to make sense of the countless fragments of information and to take action on the chunks of the puzzle, which represented a real and growing threat to the United States and our allies.
—from Hard Measures
- Print length288 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherThreshold Editions
- Publication dateApril 30, 2012
- Dimensions6.13 x 1.2 x 9.25 inches
- ISBN-101451663471
- ISBN-13978-1451663471
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"Courageous CIA officers putting themselves in harm's way to protect the nation from ruthless terrorists – only to find they are undercut and second-guessed by posturing politicians. That's not the plot of some new novel—but the real-life story of Jose Rodriguez. In Hard Measures he offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the men and women who stopped al Qa'ida's second-wave of attacks and the price they paid for doing so." -- --Vince Flynn, New York Times bestselling author of Kill Shot
About the Author
Bill Harlow is the former chief spokesman for the Central Intelligence Agency. He was the coauthor of former CIA director George Tenet’s #1 New York Times bestseller At the Center of the Storm, published in 2007. He is a retired Naval Officer who served in top spokesman jobs at the White House, Pentagon, and CIA.
Product details
- Publisher : Threshold Editions
- Publication date : April 30, 2012
- Language : English
- Print length : 288 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1451663471
- ISBN-13 : 978-1451663471
- Item Weight : 1.08 pounds
- Dimensions : 6.13 x 1.2 x 9.25 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #705,850 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #308 in Political Freedom (Books)
- #383 in Political Intelligence
- #1,316 in Political Leader Biographies
- Customer Reviews:
About the authors

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.

Bill Harlow is a writer, consultant and public relations specialist. He spent seven years as the top spokesman for the Central Intelligence Agency. He co-authored George Tenet's #1 New York Times bestseller At the Center of the Storm.
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find this book to be a compelling read that provides substantive information detailing the intelligence gathering after 9/11. The writing is well-crafted, with one customer noting it's written by someone in the action, and customers praise the author's courage and dedication throughout. They appreciate the storytelling style, with one review highlighting how the author takes readers to the operations, and the political content receives positive feedback, with one customer describing it as an unbiased inside look at our political system.
AI Generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as a compelling and important historical account that students should read. One customer notes that it reads almost like a thriller.
"Great read. Could not put down. Thank God for men like this. You know he was effective when you read the lib's hate filled "reviews"." Read more
"...That and many more incidences are revealed. All in all an excellent read." Read more
"This was an excellent and interesting read!! I actually finished reading the book several days after receiving it!..." Read more
"Excellent read,.. I believe accurately dispells much of the spin and misrepresentations of what the agency did to protect American lives...." Read more
Customers find the book provides great insight into intelligence gathering after 9/11, being educational and thought-provoking.
"A look at the real world of intelligence. Well written, informative, and discouraging to find that our own government has engaged in "unilateral..." Read more
"...Mr. Rodriguez is very clear & very informative with out being vainglorious. I recommend this book." Read more
"A fast paced enjoyable read that is both thought provoking and historic. Jose Rodriguez is a true national hero whose story needs to be told." Read more
"...from an individual who was actually there and witnessed it was very insightful. All in all, a must read, I highly recommend it!" Read more
Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, highlighting the courage and dedication of the CIA agents, with one customer specifically noting their selfless acts to keep America safe.
"Hard Measures - A Hard Task Effectively Completed..." Read more
"...I love intrigue in fictional novels but this was real life drama. Will recommend book to friends." Read more
"Courageous, solid investigator who saw the conflict Cleary and protected America during a very dark period after 9/11!..." Read more
"...I am into decisiveness, honor, and virtue in leadership. The author has it all to me in this straight forward expose." Read more
Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting it is well-written and easy to read, with one customer highlighting that it contains very few redactions.
"It was an excellent book. Very interesting and well written. Would recommend it to all. I especially enjoyed to learn how these live their lives" Read more
"A look at the real world of intelligence. Well written, informative, and discouraging to find that our own government has engaged in "unilateral..." Read more
"Informative, accurate, and well-written book. I know Jose to be a man of integrity and honor." Read more
"...It’s a well written book, easy to follow, and a “must read” for anyone interested in learning the truth about the EITs program implemented by the CIA..." Read more
Customers appreciate the storytelling style of the book, describing it as an amazing account of life in the CIA and the true story of real heroes of the United States.
