Reply #13: BTW, did you finish Cobra II? [View All]

[globalvillage]

You were reading it, weren't you? What did you think?
I'm not quite finished, but I do agree that it's the definitive book on the Iraq war. Probably an easier read for someone with military experience, it's fairly detailed re conflicts. I will probably re-read it when I'm through. The research must have been extensive and exhausting.
I was relieved, too, that it doesn't seem to lean in either direction. Factual without an overabundance of commentary. Just enough to keep the reader's interest. Lots of first hand accounts, which made it read less like a text. Some insight as to what people were thinking and feeling, but I think the authors succeeded at not inserting themselves into the account. So far, the picture it paints is of our military sent into an impossible situation by an administration hell-bent on power through conflict regardless of cost. Throw in Rummy and Franks unbelievable arrogance and a complete neglect of post-war planning by all, and you've got yourself a truly fucked up war.
Anyway, not finished yet, but I'm curious to know your impression. It does tell a lot of the story, and, if you're anything like me, it will piss you off.