Obama's War - The Book Complete Details

[Luftwaffe]

OBAMA'S WAR-Bob Woodward​

http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/books/promos/Woodward-ObamasWars-WPost.pdf
In Obama's Wars, Bob Woodward provides the most intimate and sweeping portrait yet of the young president as commander in chief. Drawing on internal memos, classified documents, meeting notes and hundreds of hours of interviews with most of the key players, including the president, Woodward tells the inside story of Obama making the critical decisions on the Afghanistan War, the secret campaign in Pakistan and the worldwide fight against terrorism.

At the core of Obama's Wars is the unsettled division between the civilian leadership in the White House and the United States military as the president is thwarted in his efforts to craft an exit plan for the Afghanistan War.

"So what's my option?" the president asked his war cabinet, seeking alternatives to the Afghanistan commander's request for 40,000 more troops in late 2009. "You have essentially given me one option.... It's unacceptable."

"Well," Secretary of Defense Robert Gates finally said, "Mr. President, I think we owe you that option."

It never came. An untamed Vice President Joe Biden pushes relentlessly to limit the military mission and avoid another Vietnam. The vice president frantically sent half a dozen handwritten memos by secure fax to Obama on the eve of the final troop decision.

President Obama's ordering a surge of 30,000 troops and pledging to start withdrawing U.S. forces by July 2011 did not end the skirmishing.

General David Petraeus, the new Afghanistan commander, thinks time can be added to the clock if he shows progress. "I don't think you win this war," Petraeus said privately. "This is the kind of fight we're in for the rest of our lives and probably our kids' lives."

Hovering over this debate is the possibility of another terrorist attack in the United States. The White House led a secret exercise showing how unprepared the government is if terrorists set off a nuclear bomb in an American city--which Obama told Woodward is at the top of the list of what he worries about all the time.

Verbatim quotes from secret debates and White House strategy sessions--and firsthand accounts of the thoughts and concerns of the president, his war council and his generals--reveal a government in conflict, often consumed with nasty infighting and fundamental disputes.

Woodward has discovered how the Obama White House really works, showing that even more tough decisions lie ahead for the cerebral and engaged president.

Obama's Wars offers the reader a stunning, you-are-there account of the president, his White House aides, military leaders, diplomats and intelligence chiefs in this time of turmoil and danger.

From the Washington Post
By Steve Luxenberg, September 22, 2010:

President Obama urgently looked for a way out of the war in Afghanistan last year, repeatedly pressing his top military advisers for an exit plan that they never gave him, according to secret meeting notes and documents cited in a new book by journalist Bob Woodward.

Frustrated with his military commanders for consistently offering only options that required significantly more troops, Obama finally crafted his own strategy, dictating a classified six-page "terms sheet" that sought to limit U.S. involvement, Woodward reports in Obama's Wars.

According to Woodward's meeting-by-meeting, memo-by-memo account of the 2009 Afghan strategy review, the president avoided talk of victory as he described his objectives.

"This needs to be a plan about how we're going to hand it off and get out of Afghanistan," Obama is quoted as telling White House aides as he laid out his reasons for adding 30,000 troops in a short-term escalation. "Everything we're doing has to be focused on how we're going to get to the point where we can reduce our footprint. It's in our national security interest. There cannot be any wiggle room."

PS. I've the PDF Format Full Book If you need it PM me.

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[muse]

At the core of Obama's Wars is the unsettled division between the civilian leadership in the White House and the United States military as the president is thwarted in his efforts to craft an exit plan for the Afghanistan War

This should scare the living daylights out of most thinking persons, Americans amomg them -- yet, my sense is that by and large the American peoples either do not understand the implications of this or they do not care, they are busy or rather being made busy, getting angry, at everything under the sun, everything that is, except, what ought to really concern them -- How did a educated peoples like the Germans allow themselves to be decieved? They were getting what they thought they needed and if war was the price to get that, well, they were willing to pay that price - today, Americans face the same kinds of choices and one wonders will US historians can now pose such questions of war time Germans, as they once, with a sense of moral superiority, did?

