How the CIA really operates with David McCloskey

Published in 1878, 'Anna Karenina' is a novel by Leo Tolstoy that delves into the complexities of Russian society in the late 19th century. The story centers around the extramarital affair between Anna Karenina, a married socialite, and Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky, which scandalizes the social circles of Saint Petersburg. The novel also follows the parallel story of Konstantin Levin, a wealthy landowner, and his struggles with marriage, faith, and managing his estate. Tolstoy explores a wide range of themes including love, loyalty, betrayal, hypocrisy, and the differences between rural and urban life. The novel is known for its detailed character development and its profound commentary on the human condition.

This book provides a detailed account of Israel's targeted killing programs, from the early days of the state to the present. Bergman, through extensive interviews with over a thousand state officials and access to thousands of classified documents, reveals the intricacies of Israel's intelligence community and armed services. The book explores the historical context, operational details, and moral dilemmas associated with these programs, including the assassination of key figures from Hamas, Hezbollah, the PLO, and Iranian nuclear scientists. It also discusses the broader impact on Israeli statecraft and international relations.

Set in Havana on the eve of the communist revolution, 'Our Man in Havana' follows James Wormold, an English expatriate who sells vacuum cleaners. Desperate for money to support his teenage daughter Milly's extravagant lifestyle, Wormold is recruited by the British Secret Service. Lacking any real intelligence, he fabricates reports using newspaper articles and a country club directory, creating an elaborate deception. However, his fictions start to take on a life of their own, leading to real-world consequences, including the targeting of innocent people. The novel is a satire on the absurdities of espionage and the problems caused by the fabrication of intelligence. It blends humor with a tragic undertone, reflecting Greene's critique of intelligence services based on his own experiences.