Obama's Wars by Woodward

[PennyQuilts]

I just finished reading Woodward's latest book. In some ways it was interesting and in other ways it was quite tedious. It was a narrowly focused book that addressed the decision making in whether to escalate the Afganistan War and the interactions of the players as they debate the best way to prosecute the war, define the objectives and try to set the terms for withdrawal. It ends right about the time McCrystal was relieved from his position following the Rolling Stone article where his staff members were quoted as making derogatory remarks about the President's staff. I thought the last few chapters of the book were a bit hurried and wondered if they simply added the part about McCrystal so it would be included.

Other than a few pointed remarks criticizing Bush (given as fact as if they were indisputable), Woodward seemed to be trying to provide information in a form more like a report than an analysis. In any book like this he is editing what he includes vs. what is left out, so there is editing going on, still, it was low key and he seemed to try to let the words or paraphrases of the parties tell the story. If you could get past the verbage and the tone, the underlying facts of the war and our relationship with Pakistan is chilling. Things aren't going well.

I personally believe that the descriptions given by the author, if accurate, undermine the notion that President Obama is somehow trying to harm America. That being said, I came away from the book thinking that he is in over his head. It isn't a lack of intelligence - more a lack of experience and a personality type that isn't suited to being a wartime president. That is not a slam against him - just an observation. If he was interested in military matters he would have taken a different career path. I don't mean to upset anyone - just my observation (we can argue politics on the politics threads).

One thing that struck me was that although McCrystal was canned following the Rolling Stone article, there are a lot of things attributed to Patreous that were uncomplimentary towards the administration - but they kept him on because they needed him. So many decisions were made for political reasons. Just makes you cringe.

[Bigrayok]

If I were a government offcial, I would turn around and run if I saw Bob Woodward coming my way.I am amazed the access he has been given over the years by people who should have known he was going to make them look bad.

Bigray in Ok

[PennyQuilts]

If I were a government offcial, I would turn around and run if I saw Bob Woodward coming my way.I am amazed the access he has been given over the years by people who should have known he was going to make them look bad.

Bigray in Ok

I hear you. I can't imagine why any of those guys talk to someone who is liable to write something. Who needs that sort of aggravation?