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Finding him was very difficult, as Pablo had a great deal of money and friends to assist him. A great read, with about a dozen or so photos, about one of the richest and most notorious criminals in history. But, with persistance and determination from those who were tracking him, he and his cartel were slowly and methodically destroyed. The book briefly describes Escobar's rise to power, with the majority of the story focusing on the efforts of both the U.S. and Colombian governments' to track and kill him. A fascinating story that shows that no matter how rich or feared a person can become, eventually they will have to answer for their actions if and when they overstep certain boundaries of our society. Pablo did this, and the book's front cover graphically shows the price he paid.
To his credit, Bowden does not write a feel-good ending. This is a fun and absorbing read about the assassination of Medellin Cartel founder and drug lord Pablo Escobar -- and the role of the United States in that assassination.Bowden does a good job of portraying Pablo's rise to power, characterizing him as completely ruthless in the use of violence, yet strangely understated and charming. Pablo's ability to portray himself as a populist and the success of his kidnapping campaign against the Columbian aristocracy make for fascinating social history. Obviously, other drug lords, perhaps even more insidious that Pablo, benefitted from his demise. Still, a figure like Pablo is a grave threat to Columbian society, and it is hard to debate the necessity of his elimination or of American cooperation in that endeavor.
Bowden is great and the subject matter really allowed him to shine. If you have any interest in law, crime or the underbelly of society this book is a one sitting read. Fabulously written, phenomenally informative and exciting. I was a teenager when these events were occurring and I vividly recall the mass media's version. Comparing it to the reality is incredible.
Bowden did a good job keeping my interest from beginning to end. This is another master stroke. Mark Bowden is well known for his book "Black Hawk Down". He as always is impartial in his coverage and shows the many angles of the subject matter. This book covers every angle from the DEA involvement to the Los Pepes vigilante group responsible for disrupting his operations. Mr. As I said in the title this book draws you in like an action novel. I have also read Black Hawk Down and plan on reading Doctor Dealer and anything else Mark Bowden desides to put to paper.
The book's detailed research make it a joy to read. This makes you wonder if the American strategy in the drug war is working.
The book details the rise of Pablo from obscure origins to run probably the largest drug cartel in the world, and then the efforts by the Colombian and later American government efforts to capture or kill him. In the context of today's conflagration of violence in the drug war in Mexico, it is worthwhile to read this book again about the American drug war in Colombia.
The Mexican Cali cartel helped in the war against Escobar, and today they have replaced the Medellin Cartel to be the most powerful and most violent drug supplier in the world. Ultimately, Escobar's declaration of war against the entire society and government would lead to his inevitable fall, yet the process was arduous and difficult, involving the loss of many lives.
To a certain extent, he became a hero to the local disenfranchised, even though it's not clear what he's ever done for them. Unless the demand side for drugs (meaning users in the US) are curtailed and unless poverty and weak and ineffective governments in the worlds are fixed, it seems the drug war will last a lot longer than Killing Pablo.
Highly recommended.
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