First published 2009
Iraq War reaches its bleakest moment as violence spirals out of control. General David Petraeus takes command of a bold new strategy called the surge. He works alongside rebel generals, academic experts, and international advisors who believe conventional tactics have failed. These military dissidents face enormous pressure as they implement their risky approach. Soldiers fight house to house while commanders reshape strategy from the top down. Petraeus must prove his unconventional methods can work before Iraq collapses entirely. The surge becomes America's most dangerous military bet, with thousands of lives hanging in the balance. Success could stabilize the country, but failure means total disaster.
Genres: political-science, military-fiction, non-fiction, 21st-century, academic, american-history
Vibes: fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: against-all-odds, underdog
Setting: Iraq
Period: 21st Century
394 pages · Hardcover · The Penguin Press