What Are You Currently Reading? 2009

[PINT]

An older book but still interesting Bush At War by Bob Woodward...easy read and makes you wonder. Almost done with that one. Next is Fear Up Harsh: An Army Interrogator's Dark Journey Through Iraq by Tony Lagouranis...no idea about the reputation of this one but of interest. I've got my stack of books for the next week or so...Galula's Counterinsurgency Warfare, Friedman's The World is Flat, Rick's Fiasco and The Gamble...I listened to Rick's stuff on CD and decided I wanted to read it too. Need to pick up The Accidental Guerilla next I think...

[Jedburgh]

....Next is Fear Up Harsh: An Army Interrogator's Dark Journey Through Iraq by Tony Lagouranis...no idea about the reputation of this one but of interest....

Lagouranis has zero credibility - much of what he relates is hearsay and highly embellished. He was a disciplinary problem child during his time in service (a six year specialist/E-4 - which in MI in today's Army isn't easy to accomplish ), and the book is simply exploitation of a hot topic of which he had only tangential operational exposure at a very low level.

Instead, I recommend (despite the tabloid-style title) How to Break a Terrorist: The U.S. Interrogators Who Used Brains, Not Brutality, to Take Down the Deadliest Man in Iraq.

[PINT]

Lagouranis has zero credibility - much of what he relates is hearsay and highly embellished. He was a disciplinary problem child during his time in service (a six year specialist/E-4 - which in MI in today's Army isn't easy to accomplish ), and the book is simply exploitation of a hot topic of which he had only tangential operational exposure at a very low level.

Instead, I recommend (despite the tabloid-style title) How to Break a Terrorist: The U.S. Interrogators Who Used Brains, Not Brutality, to Take Down the Deadliest Man in Iraq.

Read that one. Easy and interesting read.

Thanks for the tip on Lagouranis!

[GBNT73]

Revolutionary warfare:
Dragonwars, by J. Bowyer Bell. He is a diffcult read. I powered my way through teh below one, but I have to read it again.
Dynamics of the Armed Struggle, (by the same)

Origin of war:
How War Began, by Keith Otterbein, just barely started.
War Before Civilization, by Lawrence Keeley -- great read. Causes one to question the whole "4GW" concept.

Separation of God and Man:
The Great Divorce, by C. S. Lewis

Team building/leading
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, by Patrick Lencioni. it has a stupid narrative "parable", but the model he proposes is excellent. It came recommended by a university professor/team builder.

[LawVol]

Most of what I've read lately could be deemed introductory to various subject matter and I've found that each has met that purpose well.

Soldiers of Reason by Alexa Abella: explores the beginning of the Rand Corporation and traces its development to the modern day. It discuss rational choice theory in the context that Rand developed and used it. I thought this was a good book for some strategic theoretical background.

The Bottom Billion by Paul Collier: examines four traps that cause poorer countries to remain that way and four instruments that can assist in crafting a plan for action.

The Second World by Parag Khanna and The Post-American World by Fareed Zakaria: both examine the second world's rise and implications.

Wired for War by Peter Singer: I liked this book as I approached it as providing introduction to an area I was unfamiliar with. It's written well and explores robotics used in war. The author raises some interesting legal/ethical questions that need further examination.

The Accidental Guerilla by David Kilcullen: although the term "accidental guerilla" is new to me, his thesis that we create additional enemies through our actions isn't. I seem to recall this coming up from the left side of the political spectrum in the 2004 election. That, however, doesn't change the fact that there is some truth to the assertion. This book allowed me to better develop an understanding of the complexity of the situation, particularly with respect to the influence of culture (sometimes more so than religion) on the actions of those we come into contact with.

Seven Deadly Scenarios by Andrew Krepinevich: I did not finish this book as it seemed too sensationalist. The invented footnotes with future dates serve only as self-serving tools rather than assisting the reader with any understanding. The author attempts to paint a picture of future scenarios through a narrative approach, but this method was ineffective for his subject matter (at least for me; some may like it). I did fully read though the chapters on Pakistan and China but found nothing really new. The chapter on Mexico-US was the most interesting IMO.

Next up: Terror and Consent by Philip Bobbitt and The Secret Sentry by Matthew Aid.

[pjmunson]

I have "The Second World" on my bookshelf, but pushed it back in the queue when I read a review from someone that seemed credible (forget who) that panned it. Your take as to its credibility/utility?

