Customer Reviews

Endgame: The Blueprint for Victory in the War on Terror

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

Generals McInerney and Vallely have consistently impressed me with their sober, professional analysis of the Wars on Terror and in Iraq. Unlike the "chicken littles" proclaiming "Quagmire" at the first sign of trouble, they showed the disciplined restraint one expects from seasoned soldiers (as a twentytwo year Marine Corps veteran, I know the last thing the troops need to see is a general panicking; as a professional historian, I know that what journalists say should be taken with a large dose of skepticism). This book provides informed insights into the past, present, and possible future of our struggle against militant Islam. Engagingly written, it will entertain as well as enlighten.

The Forward by Col. North quickly and accurately recaps events leading up to the real crisis we face today and why America and it's Allies have become polerized on the global terrorist threat. Next, out of the blizzard of information and disinformation coming at us through all media outlets, Generals McInerney and Vallely piece together the vital details necessary for understanding the life and death issues now facing America and the free world. But the Generals don't simply give you the bad news, they systematically lay out real world options, and in some cases, the only sane course of action, for (literally) saving America and our allies from unimaginable death and destruction. Before I read Endgame, I was already convinced the next attack upon America's homeland was not far off. I now realize I was being optimistic. Endgame is not the work of alarmists or retired military men out to make a quick buck from current events. These are American Patriots that have spent their entire careers protecting America and continue to do so by providing information essential to our understanding and acting upon the risks we truly face.

Excellent writing in explaining the Web of Terror. Very timely in what is occuring in Global Terrorism. A book that should be read by American people and Government officials. It is the first book that I have seen that lays out a strategy to win the War on Terror.

Don't read this book because its authors are highly qualified (an Asst. Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force and a deputy commanding general of the U.S Army, respectively). And don't read it just because their analysis for Fox News has been spot on so far (when others were predicting military disasters in Afghanistan and Iraq, they correctly predicted the military campaigns). Instead, read it as if your life depends on it. Because it probably does.

The authors first describe the gravity of the war against terror. They demonstrate that fundamentalist extremists -- in many countries -- have repeatedly demonstrated that they have no qualms about using any and all means necessary to slaughter innocent civilians. In escalating, nightmarish scenarios, they describe the outcomes of a failure to quickly and completely deal with the "Web of Terror". At the top of the heap, of course, is the very real scenario involving the simultaneous detonation of nuclear weapons in multiple U.S. cities.

The second section of the book describes how we fight: both defensively and offensively. The campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq are described in excellent detail. And for those who claim that the Iraq campaign was simply a distraction in the war against terror, the authors beg to differ:

"Saddam Hussein's Iraq kept bad company -- as one might expect of a regime that practiced mass executions, torture, and arbitrary arrest and imprisonment and used chemical weapons against its own people. Iraq had extensive dealings with terrorists. Two Palestinians at the top many ... "most wanted" lists in the 1980's and ... 1990's -- Abu Nidal... and Abu Abbas -- were given sanctuary by Saddam Hussein... Nidal led an organization that committed a number of bloody attacks... [and] masterminded the 1985 hijacking of the cruise ship Achille Lauro, a crime that included the murder of [an]... American passenger. Iraq provided training camps for terrorists, most notoriously at Salman Pak... where an obsolescent Boeing 707 was used to train terrorists to hijack airliners. Iraq made cash payments to the families of ... suicide bombers. [Iraq's] vice president... was specifically tasked with supporting... the PLO, Hamas, and ... Islamic Jihad... in addition, the al-Qaeda affiliate, Ansar al-Islam, was based in Northern Iraq..."

Thus, Hussein's massive human rights violations, support of terrorism world-wide, and development and use of WMD's made him a first-tier target in the war on terror. The authors rejected a continuance of the containment policy because sanctions had been subverted by regimes like Syria; international support was wavering; and French, German, and Russion businesses continued to stoke Saddam's massive weapons programs.

