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The Wrong War: Grit, Strategy, And The Way Out Of Afghanistan (2011)

by Bing West(Favorite Author)

3.82 of 5 Votes: 2

ISBN

1400068738 (ISBN13: 9781400068739)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Random House

review 1: A book definitely worth the read, though I was terribly disappointed in the organization of the book. The argument did not become clear until late in the book and was supported by voluble anecdotes. Though story can be effective, it was overused here. I wish he would have included more language on the actual argument. However, I learned a great deal from reading this book about the strategy used and why it was not effective. I particularly enjoyed the parallels to the Vietnam War, especially since I know so little about modern wars. , but also because it helped illuminate what about Afghanistan wasn't working. The strategy was wrong because the environment culturally and socially was very different.
review 2: Bing West is on the ground with the grunts in Afghan... moreistan, and he writes convincingly and well about his experiences. His conclusions: 1. We can't afford to lose this war. 2. We can't win the war as currently defined (i.e., nation-building), but the Afghan army can't defeat the Taliban without American support and training. 3. So, we better give up nation-building but leave our people there to advise and lead the Afghans. Will it work? Who knows, but I think he's right about 1. and 2. and I don't have a better idea about how to proceed from there. less

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