Blind over Cuba

Brief Summary

Blind over Cuba by David M. Barrett and Max Holland provides a detailed examination of the "photo gap" during the Cuban Missile Crisis—a five-week period when intelligence-gathering flights over Cuba were significantly reduced. This book challenges the common narrative that the Kennedy administration's crisis management was impeccable. Instead, it explores the missteps due to deep-rooted distrust within the administration, highlighting the ramifications of their cautious approach to intelligence operations. Using a wealth of declassified documents, interviews, and secondary sources, the authors shed light on internal discord that nearly led to a catastrophe. This work illuminates the complex dynamics within the U.S. government during this tense period and critiques the challenges Congress faces in holding the executive accountable.

Main Themes and Topics

The central theme of Blind over Cuba is the examination of the Cuban Missile Crisis through the lens of intelligence failures and administrative distrust. The "photo gap" serves as a focal point to discuss the broader issues of communication and trust between the White House, the intelligence community, and military advisors. Barrett and Holland delve into themes such as the impact of fear in policy decisions—particularly the apprehension of another incident akin to the 1960 U-2 spy plane downing—and the subsequent impediments to efficient intelligence-gathering. The book also considers the political maneuvering post-crisis, as officials sought to shape the narrative of successful crisis management while obscuring their initial failures.

Writing Style and Tone

The writing style of Blind over Cuba is both analytical and narrative, making it accessible while being deeply informative. Barrett and Holland manage to weave a complex network of historical events into a coherent narrative, supported by meticulous research. The tone is scholarly yet engaging, providing readers with not only a factual recounting of events but also insight into the personalities and political climates that influenced decision-making during the crisis. Their approach balances detailed analysis with narrative intrigue, inviting both academic and general audiences to reevaluate widely-held perceptions about the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Criticism

While Blind over Cuba is lauded for its comprehensive research and fresh perspective on historical events, some critics argue that the book can occasionally delve too deeply into speculative territory when discussing the motivations behind certain decisions made by Kennedy administration officials. Additionally, readers seeking a straightforward historical recounting might find the detailed analysis overwhelming. However, for those interested in the complexities of governmental operations and the intricacies of the Cuban Missile Crisis, these detailed examinations are seen as a strength rather than a flaw.