Great book on the Iraq war. Tells the story from the beginning right up to a couple of months ago. Tells of the combat, the units engaged and what they did, the political maneuvering in Washington and Baghdad, and gives thumbnail sketches of colorful American soldiers doing their best under tough circumstances.
Bing West, the author, was a Marine infantry man in Viet Nam, so he knows something about counter insurgency warfare. He has spent much time in Iraq, out in the field, ever since 2003. West is a well informed man with practical experience and first hand observations.
West details policy blunders by Washington and by the generals, but shows how the sheer excellence of the American fighting men overwhelmed the enemy and turned defeat into victory. US troops never flinched, never faltered, and always ran toward the sound of the guns. They endured back to back tours in Iraq, 120 degree summer heat, IED explosions, and enemy snipers. Out in the wild west of Anbar province, the front line soldiers made the connections with the tribal sheiks that sparked the Anbar Awakening and won the war. They used email and blogs to keep home front political support alive. With guys like this, anything is possible,
Great read.
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