Have you ever wondered what it mights be like to work with a high level security group such as the FBI? Well, wonder no longer. In Enemies: A History of the FBI, Tim Weiner dives deep into the history of one of America's greates secret intelligence services.

This narrative tells about the struggle against terrorism. The book is composed of four main topics: Spies and Saboteurs, World War, Cold War, and the War on Terror. In each of these sections, the focus is put upon the FBI during those times. In this book, we find words of the Founding Fathers on the debate between national security and civil liberties. In retrospect, they are saying that while we must be vigilant, we cannot give up our civil liberties in the process. Though many Presidents are quoted and looked upon in the book, J. Edgar Hoover plays into the book the most. Many complex figures, (Mr. Hoover, Nixon, and Reagan, to name a few) are noted because of their belief, once in the seat of power, of being "above the law". If we go back to the days of the Constitution, however, we will find that it is agreed upon the poweful men of the time, that no one, not even the President was above the law. we are even seeing now that some people have taken the notion to believe that they are indeed above the law. Looking at President Obama, who having signed the National Defense Authorization act, is saying that he has agreed to allow unspecified military imprisonment, without trial, to any American citizen found guilty of having ties (or supporting) Al Qaeda, the Taliban, or any other group showing hostility towards America, or any of its allies. This book inspects this issue, as well as other issues in relation to "illegal domestic spying".

Though the author tells of many failures, and stories of ignorance that occurred within this organization, this book is not an all-out criticism of the FBI. At some points, Weiner does inject his own opinion, noting how the FBI has changed under the direction of Robert Mueller. This book also tells of the reality of the situation and the mysterious funding of the organization. While we see on T.V. all the cool gadgets, the latest smartphones and technology, Weiner brings us back to an abrupt reality. He goes to tell of the lacking IT (information technology) department. Though there is a lot of data to offer the IT department, information is few and far between. However, I must note that with modern technology, things do seem to be catching up. Yet, there is also a lack of cooperation between other intelligence services with the FBI and even lack of cooperation within the bureau itself. This book is "filled to the brim" with knowledge and insights of the real FBI, and not the fictional version we watch on the television. Enemies  is an exceptionally interesting read. It lets the reader get the "inside scoop" on the secret service and compacts so much information in the reader's head. Though it can get dreary at times, I would recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in military police. It is also said to be a book that "every American who cares about civil liberties should read".