Reagans War

It seems a coincidence that at the anniversary of Ronald Reagan's "Tear down this wall" speech I have recently completed the book "Reagan's War" by Peter Schweizer.

Schweizer documents the formation of Reagan's anti communist convictions beginning with his stance against the communist backed Hollywood unions in the 1940's, through the formulation of his plan to defeat Soviet expansion. Culminating of course, in the break up of the Soviet Union, the reunification of Germany, the freeing of eastern Europe, and a pullback of Soviet influence.

Besides tracing Reagan's journey from actor to president, Schweizer also recounts the US dealings with the Soviets from Truman to Carter and shows how the containment doctrine along with detente, SALT treaties, grain deals and the emphasis on human rights only worked to emboldened the Soviets in thier plan to spread communism throughout the world during the 1970's.

But it was Reagan's bold, single minded, some thought reckless, "peace though strength" doctrine and his multi-pronged attack on the Soviets and their system that eventually brought an end to the cold war.