The final section of the book discusses how we must wage the war on terror... country by country. In some cases, diplomacy is recommended. In others, quick military action is advocated. The rationale, strategies and tactics are all discussed in compelling detail. Wrapping up, the authors state:

"Our fight, however, is not against a religion. The vast majority of Muslims are obviously peacable people. Our fight is against those who... [would] ... turn Islam into a terrorist creed preaching global violence and revolution. What we can and must do is act against those regimes that train, shelter, and support the terrorists who are bent on killing us (Iran and Syria); put further pressure on Muslim states to curtail radical Islam within their own borders (Egypt, Pakistan); stop Muslim states from subsidizing intolerant religous beliefs around the world (Saudi Arabia); and demand, and bring about, an end to the WMD programs of rogue states (North Korea). We must declare a "no sanctuary for terrorists" policy and enforce it. [We] must be a faithful ally to those Muslim countries that openly oppose Islamist terror and ... stand for tolerance and liberalization... like Morocco, Qatar and Bahrain... [We] must promote economic, political, religious and social freedom through the entire Muslim world..."

It is only in the book's afterword that politics are discussed. The authors state that they have purposely written the book from a military perspective.... not political. However, the Democratic primaries -- in which nearly every candidate denied the existence of a terror network and stated that only "al-Qaeda" is the enemy. The fallacy of that denial is described in great detail throughout the book. The corruption of the UN's "oil-for-food program", the intrinsic monetary links between Hussein and Europe, make relying upon either the UN or conflicted countries like France, Germany and Russia, a foolhardy and dangerous exercise. Unfortunately, the apparent Democratic candidate for President was one of these candidates.

"The Web of Terror will want to influence America's presidential elections because [it] will not survive four more years of George W. Bush." At stake is nothing less than the survival of the United States. Overstatement? The authors clearly demonstrate otherwise. Read this book. And get your friends and family to read it as well. It's simply that important.

In examining the perspectives of these two news commentators and retired Generals, Endgame proves detailed, easy to read analysis for the Average American in understanding the War On Terror (WOT). This is essential reading if you'd like a primer on the Iraq and Afghanistan. It's a high level overview of the military politics associated with how the war has been conducted and executed by the top brass. It provides detailed commentary on what they did right and what they did wrong. It also provides very constructive criticism on how the United States can improve its tactics in the war on terror.

While some folks have touted this book as Hawkish and neo-con oriented, its not necessarily fair to extrapolate the politics of a war where we are already committed 3+ years to winning and have been very successful. Critics of the war continue to drag out old news even as al-Zarcowi has been caught with careful, detailed and persistent efforts by the co-alition of the willing. These two retired Generals tell a great tale and paint Americas military in a positive light.

It's a short read. It also talks about why Americans fight and to what end they bring their values to the battlefield against an enemy that really hates the West. Read this book!

Two of the sharpest national security analysts around have teamed up to capture adroitly the single most vital issue in the global war on terror: we must focus on the mission of ultimate victory; nothing short of that will suffice. Generals Vallely and McInerney impressed us all by their clear, precise and on-the-mark analysis during the Iraq War. They have consistently seen through the crisis mode that most US media operates in to recognize the larger picture. They bring this perspective to Endgame in a way that makes it a most compelling read.
Like it or not, we are a target for terrorists. Our very survival as a nation and as a civilization depends in our ability to recognize the nature of the fight and the absolute need to make a commitment to victory.
The authors present a compelling case for how we can win and even more importantly they explain the 'why.' What makes this war so vital to our core existence? This is a book that deserves a prominent place in the desk of every American concerned with the turbulent issues of a dangerous, emerging 21st century world.

Only one thing detracts from this book: the lack of editing by an experienced writer and geopolitician. Besides that, the book is a fine exposition on the course America must take in the global war against terror. The two generals who wrote the book can justly claim they "got it" as pundits for Fox News. On TV, they swam against the tide and correctly analyzed - and predicted - our quick victory over the Iraqi Army. Now, in their book, they analyze recent history in Iraq and Afghanistan and make cogent and professional military comments. And they do it without talking down to the reader. An example: a main reason for the failure to capture Bin Laden in Afghanistan was total reliance by General Franks on a Pakistani blocking force along the border. Recent revelations about Pakistan's sale of nuclear technology to rogue states adds to the gravitas of that charge. The book then gets to the core of the issue in Chapter Eight, "The Great Cause," in which the authors lay out a plan for destroying the global terror network. (Incidentally, they refute the notion that a cabal of pro-Israel, Jewish 'neocons' in the administration is setting US policy in order to benefit Israel.) In just seven pages (163-169) the authors remind us of the precepts that brought an end to the age of piracy on the high seas. Those axioms can also bring an end to the Islamic terror threat. Just as the dreaded Jolly Roger was destroyed by the cooperation of threatened nations, the denial of safe havens, and by dogged military pursuit, so can the Islamic terrorists be destroyed. This book is a fitting memorial to General Vallely's son Scott, who tragically died while serving his country. Finally, I take issue with "Jack of Toronto," Dr. Robinson, and his one-star "humble opinion." I read his biased review of a book on Senator Kerry's war record, and from that commentary and his uninformed opinion of this book, I must conclude he could use an editor himself - along with a vigorous undergraduate grounding in research and geopolitics. My own credentials, in case Dr. Robinson is interested, are: Columbia University, US Naval Academy, aircraft carrier pilot, Georgetown University Law School (Juris Doctor), and the International Security Affairs section of the Department of Defense. I also founded and edited The Journal of Defense & Diplomacy. If he did read "End Game" twice, he should read it yet a third time. So should we all.
Iran Covenant