 

[H2O3C4Nitrogen]

i am listening to an audio book version of it ... Its quite interesting and has a deep insight into the Way Politics works in US and especially how the Obama admin attempts to engage Pakistan in there Strategy for Afghanistan...!!!!

People can easily get it from
[www.concen.cc] Obama's Wars - Bob Woodward (download torrent) - TPB

 

[VCheng]

This should scare the living daylights out of most thinking persons, Americans amomg them -- yet, my sense is that by and large the American peoples either do not understand the implications of this or they do not care, they are busy or rather being made busy, getting angry, at everything under the sun, everything that is, except, what ought to really concern them -- How did a educated peoples like the Germans allow themselves to be decieved? They were getting what they thought they needed and if war was the price to get that, well, they were willing to pay that price - today, Americans face the same kinds of choices and one wonders will US historians can now pose such questions of war time Germans, as they once, with a sense of moral superiority, did?

You make some good points, but also overblow the importance of the Afghanistan-Pakistan theater from a purely US point of view.

Moral and historical judgements and precedents aside, the vast majority of US intelligentsia (yes, there is such a thing! ) are aware of the importance of this war, but please keep in mind that it is only one of many pieces on the global chessboard.

Bob Woodward's book is only one take on this complex issue, and should not be taken as gospel.

 

[muse]

the vast majority of US intelligentsia (yes, there is such a thing! ) are aware of the importance of this war,

Fair enough, but if you are going to make this point, you should also provide some evidence that allow your reader to be persuaded by your contention.

See, "if a vast majority of US intelligentsia" was indeed aware of the importance of this war, we would have seen this in society itself, I think you will have a very difficult case to make if you seek to demonstrate that this is a awareness within society - in fact, the opposite is the case as neither US policy and as important US policy makers remain largely unexamined by the intelligentsia and as a result in society at large.

Bob Woodward's book is only one take on this complex issue, and should not be taken as gospel

Again, fair enough, though I would bring to your attention that the thread is about the book.

please keep in mind that it is only one of many pieces on the global chessboard

Yes, certainly, however, how many of those pieces on a global chessboard are bleeding the US? I do take your point, but I think we would be less than fair, were we not to acknowledge that these wars not only continue to bleed the US but that these wars, the policies and policy makers that led to this state of affairs, are largely unexamined in US society. It has been fascinating to see just how hollow the pretension of a "educated free society" in the US have been, as it has been all to easy to do away with both "educated" and "free" and even "open" society" given the bogey man of "terrorism".

 

[VCheng]

Fair enough, but if you are going to make this point, you should also provide some evidence that allow your reader to be persuaded by your contention.

Since I am new here, please guide me as to what sort of evidence would be acceptable to readers at PDF?

See, "if a vast majority of US intelligentsia" was indeed aware of the importance of this war, we would have seen this in society itself, I think you will have a very difficult case to make if you seek to demonstrate that this is a awareness within society - in fact, the opposite is the case as neither US policy and as important US policy makers remain largely unexamined by the intelligentsia and as a result in society at large.

Fair point, but aren't you are equating a lack of openly expressed dissent as proof of disinterest by intelligentsia and society, and not considering this possibility that what appears to be a lack of examination is actually support for the wars?

Again, fair enough, though I would bring to your attention that the thread is about the book.

I would not want to hijack any thread away from the OP's intentions, so please tell me if this dicsussion would be more suitable in another thread.

Yes, certainly, however, how many of those pieces on a global chessboard are bleeding the US? I do take your point, but I think we would be less than fair, were we not to acknowledge that these wars not only continue to bleed the US but that these wars, the policies and policy makers that led to this state of affairs, are largely unexamined in US society. It has been fascinating to see just how hollow the pretension of a "educated free society" in the US have been, as it has been all to easy to do away with both "educated" and "free" and even "open" society" given the bogey man of "terrorism".

