No True Glory: A Frontline Account of the Battle for Fallujah 
asked by bones on November 2, 2006 6:53 AM
"This is the face of war as only those who have fought it can describe it."–Senator John McCain
Fallujah: Iraq’s most dangerous city unexpectedly emerged as the major battleground of the Iraqi insurgency. For twenty months, one American battalion after another tried to quell the violence, culminating in a bloody, full-scale assault. Victory came at a terrible price: 151 Americans and thousands of Iraqis were left dead.
The epic battle for Fallujah revealed the startling connections between policy and combat that are a part of the new reality of war.
The Marines had planned to slip into Fallujah “as soft as fog.” But after four American contractors were brutally murdered, President Bush ordered an attack on the city–against the advice of the Marines. The assault sparked a political firestorm, and the Marines were forced to withdraw amid controversy and confusion–only to be ordered a second time to take a city that had become an inferno of hate and the lair of the archterrorist al-Zarqawi.
Based on months spent with the battalions in Fallujah and hundreds of interviews at every level–senior policymakers, negotiators, generals, and soldiers and Marines on the front lines–No True Glory is a testament to the bravery of the American soldier and a cautionary tale about the complex–and often costly–interconnected roles of policy, politics, and battle in the twenty-first century.
Fallujah: Iraq’s most dangerous city unexpectedly emerged as the major battleground of the Iraqi insurgency. For twenty months, one American battalion after another tried to quell the violence, culminating in a bloody, full-scale assault. Victory came at a terrible price: 151 Americans and thousands of Iraqis were left dead.
The epic battle for Fallujah revealed the startling connections between policy and combat that are a part of the new reality of war.
The Marines had planned to slip into Fallujah “as soft as fog.” But after four American contractors were brutally murdered, President Bush ordered an attack on the city–against the advice of the Marines. The assault sparked a political firestorm, and the Marines were forced to withdraw amid controversy and confusion–only to be ordered a second time to take a city that had become an inferno of hate and the lair of the archterrorist al-Zarqawi.
Based on months spent with the battalions in Fallujah and hundreds of interviews at every level–senior policymakers, negotiators, generals, and soldiers and Marines on the front lines–No True Glory is a testament to the bravery of the American soldier and a cautionary tale about the complex–and often costly–interconnected roles of policy, politics, and battle in the twenty-first century.
Reviews
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Mr. West's book is not only immpossible to put down, it is exciting,gut wrenching, and at times heart breaking to read. You will run a full circle of emotions. The confusing and complex world that is Iraq is painted by Mr. West on a full canvas and easy to understand and follow. The famous expression "The road to Hell is paved with good intentions" is so evident in the overall decisions that are made at the highest of levels. The brightest light shines on the commanders who lead in the field of battle and the Marines who follow that leadership and prove that their generation takes second to none. Their comradeship to each other is inspiring. This book should be mandatory reading in every history class. I salute Mr.West,and the most compelling thing about reading it is; I finished the book tuesday night and can't stop thinking about. A Must read!!!!! Don Pritzlaff- Nanuet NY
reviewed by mike on November 14, 2006 1:55 AM
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Great info and amazing stories. Our military men are true heroes! We should learn from their bravery, conviction and valor. A good read for any of our so-called leaders in Washington DC. Especially those who have not been over to Iraq. You will get a knowledgeable account of the political and military dealings with the young democracy plus get an understanding of the middle ages menatlity of the middle east. Great book.
reviewed by noreason on November 22, 2006 11:37 PM