Fun to read. But when the author is described as former FBI agent and the cover asks „What do we do with hundred thousand spies“ and the question is raised: „Where is the former GDR´s money?“ the reader expects an answer – in vain. The book is vividly written about the end of the former GDR for US
readers but as well for all those young Germans who don´t remember the historic incidents. Though it…mehrFun to read. But when the author is described as former FBI agent and the cover asks „What do we do with hundred thousand spies“ and the question is raised: „Where is the former GDR´s money?“ the reader expects an answer – in vain. The book is vividly written about the end of the former GDR for US readers but as well for all those young Germans who don´t remember the historic incidents. Though it is mentioned that the FBI travelled to far away places in Eastern Europe, this does not take place in the book. There is no hunt for the money. There isn´t any answer to the question what became of all those pillars of the GDR state. Distinguishing between betrayal for Western goods or a place at university on the one hand and those analytical specialists who are so desperately needed today on the other hand is neither mentioned nor weighed. Nevertheless the book points to todays´ potential for the very same principle right next door with ignorant people blaming others at German courts and governmental local administration in order to obtain their jobs, their apartments, etc. Stasi West.
With the author´s expertise in Eastern European countries he knows about the American programmes for Eastern European military and state employees on German soil. But he doesn´t mention these programmes. Nor the potential for even US outsourced military and security related companies. Nevertheless journalists may find clues for further stories.