Summary of Divorcing The Dictator: America's Bungled Affair with Noriega by Frederick Kempe

Explore the tumultuous affair between America and Noriega in 'Divorcing The Dictator' by Frederick Kempe - a tale of betrayal and political drama.

Ah, the 80s and 90s-an era of big hairstyles, questionable fashion choices, and political dramas that could put any soap opera to shame. Enter "Divorcing The Dictator," a delightful exposé by Frederick Kempe that tells the story of America's tumultuous relationship with Manuel Noriega, the Panamanian dictator who was as charming as a venomous snake. Buckle up, folks; this summary is going to be a wild ride through intrigue, betrayal, and a lot of very bad decisions.

First off, let's set the scene. The US, in its classic let's-play-god-in-Latin-America fashion, decided to cozy up to Noriega when it suited them-think of it like dating someone who's great at parties but terrible at relationships. Initially, the US government turned a blind eye to Noriega's seedy operations, which included drug trafficking and oppressive tactics against political opponents. It was a relationship based on mutual benefits, where the US wanted a puppet and Noriega wanted, well, to avoid being overthrown.

As the story unfolds, we chronicle how the US government's attempts to deal with Noriega devolved from a flimsy dalliance into a full-blown disaster. The book details America's misguided support that included intelligence sharing, military training, and everything short of throwing him a birthday party-let's be honest, Noriega was that friend no one knew how to un-invite. When Noriega stopped being the charming ally and turned into a headache (and a drug kingpin), you could almost hear the collective "oops" from Washington.

Kempe also dives into the string of political errors-yes, plural-that led to a rather messy breakup, which culminated in the US invasion of Panama in 1989. Spoiler alert: it wasn't as smooth as everyone had hoped, and not everyone got out of this relationship without some scars. The narrative dives headlong into America's struggles to maintain its image while dealing with a dictator who was more slippery than a greased pig at a county fair.

The book illustrates how the crumbling romance escalated into open hostility, with the US treating Noriega like an unwanted roommate. The events, laden with political intrigue and military miscalculations, could fill seasons of a reality TV show. It begs the question: how did America, a supposed "beacon of democracy," end up in bed with a dictator that would make even the worst Tinder date look like a prince?

Kempe's tone oscillates between journalistic seriousness and snarky commentary, which makes the read both informative and entertaining. It's not just a history lesson; it's a reminder that even superpowers have their fair share of ill-fated romances.

In conclusion, "Divorcing The Dictator" is not just about Noriega or the US military interventions; it's about how complex geopolitical relationships can go sideways in the blink of an eye. So, if you're in the mood for a political thriller that reads like a bad relationship story, complete with awkward dinner dates and eventual breakups, this book is your go-to. Just remember: when in doubt, maybe don't date dictators.

Maddie Page

Classics, bestsellers, and guilty pleasures-none are safe from my sarcastic recaps. I turn heavy reads into lighthearted summaries you can actually enjoy. Warning: may cause random outbursts of laughter while pretending to study literature.