"...A great story teller and doesn't mince words about his involvement in questioning higher authority and then accepting decisions to step up the..." Read more
"...Rodriguez writes well, his story moves along though one senses the leaden hand of the CIA editing censor...." Read more
"Awesome story of a fantastic career in intelligence. Rodriguez's career stretches around the world and from the bottom of the pyramid to the top...." Read more
"...I loved the story and thought it was well written." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's information quality, praising its substantive details and thorough explanations, with one customer noting it cuts to the facts without unnecessary embellishments.
"...I was amazed to find a very well written and detailed account of the background behind the CIA's program...." Read more
"This book is a great summary of the decisions made regarding detainee interrogations...." Read more
"...The author does a great job of explaining things that he can’t explain, if you under my meaning...." Read more
"...It is detailed if you like that." Read more
Customers appreciate the authenticity of the book, with one review noting the author's clear presentation of evidence.
"...This book tells the story. Despite their incredible humanity, integrity, and skill, Jose and others were treated like crap by the protected..." Read more
"...IMO... The chronicles are heart felt, generally accurate and first hand. It will be interesting to see how history treats this account...." Read more
"...and national security cases, I found his recitation of facts to be plausible and logical...." Read more
"The author lays out a truthful account of a legal practice that was later termed torture...." Read more
Customers appreciate the political content of the book, with one review highlighting its clear explanation of DC politics, while another notes how it provides an unbiased inside look at our political system.
"...Rodriguez makes his case for his actions with substance, dignity, and candor. He delivers a fine work that lays out the facts for all to see...." Read more
"...Truly, a fascinating look at how politics and covert action collide." Read more
"...The book shows how good people do their best to protect us and follow the law...." Read more
"I really appreciated Mr. Rodriguez's unbiased inside look of our political system. I thank him for his service and wish our Country had more like him." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2019Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseJose Rodriquez delivers a captivating and absorbing account that sets the record straight about pivotal events following the 9/11 terrorist attacks on our nation. Written in a highly entertaining style, Mr. Rodriquez blends humor with humility. With the impending military trial of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed scheduled for 2011, Mr. Rodriguez’s honest appraisal of a threat that still confronts our country today is still both relevant and timely.
As a former senior law-enforcement officer who was detailed to CIA headquarters during 9/11 and who has conducted interrogations in major criminal and national security cases, I found his recitation of facts to be plausible and logical.
Few Americans outside of the national security community have any idea what’s it like to serve as an intelligence officer. Buffeted by world events, changing political winds, and a near-constant state of bureaucratic shuffling with each new administration, CIA case officers often find themselves on less than solid ground when tasked to address new threats that have no conventional means of approach.
Mr. Rodriquez paints a compelling picture of a career clandestine case officer pulled into the senior ranks of CIA leadership who was forced to navigate a political minefield after 9/11 while under significant pressure to pre-empt future terrorist attacks.
He draws the reader in with a light yet engrossing description of his trials and tribulations during a career that spanned assignments in Pakistan, Latin America, and Washington.
His self-effacing and candid descriptions of his tangles with the Inspector General add warmth and rich detail to his story. Anyone with any significant time in the federal government can identify with Mr. Rodriquez’s brushes with an IG shop that often struggled to maintain a consistent level of professional competence.
The totality of his account answers the real question that is front and center: Why use enhanced interrogation techniques? Short answer – to extract time-sensitive threat information from a select number of senior radical Islamic terrorists who potentially knew of impending operations targeting the United States. Terrorists who considered dying as a martyr in American hands as a sacred honor and duty for Allah.