Again, you seem to interpret an apparent lack of critical examination as an indictment of US society at large, but I would contend that another possibility is actually true: that the lack of expressed dissent is actually strong support for the policies.

"Bleeding" is a relative term, and as long as the US economy can support it, there will be no long term problems created. However, again, that discussion may not be appropriate for thisparticular thread but please feel free to point me to another more suitable thread if it already exists.

The bogeyman of terrorism has its uses, but overall the functioning of US society is not as pathologic or apathetic as you contend.
Again, how does one present evidence, in support or otherwise, that is acceptable to PDF readers?

 

[muse]

VCheng

aren't you are equating a lack of openly expressed dissent as proof of disinterest by intelligentsia and society, and not considering this possibility that what appears to be a lack of examination is actually support for the wars?

you seem to interpret an apparent lack of critical examination as an indictment of US society at large, but I would contend that another possibility is actually true: that the lack of expressed dissent is actually strong support for the policies.

Am I equating a lack of openly expressed dissent as proof of disinterest? - First let me ask you, is there in the supposedly "open" society that the US claims it is, dissent expressed other than "openly" ??

See, I not suggesting that the lack of dissent is evidence of disinterest nor am I suggest that it is evidence of strong support -- rather that the issues around the Afghan war policy and policy makers, do not arose the interest of the populace, and not that of the so called intelligentsia either - After all, How many other books about the subject can you cite right off the top of your head that got the kind of play this book got --- and again, note what did get play, the fact that US civil/military relations in the Obama administration more closely resemble 3rd world civil/military relations.

I have posted a NYT piece on the Pakistan's war board, on the "Pakistan looks forward to.." thread -- review, especially the part about Petraeus working to "narow Obama's options"

You will agree that the US is no 3rd world country, right?


I

would contend that another possibility is actually true: that the lack of expressed dissent is actually strong support for the policies

OK, but what form the basis of this contention, based on what evidence, the lack of evidence?? You're not Rumsfeld, are you?

Ok, kidding aside, you ask what evidence you should provide to support your contention - an interesting notion, that your interlocutor should make your argument for you --- but even then, OK, I'll play -- To have a position, the issue would have to be examined, right? I mean that is the critical method by which we evaluate propositions, right?? So perhaps you may choose to highlight thew works that have been published and which got play among the Intelligentsia - or possibly present some other metric to demonstrate that the issues are widely discussed.

Now, consider my position, I suggest that the populace is uninterested in this war and it's disinterest is motivated by fear -- look at what people said were the primary issues for them in the most recent vote -- but have I been successful in making the point that the populace is fearful -- I point you to your own choice of words "openly expressed dissent" -- Yes, it's is now imaginable and I'm sure you will agree that "Dissent" does not characterize much of what appears in the press about Americas wars anymore -- in the last 10 years the US squandered away it's moral authority, do see discern much of a concern about that in the US or even among the so called intelligentsia? What might be this a reflection of?? that they are callous and unfeeling?? No, that they are fearful, I will contend.

 

[VCheng]

I suggest that the populace is uninterested in this war and it's disinterest is motivated by fear -- look at what people said were the primary issues for them in the most recent vote -- but have I been successful in making the point that the populace is fearful

First of all, thank you for a very good response which I enjoyed greatly. I look forward to a great discussion with you, and others here.

Before we do that, I want to understand your hypothesis a bit better:

1. What is the US populace fearful of?
2. If it is fearful of the wars, then why would it be disinterested?

And no, I am NOT Rumsfeld!

 

[muse]

.

What is the US populace fearful of?

That it will be subject to terror attacks like (/11 or worse - I think so high is level of fear that some have bartered away liberties for the promise of security -- some would argue a necessary bargain, I would argue that it's a betray of the values that make the US the US.

If it is fearful of the wars, then why would it be disinterested?

