Playing to the Edge

American Intelligence in the Age of Terror

By: Michael V. Hayden

Narrated by: Michael V. Hayden

An unprecedented high-level master narrative of America's intelligence wars from the only person ever to helm both the CIA and NSA, at a time of heinous new threats and wrenching change.

For General Michael Hayden, playing to the edge means playing so close to the line that you get chalk dust on your cleats. Otherwise, by playing back, you may protect yourself, but you will be less successful in protecting America.

"Play to the edge" was Hayden's guiding principle when he ran the National Security Agency, and it remained so when he ran the CIA. In his view, many shortsighted and uninformed people are quick to criticize, and this book will give them much to chew on but little easy comfort; it is an unapologetic insider's look told from the perspective of the people who faced awesome responsibilities head on, in the moment.

How did American intelligence respond to terrorism, a major war, and the most sweeping technological revolution in the last 500 years? What was the NSA before 9/11, and how did it change in its aftermath? Why did the NSA begin the controversial terrorist surveillance program that included the acquisition of domestic phone records? What else was set in motion during this period that formed the backdrop for the infamous Snowden revelations in 2013?

As director of the CIA in the last three years of the Bush administration, Hayden had to deal with the rendition, detention, and interrogation program as bequeathed to him by his predecessors. He also had to ramp up the agency to support its role in the targeted killing program that began to dramatically increase in July 2008. This was a time of great crisis at the CIA, and some agency veterans have credited Hayden with actually saving the agency. He himself won't go that far, but he freely acknowledges that the CIA helped turn the American security establishment into the most effective killing machine in the history of armed conflict.

For 10 years, then, General Michael Hayden was a participant in some of the most telling events in the annals of American national security. General Hayden's goals in writing this book are simple and unwavering: no apologies. No excuses. Just what happened. And why. As he writes, "There is a story here that deserves to be told, without varnish and without spin. My view is my view, and others will certainly have different perspectives, but this view deserves to be told to create as complete a history as possible of these turbulent times. I bear no grudges, or at least not many, but I do want this to be a straightforward and readable history for that slice of the American population who depend on and appreciate intelligence but who do not have the time to master its many obscure characteristics."

©2016 Michael V. Hayden (P)2016 Penguin Audio

The Story Wright

Finally someone has told not , the hole story: But moreover a good part of it and did get it accurate; Thank , General Hayden

Great perspective!

This is an must read for all audiences. It gives amazing perspective into issues that many of is don't fully understand. It's complex but very well written. would strongly recommend.

great book on modern intelligence

a very great story told by a true player in the game a wonderful read

An interesting and detailed account

A little hard to follow at times. A good account of activity I knew very little about. Interesting details on areas you only hear sound bits for.

Interesting and frustrating listen

The intelligence service straight from the horses mouth during the time leading up to and following 9/11.

Nsa history

I really enjoyed MH's story. He does a great job bringing notable characters to light such as Snowden, Clapper and Holder. I would really enjoy a conservation with Hayden over a beer!

Every American should read this

The author has a unique perspective on intelligence and the dangers that threaten the USA. Most of us get our information from the media and politicians. He provides a much different perspective that made me think a lot. He also verified what we should all remember: that politicians sit behind a desk and make policy when they rarely know what is really going on or the ramifications of it. First 25% of the book was hard to get through but the rest was really interesting.

A leader in tough times

a career public servant, the author and narrator guides us, drags us, and walks with us through his lifetime of service over several decades and from multiple continents.

The untold story

Very interesting and informative, I will no doubt listen again at some point in time. Packed with information. He did a very good job of reading as well. I always listen to sample before downloading, if the reader is bad, it’s a “no go”.

Fantastic book! Definitely worth the time spent.

Very enlightening. It certainly changed what what I thought I knew about our intelligence community.