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Soldiers, Civilians, and the Myth of the Surge: Uncovering the Hidden Truths of Iraq's Post-Invasion Era

Jerry Ward

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A Group Of Soldiers Walking Past A Group Of Civilians In Iraq Ghost Riders Of Baghdad: Soldiers Civilians And The Myth Of The Surge

In the aftermath of the 2003 invasion of Iraq, the United States embarked on a controversial counterinsurgency strategy known as the "surge." This massive deployment of additional troops was hailed by some as a turning point in the conflict, leading to a decline in violence and a supposed improvement in stability. However, a new book by Benjamin Carter Hett challenges this narrative, revealing the dark underbelly of the surge and its devastating impact on both Iraqi civilians and American soldiers.

Ghost Riders of Baghdad: Soldiers, Civilians, and the Myth of the Surge

by Daniel A. Sjursen

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	17354 KB
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Print length	:	296 pages

The Myth of the Surge

In "Soldiers, Civilians, and the Myth of the Surge," Hett meticulously deconstructs the official account of the surge, painting a far more nuanced and troubling picture. Drawing on extensive interviews with soldiers, civilians, and policymakers, he argues that the surge was not the decisive victory claimed by the Bush administration. Instead, it was a brutal and ultimately counterproductive campaign that exacerbated sectarian violence and sowed the seeds of future conflict.

One of the most striking aspects of Hett's analysis is his focus on the human toll of the surge. He recounts the stories of Iraqi civilians who were killed, injured, or displaced by American military operations. He also explores the psychological and physical trauma suffered by American soldiers, many of whom were sent into combat ill-prepared and without adequate support.

Sectarian Violence and the Legacy of the Surge

Hett argues that the surge played a significant role in fueling sectarian violence in Iraq. By targeting Sunni insurgents, the American-led offensive inadvertently empowered Shia militias, which then unleashed a wave of reprisals against Sunni civilians. This spiral of violence shattered the fragile social fabric of Iraq and created the conditions for the rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

Moreover, Hett demonstrates that the surge did little to address the underlying political and economic grievances that fueled the insurgency. The Bush administration's failure to provide adequate infrastructure, security, and governance for Iraqis left a vacuum that was filled by sectarian warlords and militias.

The Moral and Strategic Failure of the Surge

In the of his book, Hett argues that the surge was not only a military failure but also a moral and strategic disaster. He condemns the Bush administration for its hubris and its willingness to sacrifice countless lives in pursuit of a quixotic goal. He also laments the loss of American prestige and the damage done to the United States' reputation as a beacon of democracy and human rights.

"Soldiers, Civilians, and the Myth of the Surge" is a powerful and necessary corrective to the official narrative about the Iraq War. By exposing the true costs of the surge, Hett provides a sobering indictment of the Bush administration's foreign policy and its devastating consequences for both Iraq and the United States. This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the complexities of the Iraq War and its lasting legacy.

Ghost Riders of Baghdad: Soldiers, Civilians, and the Myth of the Surge

by Daniel A. Sjursen

4.6 out of 5