The Strongest Tribe

August 1, 2008
This is Weststhird book about the war in Iraq; his previous one(No True Glory, 2005) is an account of the ferocious battle of Fallujah in 2004. This one pivots on the wars major strategic development since then, President George Bushs December 2006 decision to reinforce American troops; describing the so-called surgeits political origin, strategic concept, andtactical implementationis Wests purpose here. Subscribing to the general opinion that the initial occupation of Iraq was bungled, West briskly dispenses his critique of the years 20035 to intently examine the situation as of 2006. His inspection assumes the narrative form of accompanying American units on patrol, conveying a gritty sense of counterinsurgency war and the frustrations American officers have experienced conducting this one. West seems relieved to introduce the commanders of the surge in Iraq, Generals David Petraeus and Ray Odierno, and he unreservedly extols the courage of soldiers and marines who have carried it out. Arguing they have retrieved the situation, West encourages optimism about the outcome of Americas war in Iraq.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)