Description
Book SynopsisThe war against ISIS is often explained through the group's own rise to power. The American side of the story has not yet been told. This book records how the United States and its allies chose to fight the group, what the consequences have been for transatlantic relations, and how these factors may shape future wars the West decides to pursue. The book is based on first-person interviews with U.S. and European policymakers, and members of the military in direct combat against ISIS - from U.S and allied forces on the ground to the Kurdish fighters who fought beside them. These interviews show precisely how the West fights wars through the eyes of the people most involved in them and includes key insights about civilian decision-making as it happened. In tracing the war as it developed, the book examines the West's approach to conflict and reveals new insights such as why both the U.S. military and the civilian bureaucracy underestimated Russian military capabilities. The war was alwa
Trade Review"Through extensive interviews, Stein provides a fascinating insider’s account of the US war against ISIS. The contradictions inherent in US policy towards Syria, together with the diplomatic and military complexity of the war, are laid bare in impressive detail." * Jacob Eriksson, University of York, UK *
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A Very American War” paints a vivid picture of the advantages and limitations of operating by, with, and though local actors. It demonstrates how decisions taken to meet short-term, tactical objectives – in this case the U.S. decision work with the YPG to defeat ISIS – can have enduring strategic consequences.” * Rachel Ellehuus, Center for Strategic & International Studies, USA *
Table of ContentsIntroduction: How the West Won the War and Lost the Peace in Syria Chapter 1: The West Goes to War: Standing Up a Multinational Task Force Chapter 2: Closing the Border: Tensions with Turkey and the Rise of the Kurds Chapter 3: The March to Raqqa: Defeating the Caliphate Chapter 4: Russia Retaliates: Moscow Changes the Game Chapter 5: Ossified Borders: Continued Chaos Chapter 6: An Unfinished War: Simmering Conflict in a Destroyed State