Extraordinary threats require extraordinary measures in response. Mr. Rodriguez makes his case for his actions with substance, dignity, and candor. He delivers a fine work that lays out the facts for all to see. Every American who is concerned about the security of our great nation should read this excellent book – you’ll be richer for the experience.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2012Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseFive stars, two thumbs up! If you have any interest in an insider's story of the CIA, of DC politics, or American history in the aftermath of 9/11, you'll find this a fascinating read.
I read the Kindle version (which incidentally is well-formatted, with an active TOC, and includes photos). The book is well-written and reads as if you are listening to the author tell his story to you in person. Although I cannot be certain his story is true, it had the ring of truth. I spent over twenty years in law enforcement, and although I have no experience with the CIA, I do have experience with "bad guys," governmental agencies, and politics. It sounded like the primary difference between his story and mine is one of scale. The names, faces, and ranks are different, but the petty bickering, backstabbing, and ego clashes are the same.
Those who think it would be torture to read the book: you are the very ones who need to. The argument is not whether torture is or should be legal. The argument is whether what the CIA did with its "enhanced interrogation techniques" (EITs) constitutes torture. The author makes a compelling case that it does not. If we agree that torture involves the infliction of severe pain, and Rodriguez is telling the truth about pain not being the goal of the EITs, then they did not constitute torture. He describes temporary sleep deprivation, dietary manipulation through the use of Ensure (a liquid nutritional supplement) for food, and "insult slaps" to the face, among others, and rarely, "waterboarding," which did not involve being submerged in water but having water poured onto the detainee's blindfolded face, a technique previously used on military trainees but completely unlike the Japanese version of the same name. According to the author, at no time was a detainee's life or safety endangered, and no injuries were inflicted. The purpose was psychological, to convince the detainee that resistance was futile because his cause was now hopeless. The measures described were hard but not dangerous. Does that sound like torture?
Is it true? I can't say for certain. But there is evidence to support the book, and there is relatively little evidence to support claims to the contrary. One thing appears certain: many politicians have, and continue, to exploit 9/11 and its aftermath for their own agendas. That isn't just disappointing; it's dangerous.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2016Format: KindleVerified PurchaseThis is a well written autobiography. The book is an easy read and gives a fascinating look at the CIA’s use of Enhanced Interrogation Techniques (EIT).
For those who read the US Senate’s RDI (i.e. torture) report, this book gives the rest of the story.
It does not refute the events but it does place them in context, along with missing information that effectively tells a completely different story. The Senate report now appears to have been written without any academic rigor and with a pre-determined ending.
The book also provides a good perspective with regards to the destroyed video tapes. More than anything else, this is an insider’s view of government bureaucracy and how sometimes, it is impossible to make a decision. Regardless of the reader’s opinion of these tapes, there is no doubt that Mr. Rodriguez acted to safeguard the lives of his officers and their families.
The book includes several photos but only half are interesting. There is little value in photos of Mr. Rodriguez’s family vacation or when he met the actor Robert DeNiro. That said, the remaining photos highlight his interaction with important individuals and certainly have historical interest.
Bottom line: this is a pretty good book and the narrative moves quickly. The most fascinating part of this book is how it clearly highlights the historical inaccuracies of the U. S. Senate’s RDI report without even trying. Truly, a fascinating look at how politics and covert action collide.
Top reviews from other countries
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GluecksdracheReviewed in Germany on January 30, 20155.0 out of 5 stars Interessante Biographie und Plädoyer für die Verteidigung westlicher Werte
Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseDieses Buch ist eine interessante Biographie über eine mehr als 30 Jahre andauernde Karriere beim amerikanischen Geheimdienst. Gleich zu Anfang beschreibt der Autor die Grundlage bzw. Grundzüge der Veröffentlichung: Diese ist mit Autorisierung des Dienstherrn entstanden, um nicht durch Nennung von Klarnamen oder exakten Adressen seine ehemaligen Kolleginnen und Kollegen zu gefährden.