I have found this to be a very interesting op-ed piece. I don't have any military or intelligence background; so I can't agree or disagree with the authors' assessments. However, they have been fairly accurate on the war in Iraq thus far.

With that, the following will not be so much as a review of the book, but to refute statements written in an earlier review by Robert D. Steele.

Mr. Steele begins by stating the authors' "(assessment) is a one-track discourse on why we need to use our heavy metal military to wipe out Syria and Iran.." In the book I read, the statement is false. In strategies against Iran, the authors' begin by imposing sanctions against corporations doing business with Iran's oil industry. Followed by approaching the UN to draft an economic embargo on Iran until its nuclear program is dismantled. If the UN route failed, forming a coalition with allies to impose the embargo would be tried. Next, if Iran continues to harbor terrorist organizations, airstrikes would be made upon "terrorist sanctuaries" in Iran. This doesn't sound like wiping out the country to me, Mr Steele.

With Syria, they propose an ultimatum to their president. If they didn't comply, air/seastrikes would be made upon terrorist training camps and storage facilities. Afterwards, if Syria would still not comply, only then would they see a Saddam-like toppling. Again, this doesn't sound like wiping out the country.

Mr. Steele writes "It avoids discussing Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Central Asia, Muslim Africa, and Muslim Pacifica". On pages 82-85 I see a whole diplomatic strategy on dealing with Saudi Arabia. Indonesia, Africa, and Asia are mentioned in the book, but there are no strategies for them.

Mr. Steele writes "The book ends on two false notes." These notes may or may not be true. The above statement is simply his opinion, which can be debated among qualified strategists.

As the review winds up, Mr. Steele takes pot shots at the authors and to Fox News Channel viewers(?) He goes on to write about the 13 pages of photos in "air-conditioned" settings. There are only 10 pages of photos, and I see the authors are outside in 5 photos of the 17 photos. Additionally, 6 more photos were taken absent of "air-conditioned" settings(3 of the photos may or may not have been taken from inside a car).

Also notable, Mr. Steele does not mention Afghanistan or North Korea in his review. He also equates Iraq to the ignorance and arrogance seen in Vietnam-- another debatable item.

Mr. Steele obviously has a bias against the authors, their philosophies, and/or Fox News. I'd take his one star rating for this book with a grain of salt.

To end, Mr. Steele, without thought you are unable to form opinion. Don't confuse opinion with fact.

My copy of the book ENDGAME arrived today, April 5th, 2004 as coalition forces in Iraq surround the city of Fallujah and a fortress-mosque at Kufa. While naysayer US politicians ply my negative thoughts and fears based on these events, Lt. General Thomas McInerney was on the FOX News network as he has been so many times since 9-11 to put the scene of conflict in perspective. And most importantly, McInerney, based on access to a plethora of inside information and reasoned analysis, calmly assured viewers of a successful outcome. He and Maj. General Paul Vallely remind us by this book of what our objective must be if we are to defeat terrorism. This book provides a constant vigilant toward victory, rather than the muse of shortsighted despair.

As an airline pilot and retired AF 3 time combat vet I can tell you that the generals know their stuff. Read and heed. As the two generals so clearly point out we are in a war that we must win. Losing is not an option. This is without a doubt the best book written on why we fight and why we absolutely must win. The time for politics and political correctness is over. This book should be required reading for anyone who thinks the Iraqi war was a mistake or politically motivated. Thank you General McInerney and General Vallely for this excellent book.