A Modern War Reader
JH Stuart, who you’ll know from his periodic comments here, is a Norwich- and UVM-trained civil engineering consultant in Vermont and former Army engineer in Italy and Vietnam who has attacked our current wars with a engineer’s thoroughness, taking them apart to see how they work with the following course of study. Stuart called it “The Iraq War Anthology” but it’s scope is broader and deeper than that, and given the current status of these wars, his rading list deserves a more general label. You’ll recognize some of the titles below. Others will be new. All with Stuart’s brief summaries/reviews, following Stuart’s intro below. I’ve added one interesting new title recently spotted at the end.
Here’s Stuart:
Since war is a complex subject, many questions persist about the current conflict such as its genesis, formulation of a strategy to defeat a determined enemy and what lies beyond hostilities on the battlefield. This war can trace its roots to an ideology that dates from the 7th century. The following collection provides discussion of war operations, background on the ideology, and most importantly, the evolution of a strategy to defeat our adversary. As evidenced by the list of contributors, success will be dependent on modern warrior/scholar and politicians with the long view.
The Strongest Tribe: War, Politics and the End-Game in Iraq by Bing West
The definitive analysis by a war veteran and experienced correspondent who critically assesses the Iraq war from invasion to the surge with emphasis on policies, leadership, strategies as well as failures and successes.
No True Glory: A Frontline Account of the Battle for Fallujah by Bing West
The author covers the circumstances surrounding the two battles of Fallujah to include the skill and determination of the Marines, an equally determined insurgency, deficient Iraqi leadership and an American leadership in search of a plan.
The Village by Bing West
An account of a Vietnam Marine Combined Action Platoon which provides a fundamental framework for current counterinsurgency operations.
The Soul of Battle: From Ancient Times to the Present Day, How Three Great Liberators Vanquished Tyranny by Victor David Hanson
An account detailing exploits of three generals — Epaminondas, Sherman and Patton who led armies that were motivated, well trained and employed all of the force necessary to restore freedom to oppressed or corrupt societies.
BOYD: The Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of War by Robert Coram
A brilliant and determined Air Force pilot created the E-M formula for the development and comparison of fighter plans; then, developed a doctrine of maneuver (Schwerpunkt and Fingerspitzengefuhl) land warfare including the OODA loop. A lousy family man, he was hated by the Pentagon, disrespected by the Air Force and revered by the Marines.
The Accidental Guerrilla: Fighting Small Wars in the Midst of A Big One by David Kilcullen
A key advisor to General Petraeus recounts his insurgency experiences in Malaysia, Indonesia and Afghanistan and provides sound advice for effective counterinsurgency operations.
Learning To Eat Soup With a Knife: Counterinsurgency Lessons from Malaya and Vietnam by John A. Nagl
Case studies of the American and British armies and their doctrinal mindset to confronting insurgencies. The underlying theme is that the American army was slow to adapt in Vietnam and more current conflicts. Emphasis is directed towards the development of a culture of innovation and imagination.
The Sling and the Stone: On War in the 21st Century by Thomas X. Hammes
A discussion of the evolution of warfare with emphasis on the use of Fourth Generation (4GW) warfare in insurgencies as opposed to a conventional approach (aka asymmetrical). 4GW uses people networks and does not attempt to win by defeating military forces. Rather, political will can defeat the strongest armed forces by attacking the enemy’s mind which is classic Sun Zhu.
The Force of Reason by Oriana Fallaci
A firebrand reporter exposes Islamic designs for European life and the resulting dhimmitude.
Note: Also, refer to Mark Steyn, Bruce Bauer and Melanie Phillips.
The Foreigners’ Gift: The Americans, the Arabs and the Iraqis in Iraq by Fouad Ajami
A thoughtful discussion of Arab culture, the concept of democracy in the Middle East, the struggles between Shia and Sunni and the unfulfilled expectations of the Iraqi people from an inept government. The Americans as liberators would soon be viewed as occupiers if the ‘gift’ of freedom didn’t bear fruit.
