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Afghanistan: The Perfect Failure: A War Doomed By The Coalition's Strategies, Policies and Political Correctness Paperback – September 26, 2012

by John L. Cook (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 41 ratings
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Afghanistan: The Perfect Failure, shatters the myth that the war in Afghanistan is the "good war". There is nothing good about this war. Afghanistan is riddled with corruption, from top to bottom. Official corruption, fueled by the unchecked opium trade, is what's killing Afghanistan, not the Taliban - not al Qaeda. At best, the Taliban represents a third-rate insurgency. However, a coalition of well-meaning nations is contributing billions of dollars and thousands of soldiers fighting the wrong enemy in the wrong way.
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  1. Print length
    224 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    September 26, 2012
  4. Dimensions
    6 x 0.57 x 9 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    1479720704
  6. ISBN-13
    978-1479720705
  7. See all details
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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
41 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book easy to read and well-written. They appreciate the insightful analysis and detailed reporting that reveals the truth. The book is described as an excellent, thought-provoking read for politicians and military leaders.

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ReadabilityInsight
14 customers mention "Readability"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and engaging. They say it's worth their time, a must-read for politicians and military leaders, and an excellent presentation of how things have come to this point. The author's firsthand experience lends credibility to the writing and provides an accurate portrayal of events.

"...Highly recommend reading it, just a little over 200 pages, well worth your time." Read more

"...The depth and relevance of his book makes it a must read for our political leaders. John L. Cook spent over 4 years of his life in Afghanistan...." Read more

"...in Afghanistan through the past five years, I am very impressed with the clarity and insight that the author brings to bear on the current situation..." Read more

"Great read!..." Read more

7 customers mention "Insight"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful and revealing. They describe it as a reality check and well-written.

"...John did an excellent job of surfacing the reality which is costing many coalition (mostly American) lives and dollars...." Read more

"...through the past five years, I am very impressed with the clarity and insight that the author brings to bear on the current situation in Afghanistan...." Read more

"...It's time to go! This book is an incredible reality check!" Read more

"This book is the truth and nothing but the truth. I think it should be mandatory reading for high schools and congress. A great read...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Douglas W.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Super awesome gentleman and so humble you can't believe it
    Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Didn't know that much about Afghanistan besides what I heard my fellow Soldiers talk about. Actually have a job working in Kabul and heard about Mr. Cook and this book. I couldn't put it down, other than simply being a little dated since Karzai is no longer president, everything else is spot on. I even had the opportunity to meet Mr. Cook, he's still here. Super awesome gentleman and so humble you can't believe it. He perfectly captured the corruption, heroin, tribal issues, Pakistan problems and Afghan and US/NATO actions/counter actions and Karzai playing us like a fiddle. Highly recommend reading it, just a little over 200 pages, well worth your time.
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  • Perry R. Tomboc
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thought provoking, well written, and revealing.
    Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    John Cook develops clear and logical points supporting his criticism of the strategy for the prosecution of the war in Afghanistan. The points he makes in the book need serious discussion and unbiased review. In deciding to write this book, John displays uncommon courage and a level of integrity that is refreshing and very much needed, if we expect any acceptable resolution to U.S. involvement in Afghanistan. It is disturbing to see attacks on John's character presented as relevant to the book's content. In the interest of full disclosure, I am obliged to note that I have known John Cook for over twenty-five years and consider him to be a dear and personal friend. Our relationship aside, and as a person who has supported the Intelligence Community for nearly forty years, this book is a must read for U.S. policy makers, military leaders, and anyone else who seriously wants to see a reasonable end to this costly conflict.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Mike
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Emperor Truly has no clothes on
    Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    It is about time that someone conveys the truth (which is the kiss of death) among the coalition and DoD that the Emperor does NOT have clothes on. This expose is stated in the title and supported by the various aspects creating it throughout the chapters. John arrived shortly after me and left a few moths after. We both worked in different Departments' within the Ministry of Interior. As John pointed out, not all Afghans are corrupt but those in power are and it will never change. The brightest and most intelligent are the young. (Perhaps if a couple generations were to pass their may be a microscopic chance for the country.) The goal for all of these potentially bright Afghans is to leave Afghanistan. I had asked many high officials in Afghanistan what there goal was for their young. Almost all said to go to America or somewhere else. John once told me he would not be surprised if the Afghans met every afternoon to decide who would have a problem the next day to throw off the coalition.

    Nation building is a long term, deliberate action which requires continuity. Again as John points out, with six month and one year rotations of coalition forces there is no continuity. The rotations tend to focus more on their evaluations and awards and often completely change directions. (This is not completely across the board as many really wanted to make a difference and help but there are too many constraints.) In the time we were there we had 3 ISAF Commanders, 4 CSTC-A/NTM-A Commanders, 3 Ministers of Interion,2 Deputy Ministers of the Interior for Admin & Support along with multiple coalition and Afghan leadership changes. All of which disrupted progress and cntinuity. The best one can do is not ride the roller coaster but to buy popcorn and watch the movie.

    John did an excellent job of surfacing the reality which is costing many coalition (mostly American) lives and dollars.

    I highly recommend this book as an expose that tells it like it is (truly). I cannot wait for John's next book as this one just scratches the surface. As a taxpayer and a warrior I also am appalled at the money of ours which is wasted and in particular, the lives which are thrown away.

    Mike
    7 people found this helpful
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  • M.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Afghanistan: The Perfect Failure
    Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    After you read the book "Afghanistan: The Perfect Failure", you realize that the elected leaders of all of the participating coalition forces failed to adequately research Afghanistan prior to embarking on and remaining in what has become an 11+ year war. The history of Afghanistan is important. It does indicate the most likely future of Afghanistan. I spent 26 months of my life there. I often heard the phase "Afghan solutions for Afghan problems". Unfortunately corruption is not considered a problem in Afghanistan. It is a way of life. John L. Cook more accurately identifies the reality of Afghanistan than any other author. The depth and relevance of his book makes it a must read for our political leaders. John L. Cook spent over 4 years of his life in Afghanistan. He is not an author who spent an afternoon there and then wrote a report as frequently occurs.

    When the coalition forces finally depart Afghanistan, the aftermath will be a replay of the Russians departing Afghanistan. We had a reason for going to war in Afghanistan. We were foolish for remaining and attempting the mission of nation building. We made criminals rich and ensured the adequate supply of opium. Arrogance and ignorance are a dangerous combination. When the stated mission of the Poppy Eradication Unit is to interdict the business model as opposed to destroying the poppy fields, you can only scratch your head.

    Read this book and write to your elected leaders urging them to vote to abandon Afghanistan.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Aghaye Giliani
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good insights
    Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Having spent considerable time in various regions in Afghanistan through the past five years, I am very impressed with the clarity and insight that the author brings to bear on the current situation in Afghanistan. I highly recommend this as essential reading for anyone seeking to grasp the complex situation that is present-day Afghanistan. The only criticism I have is that the author's viewpoint seems to be fairly Kabul-centric, and for areas that are only nominally under the sway of Kabul, the author's assessments are less applicable. Nevertheless, this is an excellent presentation of how things have come the way that they have in Afghanistan.
    3 people found this helpful
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