Our Man in Panama: The Shrewd Rise and Brutal Fall of Manuel Noriega

Our Man in Panama chronicles Manuel Noriega's path from intelligence officer to de facto leader of Panama during the 1980s. The book draws on interviews, documents, and firsthand reporting to trace his relationships with U.S. intelligence agencies and his consolidation of power. Based on research conducted while Noriega was still in power, journalist John Dinges examines Panama's role in regional conflicts and international drug trafficking. The narrative covers key events from Noriega's early career through the complex political dynamics that shaped U.S.-Panama relations during the Cold War. This deep investigation stands as a case study in the intersection of intelligence operations, drug enforcement, and Latin American politics. The work raises questions about U.S. foreign policy choices and the long-term consequences of supporting authoritarian figures in pursuit of strategic objectives.

Readers describe this as a detailed account of Noriega's rise and relationship with U.S. intelligence agencies, though some note it can be dense with names and dates. Liked: - Thorough research and documentation of sources - Clear explanation of complex political relationships - Balanced portrayal without sensationalism - Strong coverage of CIA and DEA connections Disliked: - Too many minor characters and details - Can be dry and academic in tone - Some readers wanted more about daily life in Panama - Limited coverage of events after 1989 Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (78 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (21 ratings) Notable reader comments: "Reads like a political thriller but backed by solid journalism" - Amazon reviewer "Sometimes gets bogged down in minutiae" - Goodreads review "Best documentation of U.S.-Noriega relationship" - LibraryThing user

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🔸 Author John Dinges spent five years as a freelance journalist in Latin America during the height of Noriega's power, giving him unique insights and personal connections that enriched his reporting. 🔸 Manuel Noriega worked simultaneously as an informant for the CIA, the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, and Cuba's intelligence service, earning him the nickname "rent-a-colonel." 🔸 The book reveals that Noriega's initial cooperation with U.S. intelligence agencies began as early as 1959 when he was still a cadet at Peru's Chorrillos Military Academy. 🔸 Dinges conducted over 250 interviews for the book, including conversations with drug enforcement agents, military officials, and former members of Noriega's inner circle. 🔸 The research uncovered that Noriega made approximately $10 million per year from his role in the drug trade, while officially earning only $60,000 annually as Panama's military leader.