From a universally respected combat journalist, a gripping
history based on five years of front-line reporting about
how the war was turned around–and the choice now facing
America
During the fierce battle for Fallujah, Bing
West asked an Iraqi colonel why the archterrorist Abu Musab
al-Zarqawi had fled in women’s clothes. The colonel pointed
to a Marine patrol walking by and said, “Americans are the
strongest tribe.”
In Iraq, America made mistake
after mistake. Many gave up on the war. Then the war took a
sharp U-turn. Two generals–David Petraeus and Raymond
Odierno–displayed the leadership America expected. Bringing
the reader from the White House to the fighting in the
streets, this remarkable narrative explains the turnaround
by U.S. forces.
In the course of fourteen extended
trips over five years, West embedded with more than sixty
front-line units, discussing strategy with generals and
tactics with corporals. He provides an expert’s account of
counterinsurgency, disposing of myths. By describing the
characters and combat in city after city, West gives the
reader an in-depth understanding that will inform the debate
about the war. This is the definitive study of how American
soldiers actually fought –a gripping and visceral book that
changes the way we think about the war, and essential
reading for understanding the next critical steps to be
taken.
Praise for The Strongest
Tribe:
"Balanced, panoramic assessment of
the Iraq War by former Marine and Reagan administration
veteran West (No True Glory, 2005, etc.), who heralds
American soldiers as its unsung heroes amid the “fog of
Washington”. . .A timely, eye-opening historical analysis
that provides clarity around the difficult choices the next
president faces." --Kirkus (starred
review)
"In this important new chronicle of the
war in Iraq, Bing West reveals how America reached the brink
of defeat in 2006 and then managed in 2007 to stage a
stunning turnaround. With its vivid, on-the-ground
reporting, his book is a fitting tribute to the honor,
valor, and toughness of our soldiers. Notwithstanding
numerous mistakes by their leaders, West shows that their
sacrifices have made success possible--as long we do not
withdraw prematurely." --Senator John S.
McCain
“Sometimes the best way to support the
troops is to criticize the generals. Bing West does both
well in this book, showing a sympathy for our soldiers and
Marines, but also a great ear for military truth and a
determination to render events accurately. This is his third
and most important book about the Iraq war. Read
it.” -- Thomas E. Ricks, author of FIASCO: The
American Military Adventure in Iraq
“A
brilliant exposition. Based on extensive experience in the
war zone, Bing West recounts how Soldiers and Marines showed
the President and the Pentagon the way to solve the Iraq
insurgency problem. Echoing the admonition that "all
politics are local", The Strongest Tribeconvincingly
argues that it was a grass roots strategy developed by
on-scene officers who forged ties at the tribal level that
brought stability to Iraq's turbulent Anbar Province and
provided hope for all Iraq.” -- Lt. Gen. Bernard E.
Trainor USMC (Ret.) Co-author of The Generals' War
and COBRA II: The Inside Story of the Invation
and Occupation of Iraq
“Some four decades ago
I told Bing West that his book, the Village, would become a
classic in counterinsurgency warfare. And so it did. "The
Strongest Tribe" will surely be West's second classic - a
moving and detailed account of almost six years of war in
Iraq.” - Dr. James R. Schlesinger, Director of
Central Intelligence Agency, Nixon administration; Secretary
of Defense, Ford administration; Chairman, The Mitre
Corporation
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