Fighting for Peace

In his familiar, no-nonsense style, Weinberger discusses the massive build-up of American arms during his tenure as secretary of defense, 1980-1988, and warns it is essential that the U.S. retain its present military strength. A strong advocate of the Strategic Defense Initiative, he also considers it crucial that the U.S. develop and deploy a defensive system that ``protects rather than avenges.'' Weinberger expresses pride over his success in establishing a military relationship with Beijing while maintaining a friendly alliance with Taipei. Effusive in his praise of Reagan as a president of courageous, visionary leadership and character, he believes the president made only one major mistake, which Weinberger refers to as ``the Iranian hostage activity.'' In his chapter on the Iran- contra scandal he identifies former National Security Adviser Robert McFarlane as a primary villain in the affair, characterizing him as a man lacking in intellect, moral principle or historical understanding. The book is essential reading for those alarmed about the current trend in U.S. military cutbacks. Photos. Conservative Book Club alternate. (May)