Our Man in Panama

A "carefully researched" account of the rise and fall of notorious dictator Manuel Noriega—and America's role in both (The Washington Post).

Written by a prize-winning NPR veteran who spent years covering Latin America, this blend of biography, history, and political reporting details the events that lead to the American invasion of Panama.


"Describes in considerable detail the fascinating and appalling relationship between Noriega and the U.S. government. Much of this material was derived from previously classified documents, supplemented by Congressional hearings and interviews. [John] Dinges has taken great care to verify his sources; hearsay, gossip, and questionable testimony is not presented here . . . Highly recommended." —Library Journal

"Most of the action takes place in Panama, of course, but it is still very much a Washington story. Few of the characters, from President Bush on down, emerge with dignity intact." —The New York Times

"One of the best analyses of American foreign policy failures in Panama." —The New Republic

A New York Times Notable Book of the Year