Title: Cobra II: The Inside Story of the Invasion and Occupation of Iraq
Author: Michael R. Gordon
First published January 1, 2006
640 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780375422621 (ISBN10: 0375422625)
Rating: 3.96
Overview
Co-written by a prominent retired Marine general and the chief military correspondent of the New York Times, Cobra II is the authoritative account of the controversial invasion and occupation of Iraq. In this breathtaking work of investigative journalism, Gordon and Trainor offer an unparalleled examination of how the American rush to Baghdad ultimately led to the vicious insurgency that followed.
Drawing on exclusive interviews with key figures and access to previously unseen documents, this book provides a gripping insider’s perspective on the planning and execution of the war, as well as the brutal aftermath that took everyone by surprise. Featuring a new afterword that explores the events that followed the invasion, Cobra II remains the definitive analysis of a pivotal moment in modern history.
About the Author
Michael R. Gordon has been a part of The New York Times team since 1985, serving as their chief military correspondent.
He has co-written two books, including The Generals’ War and Cobra II, alongside Bernard E. Trainor.
Editoral Review
Cobra II: The Inside Story of the Invasion and Occupation of Iraq by Michael R. Gordon is a non-fiction book first published on January 1, 2006.
Gordon is an American journalist who worked as a reporter for The New York Times and The Washington Post. The book belongs to the genre of historical non-fiction, and it focuses on the events that led to the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, as well as the subsequent occupation of the country.
Cobra II provides a detailed account of the decision-making process that culminated in the US-led invasion of Iraq. The book examines the political and military strategies that were put in place to justify and execute the invasion.
It also looks at the consequences of the invasion, including the subsequent insurgency that engulfed the country, resulting in significant loss of life and the destabilization of the region. The main characters of the book are the decision-makers who were involved in the planning and execution of the invasion.
These include President George W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, and their respective advisors.
The setting is primarily in the United States, where the decision-making process took place, and in Iraq, where the invasion and occupation occurred. The book’s themes revolve around the quest for power, the dangers of groupthink, and the consequences of war.
Through its detailed and comprehensive analysis, the book highlights the political and strategic mistakes that were made in the run-up to the invasion, and the ramifications that ensued. Cobra II is a well-researched and detailed account of the events that occurred in the build-up to the invasion of Iraq.
Gordon’s writing style is engaging and informative, making the book a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding how the decision to go to war was made. The author’s use of primary sources, including interviews with key decision-makers, provides the reader with a unique insight into the thinking behind the invasion.
However, the book’s detailed analysis can be overwhelming, and at times, tedious to read. Furthermore, the author’s tendency to place too much emphasis on the military’s role in the invasion detracts from the book’s broader themes, and neglects the civilian casualties that resulted from the conflict.
While the book provides a valuable account of the events that led to the invasion of Iraq, it does have its limitations. Overall, Cobra II is an excellent resource for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the decision-making process that led to the US-led invasion of Iraq.
Despite its limitations, the book’s detailed analysis and insightful commentary make it an essential read for history enthusiasts, policymakers, and anyone interested in learning from the mistakes of the past. Rating: 3.5/5 stars.
While Cobra II is an informative and well-written book, its limitations detract from its overall value. Nonetheless, it is highly recommended for a niche audience.
