Neue Rezension

Thomas Boghardt vom U.S. Army Center of Military History, Washington, D.C., hat mein Buch zur Kampfgruppe gegen Unmenschlichkeit (KgU) im aktuellen Heft der "Studies in Intelligence" besprochen. Vollständig zu finden hier: https://www.cia.gov

"In his doctoral dissertation, German historian Enrico Heitzer has produced the definitive study of the KgU, including careful documentation of the organization’s numerous links to US intelligence agencies. Heitzer’s book is comprehensive, well-organized, and thoroughly researched. [...] 

The relationship between the KgU and US intelligence is best described as a partnership between two independent parties with identical goals—the weakening of the East German regime through espionage and covert action. In this bargain, the CIA contributed funds and guidance, and occasionally intervened on behalf of the KgU with the West German government and judiciary. In exchange, the KgU provided information and manpower, and absorbed massive MfS counter-strikes: numerous KgU agents were kidnapped, arrested, and received long prison sentences, and at least 126 were executed. The intensity

of the MfS’s response to the KgU’s operations suggests that the group had at least some impact in East Germany. [...]

Heitzer delivers a nuanced and detailed study of the KgU, however, his own assessment of the group grew more negative in the course of his research. [....] Readers may make up their own minds, but whatever one’s take on the KgU, no one will be able to discuss this controversial organization and its place in early Cold War Germany without taking into account Heitzer’s excellent book."