Dark Alliance

The CIA, the Contras, and the Crack Cocaine Explosion

By: Gary Webb

Narrated by: Christian Rummel

Length: 20 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

In July 1995, San Jose Mercury-News reporter Gary Webb found the Big One - the blockbuster story every journalist secretly dreams about - without even looking for it. A simple phone call concerning an unexceptional pending drug trial turned into a massive conspiracy involving the Nicaraguan Contra rebels, L.A. and Bay Area crack cocaine dealers, and the Central Intelligence Agency. For several years during the 1980s, Webb discovered, Contra elements shuttled thousands of tons of cocaine into the United States, with the profits going toward the funding of Contra rebels attempting a counterrevolution in their Nicaraguan homeland. Even more chilling, Webb quickly realized, was that the massive drug-dealing operation had the implicit approval - and occasional outright support - of the CIA, the very organization entrusted to prevent illegal drugs from being brought into the United States.

Within the this audiobook version of Dark Alliance, Webb produces a massive amount of evidence that suggests that such a scenario did take place, and more disturbing evidence that the powers that be that allowed such an alliance are still determined to ruthlessly guard their secrets. Webb's research is impeccable - names, dates, places, and dollar amounts gather and mount with every page, eventually building a towering wall of evidence in support of his theories.

After the original series of articles ran in the Mercury-News in late 1996, both Webb and his paper were so severely criticized by political commentators, government officials, and other members of the press that his own newspaper decided it best not to stand behind the series, in effect apologizing for the assertions and disavowing his work. Webb quit the paper in disgust in November 1997. This audiobook serves as both a complex memoir of the time of the Contras and an indictment of the current state of America's press; Dark Alliance is as necessary and valuable as it is horrifying and grim.

©1999 Gary Webb (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

This should be required reading for every American

Listening to this was a little challenging because of the vast number of characters who populate this book of recent American history. But it is well worth the effort.

Amazing story adds Iran-Contra context

I cannot recommend this book enough. Gary Webb lost his life for bringing this story into the light. we all owe it to his memory to hear it. The CIA links to the crack cocaine epidemic in the U.S. are clear, and their lack of being held accountable ensures they continue to act this way.

A good read

Very informative, I grew up in the era and never would I have thought this to be true.

I was married to a Nicaraguan and lived in LA

Great story definitely shines a light on how corrupt our government is. Mad Max Waters was 💯 on this.. Gary Webb was killed. No one shoots themselves in the head twice ,with a revolver.

Eye opening

Look at any media with a critical eye. Will be listening to more from him.

Story of the downfall of the US media

Long and tortured story of the origin of one drug epidemic in the US. It is an appalling revelation of the US government’s involvement in the business of Central America and a blueprint of many such activities in other countries.

Interesting story

Very long detailed accounting of the crack epidemic with lots of corroborated accounts with the CIA and Contras.

Great job Gary

Wonderful investigative report by an honest person. It reminds us that fake news is nothing new.

Super informative

Lots of data but very informative book on: contras, cia, dea, military, gov., etc.
2 thumbs up!

History shows that evil repeats itself...

This book is powerful, explosive and reveals that the powerful continue to get away with purely evil deeds in the past, present and sadly the future. Gary Webb was a honest and thorough investigate reporter. His truths show that governments do horrible things all the time and attempt to hide them from the public. this book should be part of required American history reading... without these truths, sadly, the evil history repeats itself, over and over ... look around and see it for yourselves.