The Al Qaeda Reader by Raymond Ibrahim with intro by Victor Davis Hanson
Important translations of Bin Laden and Zawahiri declarations, fatwas and pronouncements against the West based on Qur’anic scripture. The author endeavored to learn the motivation and inspiration guiding the most determined adherents of radical Islam. From these al Qaeda leaders we learn that, “Muslims are exhorted to always hate, discriminate, humiliate, and debase non-Muslims.”
Just War Against Terror: The Burden of American Power In A Violent World by Jean Bethke Elshtain
A rational explanation of the just war theory and its application in response to the current threat based originally on the observations of 5th century St. Augustine. Force is sometimes required to protect society which Augustine enumerates in four specific criteria. Support for the idea of pre-emption is included.
The Gamble: General David Petraeus and the American Military Adventure in Iraq, 2006-2008 by Thomas Ricks.
A detailed account of the surge under the direction of GEN David Petraeus, an intellectual, who fills a staff with a number of officers combining combat experience with PhD’s as well as an Austalian military officer turned anthropologist, an anti-military British woman and a Palestinian pacifist.
Inside GITMO: The True Story Behind the Myths of Guantanamo Bay by Gorson Cuculu
An in depth review of the GITMO facilities, the prisoners, their treatment and the misguided U.S. lawyers advocating on their behalf.
Defeating Political Islam: The New Cold War by Moorthy S. Muthuswamy
The threat to freedom and democracy is posed by an axis comprised of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Iran and directed by the Wahhabist doctrine which spreads this violent ideology by means of financial support of terror groups (petrodollars), operation of tens of thousands of madrassas or religious schools (mostly in Pakistan) and most of the mosques in the U.S. run by Wahhabist imams.
The Legacy of Jihad: Islamic Holy War and the Fate of Non-Muslims by Andrew Bostum
The authoritative reference for the history and goals of jihad and the unending efforts to expand Islamic dominance. Based on scripture, coexistence between Islam and other religions is not an option.
Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace…One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson and David Relin
One person’s efforts to bring education to rural Pakistani schools and a valuable insight into tribal culture which has applications in Iraq, Afghanistan and other states in the Middle East. Also, the book is a testament to the human spirit.
The Crisis of Islam: Holy War and Unholy Terror by Bernard Lewis
A pre-eminent Islamic scholar discusses Islamic history, the contemporary resentments towards the West and how Islam has failed the majority of the Middle Eastern adherents of Islam.
Note: For additional resources, other authors of note are Daniel Pipes, Robert Spencer, Walid Phares, Amir Taheri.
Terror at Beslan: A Russian Tragedy with Lessons for America’s Schools by John Gidduck
A case study of the brutal Chechnyan attack and massacre (in the name of Islam) of adults and children leaving 330 dead (including 172 children) and 700 injured at a Russian school in 2004. Valuable lessons can be learned to protect U.S. schools from such a disaster and the threat to soft targets from Islamic terrorism.
The Sword of the Prophet: Islam history, theology and impact on the world by Serge Trifkovic
The author states, “…beliefs have consequences” and outlines the complex relationship between Islam and the West while dispelling the notion that the terrorists have ‘highjacked’ their religion.
The Qur’an with emphasis on the Medina or verses revealed later to Mohammad. This particular scripture is believed to have abrogated many earlier peaceful verses and has been cited by the likes of bin Laden, Zawahiri , Qutb and the Wahhabists.
Terror and Consent: The Wars for the Twenty-First Century by Philip Bobbitt
A legal, historic and strategic analysis on the ‘war on terror’ The author posits that America is in large part to blame for networked terrorism because of its strategic dominance and the technology that is transferred to other cultures.
The Art of War by Sun Tzu, edited by James Clavell
A quote from this source summarizes the message best in its application to the current war: “The art of war is of vital importance to the state. It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence under no circumstances can it be neglected.” (The above edition is apparently unavailable. Here’s are and couple of other options.)