I'm interested in Bobbitt's new book. I skimmed/read his "Shield of Achilles" and found it to be huge, but interesting in parts. I don't agree with all of his concepts and analysis, but I think overall he brings up some good points to think through and come to your own conclusions.

[LawVol]

I have "The Second World" on my bookshelf, but pushed it back in the queue when I read a review from someone that seemed credible (forget who) that panned it. Your take as to its credibility/utility?

I'm interested in Bobbitt's new book. I skimmed/read his "Shield of Achilles" and found it to be huge, but interesting in parts. I don't agree with all of his concepts and analysis, but I think overall he brings up some good points to think through and come to your own conclusions.

As an introductory piece, The Second World" is pretty good. Apparently, the author has travelled extensively is researching the book and his academic credentials look good. His bio in the book says he advised SOF in Iraq and Afghanistan so I guess that helps too. There is a bit much of the "America is declining" train of thought, but he's entitled to his opinion and its a logical opinion to derive from his findings. Of course, there is also much to disagree with in reaching those conclusions, but I wanted something a bit outside my normal readings. I found it very helpful in learning a bit about some of the areas that don't always make the news and in understanding the big picture. While I can't vouch for everything he says, it all seems plausible and backed by research. I'd like to find a similar book from a different perspective though, so I can round out the knowledge base.

I picked up the "Terror and Consent" book because it purports to examine the interplay between law and strategy, something I'm keenly interested in given that I'm a JAG. While most seem to subscribe to a notion of a change in warfare due to technology or a breakdown in state control over the means of warfare, I think the increasing relevance of law may also have an effect. I'm trying to wrap my head around this issue now and it looks like this book will be helpful in doing that. I'm open to other suggestions though. Bobbitt's "Achilles" book will make into my stack as well.

[Bob's World]

Touring Colleges on the East Coast with my two youngest this week; Today, on the 4th of July will be in Charlottesville and Washington; will Tour UVA, Monticello and the Capital Mall.

In that spirit, I strongly encourage everyone to Google up a copy of the Declaration of Independence to review today!

A piece of timeless genius, and the cornerstone of our nation. Friends and Foes around the world measure us by how well we stack up to the standard established here.

[davidbfpo]

Just read 'Intelligence Matters: the CIA, the FBI, Saudi Arabia and the Failure of America's War on Terror; by Senator Bob Graham (pub. 2004, but updated in paperback 2008). In places wise and in others for a non-American reader dense Washington bureaucratic arguments. Intrigued at his description of the Polish role in Iraq pre-Gulf War Two and comments on the industry-security linkages in the UK. Advances a view that thousands of trained AQ fighters are in the USA and a greater that in the USA comes from Hizbollah, without explaining why.

davidbfpo

[Valin]

Just finished The Next Founders: Voices of Democracy in the Middle East
Joshua Muravchik

Very inspiring and depressing at the sametime. Inspiring in that we see the bravery of these people, depressing in what they are going up against.
I would not call it a "Must Read" (and oh how I hate that term) but it's well worth your time.

I'm not really a man of the written word so here is a good review.

‘The Next Founders: Voices of Democracy in the Middle East’
Jun 15th, 2009 by MESH

MESH invites selected authors to offer original first-person statements on their new books—why and how they wrote them, and what impact they hope and expect to achieve. Joshua Muravchik is a fellow at the Foreign Policy Institute of the Johns Hopkins University School for Advanced International Studies, and a member of MESH. His new is book is The Next Founders: Voices of Democracy in the Middle East.

From Joshua Muravchik

When I would tell people that I was writing a book about Middle Eastern democrats, the reaction was invariably the same: “That will be a short book.” This jibe expressed the common knowledge that the region remains stubbornly autocratic.

The fact that there is precious little democracy in the Middle East does not mean, however, that there are no democrats. Surveys show that the vast majority say they want democracy, although it is uncertain what they mean. Perhaps more important, there are also individuals whose lives revolve around making their countries more free and democratic, and who have proven they understand these ideas well. We know little about them because their work is peaceful and incremental and overshadowed by the shocking deeds and pronouncements of tyrants, terrorists, and religious fanatics.

I have profiled seven of them, six Arabs and an Iranian. In addition to illuminating their goals and activities, I have attempted to sketch a full biography in the hope of understanding how they came to be who they are.

