Frederick Forsyth has written numerous books with far-out themes. “Cobra” is another one, just more so. The plot is fairly simple: A not-so-thinly disguised President [Obama[ and his chief of staff [Emanuel] call to the White House Paul Deveraux, known as The Cobra, ostensibly retired from the CIA (with sighs of relief from the powers-that-be because of his extremism), because of the overwhelming growth in the cocaine market.
Asked if cocaine can be eradicated, Paul demands unlimited powers and a billion dollars, which he is granted. He puts together all the necessary equipment and personnel to accomplish the task and begins attacking the supply from the Colombian cartel. So far, so good.
However, the premise is kind of shaky. How could such a program be developed and implemented in total secrecy? Such a scenario is very unlikely. Certainly the Manhattan Project is a model, and the A-bomb was developed in total secrecy. But that was during a world war. Not likely under today’s conditions, I think.
Written with the author’s signature ability for research and an eye for detail, the novel, despite the criticism above, certainly is entertaining. With regard to the conclusion, the events are recounted without explanation, although the motivation is apparent. But a couple of more sentences might have been in order.
I think The Cobra came pretty close to some of Forsyth’s best stuff. Top5 I’d say, definitely after The Day of the Jackal and The Dogs of War though.