Curveball: Spies, Lies and the Con Man Who Caused A War by Bob Drogan
An account of an Iraqi scientist defector, his report of Saddham’s WMD programs and the failure of international intelligence sources to confirm his claims led to the belief that Iraq could not be allowed to be left unchecked.
One Second After by William Forstchen
While seemingly unrelated to the above, this novel provides a hypothetical account of American life after an EMP attack. Truly frightening and plausible, particularly with respect to Iran’s growing nuclear capabilities and posturing.
(Note — For background, refer to the Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack. This is truly an existential threat)
Baghdad at Sunrise: A Brigade Commander’s War in Iraq by Peter Mansoor
A member of the GEN Petraeus’ ‘braintrust’ on the Iraq surge describes his experiences as the commander of the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry division in 2003 beginning with the defeat of the Ba’athists and ending with the transfer of power to an interim Iraqi government. He describes what went right and wrong including the insurgency that emerged.
Many thanks, JH Stuart. Have a list of your own you’d like to share? Use the “contact” feature above.
Here’s one more I just picked up from the stack at work:
To Begin The World Over Again: Lawrence of Arabia from Damascus to Baghdad John C. Hulsman. Reviw excerpts via Amazon:
“The fate of empires seems inevitably linked to their persistent desire to impose their cultures and systems on foreign soil. Employing the endlessly fascinating story of T.E. Lawrence, John Hulsman colorfully argues from history that, if you set out to liberate other nations, it is best not to undertake to liberate them from themselves. If we learn his lesson, our Baghdad will not become Lawrence’s Damascus.”– Senator Gary Hart
“In To Begin the World Over Again, John Hulsman tells us that ’in reality Lawrence was far more important as a thinker’ than a warrior-prince. If our purpose is to discover a better nation-building strategy, Hulsman is correct, for as a thinker T.E. Lawrence offers us just that. President Obama, General David Petraeus, and a host of other western leaders would do well to study that strategy. And concerned Americans, as well as others, would do well to read this book.” – Lawrence Wilkerson, Visiting Professor of Government, the College of William and Mary and former chief of staff to Secretary of State Colin Powell.
“Hulsman at once tells a compelling story and identifies foundational principles for guiding U.S. foreign policy. By mining Lawrence’s thinking and experiences, this timely book yields vital lessons for America’s efforts at nation-building in Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond.” –Charles A. Kupchan, Professor of Government, Georgetown University and member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
Hopefully what all that means is that it is actually useful history and not a polemic. In any case, it promises some additional insight into one of modern history’s most interesting characters, an adventurer, a scholar, a soldier and an idealist, arguably the first modern warrior.*
Here’s Lawrence’s own book, Seven Pillars of Wisdom: A Triumph. I read it 30-odd years ago and mean to again, but my current copy is a 1935 first edition … five bucks stumbled upon in a second-hand store, apparently worth a couple hundred but a lot more than that as far as I’m concerned as a presence on the shelf. Not to be confused with the 1922 Oxford edition or 1926 private subscription edition, which would have been a significantly better deal at $5. The eight Oxford editions go for about $1 million, while the 200 1926 editions go for about 100 grand when they become available. The illustration at top is the embossment from all three “first” editions. “The sword also means clean-ness + death.”
More current and historical war reading at A Boutique Warmongery. Your purchases support the site.
* His use of insurgency as an adjunct to a clash of conventional armies, combined with his own desire to change the world order, is highly situational. The complex lineage of modern asymmetrical warfare probably should include references to preceding counter-insurgencies in South Africa and the Philippines, plus other precedents through history, plus others contemporaneous to or post-dating Lawrence in short order. Subject for another post, preferably by someone more knowledgeable than me. Your thoughts in comments or via contact.
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Topics: Afghanistan, Iraq, history, military
Posted by Jules Crittenden at 10:45 am on Sunday, September 27, 2009
One Response to “A Modern War Reader”
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September 27th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
I read Fortschen’s One Second After. It’s one of the scariest books I ever read, because it could happen.