Der Autor beschreibt anfangs seine Jugend in südamerikanischen Staaten, bevor er als Puerto-Ricanischer Einwanderer für die CIA den Kampf gegen Drogenhandel und Geldwäsche an verschiedenen Standorten aufnahm. Im Gegensatz zu den illegalen Berichten eines amerikanischen Systemadministrators, der in Russland Unterschlupf gefunden hat, beschreibt er den Sinn hinter den Aktionen und die vorhandene Bedrohung für die Gesellschaft. Wobei ich mir aus deutscher Perspektive heraus gar nicht bewusst war, wie groß die Bedrohung durch Drogen schon vor Jahrzehnten war.
Er beschreibt einige seiner langjährigen Einsätze in südamerikanischen Staaten und auch die persönlichen Opfer, die die Familie und seine Angehörigen bringen mussten. Der Schwerpunkt des Buches liegt dann im Zeitraum ab 2001. Er beschreibt die Suche nach den Al-Qaida Terroristen mit sehr einprägsamen Bildern. Im Gegensatz zu der früheren Ost-West-Konfrontation müsste man nicht vergleichsweise einfach Armeen und Truppenbewegungen beobachten. Stattdessen gebraucht er das Wortbild der Suche nach der Nadel im Heuhaufen noch drastischer: Zur Abwehr gegen die terroristische Bedrohung müssten 1.000 Puzzle aus kleinen Mosaiksteinen zusammengesetzt werden. Wobei niemand weiß, wie das Lagebild im Endeffekt aussehen wird.
Der Autor beleuchtet auch einige Rückschläge bei den Aktionen und macht den enormen Aufwand vorstellbar. Einen führenden Terroristen konnte man nur verhaften, weil gleichzeitig 40 Objekte durchsucht worden sind. Darüber hinaus spricht das Buch auch Klartext gegenüber verfälschenden Presseberichten. Die Eskalationsstufen der Verhörmethoden ("enhanced interrogation techniques") werden beschrieben. Dabei geht er sehr exakt und genau vor und zeigt die Übertreibungen so mancher anderer Medien auf, beispielsweise wie aus insgesamt 183 Wassertropfen in der Regenbogen-Presse 183 einzelne Folterungen geworden sind.
Bei Umsetzung der Maßnahmen nach 9/11 wird der Autor auch teilweise nachdenklich: Er hat geschätzte Kollegen bei Bombenanschlägen verloren, manchmal fehlte auch die Unterstützung der Politik.
Einiges Erstaunliches ist mir an diesem Buch aufgefallen:
1.) Wie viele Einzelmaßnahmen und wie viel Aufwand für die Verteidigung der Freiheit ergriffen werden müssen.
2.) Wie klar und deutlich der Autor auch über Fehleinschätzungen, Bedenken und die Frage nach dem richtigen Weg spricht.
3.) Herr Rodriguez schreibt in einem Teil des Buches über die Rangstufe, die er erreicht hat. Obwohl er diese Besoldungsstufe mit einem Generalsrang bei der Armee vergleicht, litt er teilweise sehr deutlich unter der Bürokratie und teilweise auch wechselnden Vorgaben.
4.) Er berichtet auch, dass ihn manchmal Zufälle vorangebracht haben.
5.) Seine Karriere ist ein ganz indirektes Plädoyer für eine offene, westliche Gesellschaft. So äußert er mehrmals seine Verwunderung, dass er als Puerto-Ricanischer Einwanderer eine so führende Stellung bei der Bekämpfung des Terrorismus innehaben konnte.
Wer über gute Englisch-Kenntnisse verfügt, der sollte das Buch unbedingt lesen.
Wer ein Buch über die jüngere amerikanische und internationale Politik sucht, der ist hier genau richtig. Und sollte nicht auf die Ablenkungen in der Art eines Edward S. oder Glenn G. hereinfallen.
Wegen einer sorgfältigen Themenauswahl, einigen interessanten Bildern und der schönen Sprache gebe ich dem Buch die vollen 5 Sterne.
RupertbeReviewed in the United Kingdom on January 5, 20155.0 out of 5 stars This man kept America safe
Great book which exposes all the lies of the obama administration who would rather prosecute american Heroes than catch terrorists.










