Out of Control

The Atomic Bazaar by William Langewiesche follows the nuclear arming of the Third World by a US-funded Pakistan. With the genie now out of the bottle, so to speak, it might nonetheless be of interest to become acquainted with the nexus of black markets and evil empires -- even if you're not planning on a career in export controls.

If for no other reason, we found this nefarious narrative intriguing in presentation, as well as illustrative of how political posturing at both ends of the conduit merely provides cover for ongoing criminal enterprise. In fact, we think this tale is as good as it gets in revealing how public relations has become the major function of many governments in privatizing public secrets and undermining international security.

Whatever your feelings about nuclear power, this book will leave you uneasy about its dangers. For that, the author has our gratitude.