The Strongest Tribe: War, Politics, and the Endgame in Iraq

Bing West's writing style seems to just get better and better. His latest book "The Strongest Tribe" will be used at the US Army war college for years to come, I predict. Mr. West pulls no punches when he analyzes both the mistakes and the eventual turn around following the "surge" in Iraq. He has years of experience first as a young officer in Vietnam taking part in the Marine pacification program, which he discribes in his first book "The Village". He later went on to become a Vice Secretary of Defense under Reagan before retirement. Not content to sit on his laurels, Mr. West traveled with the troops during the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His book on the heart breaking sage of the battle of Fallujah "No True Glory" is already a classic, in my opinion, but his latest work is combines years of experience, as well as much time on the ground with the troops. I cannot recommend this book highly enough to those who are both students of military history and most importantly strategy and tactics.

Having just finished "The Strongest Tribe", I'd suggest that every member of Congress be required to read it, as should most of the media. I don't expect that will happen but it should.

Thanks for a concise but readable summary and evaluation of how we got to where we are. Your last page, in particular, strikes me as a truth that no one speaks of in today's world.

I've recommended it when ever the subject of Iraq has come up in conversation.

Sincerely,


F Sullivan

I learned more about the Iraq war from this book than the last 6 years news broadcasts. Read it, and go thank a Vet.

I most heartily recommend this book for anyone who wants a balanced and critical analyis of why the immediate aftermath of the defeat of Iraq went so badly. The book relates how the Bush administration and its thoroughly incompetent administrators turned what could possibly have been a benign peace into a ruthless and violent insurgency. The book also relates how abominably the Iraqi people themselves can pull together with any measure of decency or competence. The author does not reserve all of his political criticisms to the Bush people. The democrats also come in for their fair share, some of it scathing. However the truly scorching political criticism is given to the totally ineffectual, corrupt, and venal Iraqi politicians. General Petraeus has co-authored a book on the surge. I recommend Mr. West's book instead since West pulls no punches and does not have a military career to protect. He thus portrays all of the fools and miscreants in a harsh light. Our own fighting troops come in for deserved and unrestrained praise. As an interesting aside. Our oversight of Iraq can be compared to the Army of occupation of Japan after World War II. In the latter instance, General MacArthur was literally the head of state and ruled absolutely. He was the total and complete sovereign and would simply over rule any of the perfidies of the Japanese politicians, and would blythly ignore or accept Washington directives as he saw fit. He also brooked no interference or dissent from the Pentagon or the press. Perhaps if we had had a wise and omnipotent ruler like General MacArthur who would have simply turned a deaf ear to the stupidities of the Bush people, or sent them packing, things would be much different.

Bing West provides an outstanding look at why Iraq was heading off of cliff and what it took to stabilize the country. His in depth writing covers a wide range of challenges facing the Unites States and Iraqi's. For me the book really hit home as to how much of an undertaking must occur to secure a few city blocks let alone an entire region. The honor and ferocity of how hard our armed forces have worked is a tremendous achievement. Take into conisderation the multiple times Mr. West has visited Iraq and you will gain an even deeper sense of appreciation and respect for his writing. Mr. West pulls no punches discussing our failures as well as our victories. It is tragic that the book ranks so low on Amazon's list.