You are Rumsfeld --

 

[VCheng]

That it will be subject to terror attacks like (/11 or worse - I think so high is level of fear that some have bartered away liberties for the promise of security -- some would argue a necessary bargain, I would argue that it's a betray of the values that make the US the US.

To be concerned about security after a horrendous attack like that is only natural. What you are exaggerating as a betrayal of values is no more than a temporary swing to security, as has happened many times in the past. This swing will normalize as well, just like all the previous ones did.

You are Rumsfeld -- :smitten

Whether I am Rumsfeld or even the Devil incarnate is besides the point, and your frivolous comment totally fails to explain the illogical juxtaposition of ideas that you are posing:

Either the US public is fearful, and therefore would be highly concerned about all matters related to its security, and thus can not be disinterested

-OR-

It appears to you to be disinterested because it is not fearful at all but staunchly resolute in its resolve to deal with the situation.

 

[muse]

To be concerned about security after a horrendous attack like that is only natural. What you are exaggerating as a betrayal of values is no more than a temporary swing to security, as has happened many times in the past. This swing will normalize as well, just like all the previous ones did.

it's nearing the end of 2011 -- 10 years, But listen if you find my argument unpersuasive, that's OK, I can live with that.

 

[VCheng]

it's nearing the end of 2011 -- 10 years, But listen if you find my argument unpersuasive, that's OK, I can live with that.

Thank you for at least accepting a difference of opinions.

I am sorry, but did I miss the start of 2011?

 

[H2O3C4Nitrogen]

Either the US public is fearful, and therefore would be highly concerned about all matters related to its security, and thus can not be disinterested

Actually the attacks of such a gravity like that of 9/11 creates a sense of Extreme Fear specially when people think that there Nation is a superpower and cant be challaged that way.
The public in US is fed so much Fear through the Media that it overcomes there capability to analyze whats this war is doing to there Nation.
I mean there are virtually so many Checks that even a bird cant fly in US without being noticed and tracked and yet Still news like Time Sqaur Bombing attempt and Yemenis carrying Bomb on Airplane, OBL hiding here OBL hiding there etc continue to prop up on some regular intervals and US media covers them with great Zeal, which are sufficient enough to shape/manipulate public Opinion in such a way that there capabilities of looking the whole Picture is literally rendered useless. Such is the Magic of Fear.

Blind fear, that seeing reason leads, finds safer footing than blind reason stumbling without fear.
- Shakespeare

Fear brings out the worst in everybody.
- Maya Angelou

To Add more Pain in this busy life Ordinary person is flooded with so much information that Truth and True Motives are Extremely Hard to find and can some how Only be constructed with the help of Actions On Ground which often remain hidden... !!!

 

[VCheng]

Actually the attacks of such a gravity like that of 9/11 creates a sense of Extreme Fear specially when people think that there Nation is a superpower and cant be challaged that way.
The public in US is fed so much Fear through the Media that it overcomes there capability to analyze whats this war is doing to there Nation.
I mean there are virtually so many Checks that even a bird cant fly in US without being noticed and tracked and yet Still news like Time Sqaur Bombing attempt and Yemenis carrying Bomb on Airplane, OBL hiding here OBL hiding there etc continue to prop up on some regular intervals and US media covers them with great Zeal, which are sufficient enough to shape/manipulate public Opinion in such a way that there capabilities of looking the whole Picture is literally rendered useless. Such is the Magic of Fear.



To Add more Pain in this busy life Ordinary person is flooded with so much information that Truth and True Motives are Extremely Hard to find and can some how Only be constructed with the help of Actions On Ground which often remain hidden... !!!

Thank you for this post.

However, you greatly exaggerate the situation. It is nothing like that in real life. I know from first hand experiences.

 

[H2O3C4Nitrogen]

Thank you for this post.

However, you greatly exaggerate the situation. It is nothing like that in real life. I know from first hand experiences.

Oh Really..!!! Curiosity is killing the Cat(Me)