Book Review: Raid on the Sun
By: Rodger W. Claire
On June 7, 1981 eight highly trained Israeli pilots flew American-made F-16 fighter planes into the heart of Saddam Hussein’s Iraq and successfully destroyed Osirak, that country’s nuclear reactor. The details of the mission, which set the Iraqi nuclear weapons program back decades, remained highly classified by the Israeli government. Even the names of the pilots were kept secret for fear that Iraqi assassination squads would target them or their families. However, in 2001 and 2002 journalist Rodger W. Claire became the first person ever allowed to see the classified Israeli documents that detail the raid and interview the pilots who executed it. In Raid on the Sun Claire recounts the recruitment of the pilots, the months of preparation and training, and, finally a detailed description of the bombing run itself through the eyes of the pilots, all the while outlining the political and military factors the Israeli government dealt with in the run-up to the raid.
Throughout his tale Claire documents the political infighting in Prime Minister Menachem Began’s cabinet and the tensions between the pilots as mission training and planning occurred. Raid on the Sun also gives an hour-by-hour account of the actual raid. From takeoff the pilots were in grave danger. Not only did they have to hope they would avoid radar and fighter patrols, but they had to deal with an incredible amount of anti-aircraft fire and surface-to-air missiles during their bombing run.
The book also provides insight into Saddam Hussein’s nuclear ambitions though second-hand accounts of Iraqi scientists that defected to the West. Saddam offered extremely lucrative oil contracts to the French government in exchange for the Osirak nuclear reactor, and did everything in his power, from threatening the Iraqi scientists to deceiving the international community, to make his nuclear dream become a reality.
Perhaps the most interesting chapter of the book, especially for the modern day politico, is the epilogue. It briefly recounts the world’s reaction to the raid and the raid’ long term consequences. However, Claire seems more interested in the objective detailing of facts rather than addressing the relatively subjective subject of politics. For someone interested in the history and facts of the recently top-secret mission, this book will not disappoint. On the other hand, if you looking for insight into the short-term and long-term political considerations and effects of the raid, this volume is lacking.
Claire also considers that many regard the Israeli attack on the Osirak reactor as the precursor to America’s modern day preemptive strike strategy. In fact, former Assistant Secretary of Defense Richard Perle holds the raid as the prototypical example of a first-strike defensive action that should be used by America to prevent nuclear weapons from being acquired by rogue states.
Despite the worldwide condemnation of the raid at the time, there is no doubt that the destruction of Iraq’s nuclear reactor was good for the free world. A short story sums up how many people view the raid today. General David Ivry, the head of the Israeli Air Force during the raid on Osirak, retired in 1998 after a stint as Israeli Ambassador to the United States. After a long and distinguished career he has many mementos, but one postcard-sized photograph holds special meaning. It is a satellite picture of the remains of the Osirak reactor days after the Israeli attack. A handwritten note at the bottom reads “With thanks and appreciation. You made our job easier in Desert Storm.” It is signed “Dick Cheney.”
Any comments or questions can be received at whyyouareaconservative@gmail.com
~ The Conservative Guy
On June 7, 1981 eight highly trained Israeli pilots flew American-made F-16 fighter planes into the heart of Saddam Hussein’s Iraq and successfully destroyed Osirak, that country’s nuclear reactor. The details of the mission, which set the Iraqi nuclear weapons program back decades, remained highly classified by the Israeli government. Even the names of the pilots were kept secret for fear that Iraqi assassination squads would target them or their families. However, in 2001 and 2002 journalist Rodger W. Claire became the first person ever allowed to see the classified Israeli documents that detail the raid and interview the pilots who executed it. In Raid on the Sun Claire recounts the recruitment of the pilots, the months of preparation and training, and, finally a detailed description of the bombing run itself through the eyes of the pilots, all the while outlining the political and military factors the Israeli government dealt with in the run-up to the raid.
Throughout his tale Claire documents the political infighting in Prime Minister Menachem Began’s cabinet and the tensions between the pilots as mission training and planning occurred. Raid on the Sun also gives an hour-by-hour account of the actual raid. From takeoff the pilots were in grave danger. Not only did they have to hope they would avoid radar and fighter patrols, but they had to deal with an incredible amount of anti-aircraft fire and surface-to-air missiles during their bombing run.
The book also provides insight into Saddam Hussein’s nuclear ambitions though second-hand accounts of Iraqi scientists that defected to the West. Saddam offered extremely lucrative oil contracts to the French government in exchange for the Osirak nuclear reactor, and did everything in his power, from threatening the Iraqi scientists to deceiving the international community, to make his nuclear dream become a reality.
Perhaps the most interesting chapter of the book, especially for the modern day politico, is the epilogue. It briefly recounts the world’s reaction to the raid and the raid’ long term consequences. However, Claire seems more interested in the objective detailing of facts rather than addressing the relatively subjective subject of politics. For someone interested in the history and facts of the recently top-secret mission, this book will not disappoint. On the other hand, if you looking for insight into the short-term and long-term political considerations and effects of the raid, this volume is lacking.
Claire also considers that many regard the Israeli attack on the Osirak reactor as the precursor to America’s modern day preemptive strike strategy. In fact, former Assistant Secretary of Defense Richard Perle holds the raid as the prototypical example of a first-strike defensive action that should be used by America to prevent nuclear weapons from being acquired by rogue states.
Despite the worldwide condemnation of the raid at the time, there is no doubt that the destruction of Iraq’s nuclear reactor was good for the free world. A short story sums up how many people view the raid today. General David Ivry, the head of the Israeli Air Force during the raid on Osirak, retired in 1998 after a stint as Israeli Ambassador to the United States. After a long and distinguished career he has many mementos, but one postcard-sized photograph holds special meaning. It is a satellite picture of the remains of the Osirak reactor days after the Israeli attack. A handwritten note at the bottom reads “With thanks and appreciation. You made our job easier in Desert Storm.” It is signed “Dick Cheney.”
Any comments or questions can be received at whyyouareaconservative@gmail.com
~ The Conservative Guy
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