(snip)

[Valin]

I picked up the "Terror and Consent" book because it purports to examine the interplay between law and strategy, something I'm keenly interested in given that I'm a JAG. While most seem to subscribe to a notion of a change in warfare due to technology or a breakdown in state control over the means of warfare, I think the increasing relevance of law may also have an effect. I'm trying to wrap my head around this issue now and it looks like this book will be helpful in doing that. I'm open to other suggestions though. Bobbitt's "Achilles" book will make into my stack as well.

I look forward to your take on this book/subject.

[AnalyticType]

Has anyone yet read Achieving Victory In Iraq: Countering an Insurgency by Col. Dominic J. Caraccilo & Lt. Col. Andrea L. Thompson? If so, what are your thoughts on the book and its authors? Also as it was published last September (and therefore went to press about a year ago,) has the last year borne out their arguments?

I don't recall seeing this one discussed further back in this rather long thread, but I may have missed it. I have not read this book yet, so I'm curious about its reception among SWC's members. I did notice that the Foreward was written by Bing West, which is what brought the book more sharply to my attention.

[Valin]

Has anyone yet read Achieving Victory In Iraq: Countering an Insurgency by Col. Dominic J. Caraccilo & Lt. Col. Andrea L. Thompson? If so, what are your thoughts on the book and its authors? Also as it was published last September (and therefore went to press about a year ago,) has the last year borne out their arguments?

I don't recall seeing this one discussed further back in this rather long thread, but I may have missed it. I have not read this book yet, so I'm curious about its reception among SWC's members. I did notice that the Foreward was written by Bing West, which is what brought the book more sharply to my attention.

I haven't heard of this book, looks..interesting. I have a feeling that as time goes on the book shelves will be filled with books like this.
And here's my problem...there are so many book...only 24 hours in a day...and I have to go to the bathroom sometime

Amazon Product Description

Interview with Army Colonel Dominic Caraccilo

Date / Length: 9/10/2008 9:00 AM - 45 min
Description: Army Col. Dominic Caraccilo, commander of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 187th Infantry Regiment, will discuss the progress of Iraqi army units protecting the city of Mahmoudiyah.

[Ken White]

It is generally better though, to just post a brief excerpt and provide links rather that repeating most of what would be found at the link. Avoids copyright problems and tailors your post to those who might be interested.

[Zack]

just finished (un)civil war of words, and inside the jihad a couple of days ago. Now working on an atlas of conflict of the middle east, winkie, and wired for war.

[pjmunson]

Hew Strachan, "Clausewitz's On War"
Just finished Paul Kennedy's "The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers" - Not small war oriented, but very informative on changes in international power equation
Charles Esdaile's "Napoleon's Wars"
Christopher Layne's review article from the latest International Security - "The Waning of U.S. Hegemony - Myth or Reality?"

[Taiko]

Just finished:
Echevarria II-Clausewitz and Contemporary War
Metz-Iraq and the Evolution of American Strategy
Ricks-The Gamble
Molan-Running the War in Iraq
Blaxland-Revisiting Counterinsurgency: A Manoeuvrist Response to the War on Terror for the Australian Army
Kilcullen-The Accidental Guerrilla

Just started:
Jomini-The Art of War
Jordan, Kiras, Lonsdale, Speller, Tuck, and Walton-Understanding Modern Warfare
Tse-Tung-Selected Military Writings of Mao Tse-Tung
Callwell-Small Wars: Their Principles and Practice

Next in Line:
Galula-Counter-Insurgency Warfare
Taber-The War of the Flea
O'Neil-Insurgency and Terrorism

[pjmunson]

Visited Half-Price Books and got Wallerstein's "World-Systems Analysis." Wonder how much his ideas will interact with the Bobbitt thesis on where the world is heading.

Also got Lawrence's "Invisible Nation" about the Kurds with the Kurdish elections around the corner.

[Valin]

In the process of reading
Global Jihadism: Theory and Practice
Jarret M. Brachman

Very Very Good.

[Kevin23]

A Savage War of Peace by Allister Horne

The Gamble by Tom Ricks(I've already read Fiasco)

The Accidental Guerrilla by David Kilcullen

Utility of Force: The Art of War in the Modern World by Rupert Smith

I'm also planning on reading the Savage Wars of Peace by Max Boot and War Made New also by Max Boot.