Why We Lost: A General's Inside Account of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars

Daniel P. Bolger

Nov 2014 · Sold by HMH

About this ebook

A commander’s “compelling” behind-the-scenes view of the United States at war after 9/11, from high-level strategy to combat on the ground (The Wall Street Journal).
 
Over his thirty-five year career, Daniel P. Bolger rose through the ranks of the army infantry to become a three-star general, commanding in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Perhaps more than anyone else, he was witness to the full extent of these wars, from September 11th to withdrawal from the region. Not only did Bolger participate in top-level planning and strategy meetings, he also regularly carried a rifle alongside soldiers in combat actions.
 
Writing with hard-won experience and unflinching honesty, Bolger argues that while we lost in Iraq and Afghanistan, we did not have to. Intelligence was garbled. Key decision makers were blinded by spreadsheets or theories. And we never really understood our enemy. Why We Lost is a timely, forceful, and compulsively readable account from a fresh and authoritative perspective, “filled with heartfelt stories of soldiers and Marines in firefights and close combat. It weighs in mightily to the ongoing debate over how the United States should wage war” (The Washington Post).
 

Ratings and reviews

Seeing maps in book and only read sample, but I think I should try. I love to learn history.

l love this book because I love the 5 forces and I am a kid.

Well written and timely.

About the author

Daniel P. Bolger completed thirty-five years in the US Army, retiring as a lieutenant general in 2013. He graduated from The Citadel and earned his master’s degree and doctorate from the University of Chicago. He commanded the Coalition Military Assistance Training Team in Iraq in 2005–06, 1st Cavalry Division in Baghdad in 2009–10, and NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan in 2011–13. His military awards include five Bronze Star medals (one for valor) and the Combat Action Badge.