At times, this reads as a text book. At times, it reads as a spy thriller. Walsh goes into great detail on the investigation and attempted prosecution of those involved in the Iran-Contra scandal. This book is best suited for those interested in the affair, and are anti Reagan/Bush. I was moved by the compassion of Walsh when after interviewing Reagan, felt it would have been more damaging to our nation to try and prosecute Reagan when it was apparent alzheimers had set in. Walsh felt Reagan knew more then he said, but he also knew that the alzheimers would have been humilitaing to Reagan, and would have made prosecution impossible.

Finally a book that exposes the TRUTH on the Reagan administration. Readers need to keep in mind that although Judge Walsh did his homework, he could not get a DESERVED conviction due to a strong GOP Congress and Reagan's "halo effect" in the press's and public's eyes who refused to believe the TRUTH that Walsh, et al uncovered.

This book sheds light on the Reagan administration for all it's worth: lies, corruption, cover-up, deceit, treason, cabal. Always an actor in the Oval Office.

America should re-examine this SAD, UGLY incident in American history (TRUE high crimes and FELONIES) and stop worrying about Clinton's sex life (low crimes and misdemeanors).

While I was at times confused by the legal problems Walsh's team were confronted with, I did clearly understand why Lawrence Walsh did not get very far with his investigation. Mainly it was because the targets of his investigation had designed a highly secretive plot and had the protection of the CIA or the National Security Council. Documents were denied or shredded, subjects lied or refused to testify all on the basis of "national security" or out of a belief that Congress had no right to interfere in foreign policy. After reading this book, I was shaken by the realization that under the guise of a "higher purpose" or holy war our democratic principles could so easily be dispensed with. Oliver North and President Reagan were rewarded with national affection despite showing utter contempt for the rule of law! Iran-Contra was a true case of Machiavellian politics because all of our most sacred principles were run over for the sake of the dictators ideology - that the end justifies the means. Firewall reveals the incipient dictatorship lurking beneath our fragile democracy.