Rumsfeld: An American Disaster
Andrew Cockburn
Verso, 224pp, £17.99
Like George W Bush, Donald Rumsfeld rapidly transformed from a figure of fun to a figure of hatred among the British left during the Iraq war. But there’s a more complex and intricate figure behind the known knowns, the unknown knowns, and known unknowns that go to make up the former US defence secretary and proto-hawk, who was one of the main forces spurring the US president into the war he wanted with Iraq.
Andrew Cockburn gives readers plenty of clues about where his argument is headed, from the title to the choice of chapter headings such as ‘A Ruthless Little Bastard’. Rumsfeld, he asserts, is to blame for pushing the US towards war with Iraq, for its lack of preparation for the reconstruction period, and for sending in an ill-equipped military.
To stand up his theory that Rumsfeld is a consummate schemer intent on his own career rather than working for the public good, Cockburn goes back to Rumsfeld’s early years. So when Rumsfeld the businessman secures FDA approval for a sugar substitute that academics before and latterly have linked with brain tumours, it is all, Cockburn believes, about Rumsfeld proving he can succeed at anything.
Cockburn’s fury disconcertingly leaks into his portrayal, sometimes undermining the reader’s belief in his arguments. On the plus side, Cockburn’s journalistic skills are evident. The book is packed with interviews, and it covers a lot of ground. Maybe that is its problem. However, when it gets to the Iraq war the tone deepens, and suddenly Cockburn’s arguments feel stronger and less emotional.
Aside from this, two elements are surprisingly fascinating: the picture of Rumfeld’s method of operating; and the insights into the political machinery of Washington DC. The detail of Rumsfeld sneaking off for a secret daily meeting with the president for a year, behind the backs of his own staff, and Colin Powell, tells you more about the man than wider analysis of his foreign policy decisions; as does Rumfeld’s petty decision to ban all Pentagon travel to France, once the US fell out with them over Iraq.
Cockburn has created a fast and furious ride through Rumsfeld’s career, but its true fascination for the British reader will be the insight it gives into the minds of the men running Washington during the last 20 years.