Fiasco

by Thomas E Ricks
Fiasco cover
Good Books rating 4.38
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  • ID: 6347
  • Added: 2025-11-13
  • Updated: 2025-11-15
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
fivebooks.com · Unknown · 2025-11-15
critical 4.50

Fiasco by Thomas Ricks is a critical examination of the Iraq War, highlighting the failures of the Bush administration and the military's lack of preparation. It's a compelling and well-researched account that offers valuable insights into the political and military decisions that led to the war's disastrous outcome.

Fiasco by Thomas Ricks is a comprehensive and critical look at the Iraq War, focusing on the missteps and failures of the Bush administration and the military. Ricks, a seasoned journalist and military expert, provides a detailed and well-researched account of the events leading up to the war and the subsequent occupation. He argues that the war was poorly planned and executed, with a lack of understanding of the political and cultural complexities of Iraq. The book is a compelling and thought-provoking read that offers valuable insights into the political and military decisions that led to the war's disastrous outcome. It's a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the Iraq War and its consequences. The book is well-written and engaging, with a clear and concise style that makes it accessible to a wide audience. Ricks' analysis is thorough and well-supported, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the subject.

Quick quotes

    The Bush administration's failure to plan for the aftermath of the invasion was a major factor in the war's disastrous outcome.

    Ricks argues that the military's lack of preparation and understanding of the political and cultural complexities of Iraq contributed to the war's failure.

    The book is a compelling and thought-provoking read that offers valuable insights into the political and military decisions that led to the war's disastrous outcome.

scottwhitmorewriter.wordpress.com · Unknown · 2012-11-11
sobering 4.00

The book provides a sobering and concise account of the missteps leading to the Iraq invasion, evoking strong emotions due to the incompetence and deception of leaders. It presents an unflinching view that leaves no doubt about the disastrous nature of the intervention.

This book is essential reading for anyone wanting to understand the missteps that led to the Iraq invasion. The author presents a clear-eyed and concise account of the events, which evokes strong emotions due to the incompetence and deception of political and military leaders. The book is highly readable and leaves no doubt about the disastrous nature of the intervention, accurately captured by the title 'Fiasco'. The reviewer found the book to be a sobering retelling that is impossible to ignore, regardless of political leanings.

Quick quotes

    Essential reading. A sobering retelling of the missteps that led us into Iraq and created the disastrous situation in that country after our invasion.

    I knew most of the salient facts (and opposed our intervention in Iraq) but this clear-eyed book lays everything out in a very readable and highly concise fashion.

    It is impossible for me to believe anyone — regardless of political party or leaning — who reads this book can come away with any other impression of our intervention in Iraq than that is so accurately encompassed in the title _Fiasco._

hardcover.app · Unknown · 2010-03-21
insightful 4.50

Fiasco provides a critical and detailed account of the American military adventure in Iraq, highlighting the strategic missteps and political blunders that led to the failure of the mission. The book is praised for its thorough research and insightful analysis, offering a sobering perspective on the consequences of poor decision-making in war.

Fiasco is a meticulously researched and compelling narrative that delves into the complexities and failures of the American military campaign in Iraq. The author's thorough analysis and critical perspective provide a sobering look at the strategic and political missteps that led to the mission's downfall. They argue that the book's detailed account of the events and decisions made during the war offers valuable lessons for future military and political leaders. The reviewer appreciates the book's balanced approach, which acknowledges both the successes and failures of the campaign, and its insightful commentary on the broader implications of the war. They also note that the book's engaging writing style makes it accessible to a wide audience, including those who may not be familiar with military history.

Quick quotes

    The book's detailed account of the events and decisions made during the war offers valuable lessons for future military and political leaders.

    They argue that the book's thorough analysis and critical perspective provide a sobering look at the strategic and political missteps that led to the mission's downfall.

    The reviewer appreciates the book's balanced approach, which acknowledges both the successes and failures of the campaign, and its insightful commentary on the broader implications of the war.

nytimes.com · Unknown · 2006-08-13
critical 4.50

Fiasco provides a detailed and critical account of the Bush administration's foreign policy decisions leading up to the Iraq War, highlighting the incompetence and ideological rigidity of key figures. The book is praised for its thorough research and compelling narrative, offering valuable insights into the political and strategic missteps that shaped the conflict.

Fiasco by Thomas E. Ricks is a meticulously researched and compelling account of the Bush administration's foreign policy decisions that led to the Iraq War. The book delves into the incompetence and ideological rigidity of key figures like Donald Rumsfeld and Paul Wolfowitz, providing a critical perspective on the strategic missteps that shaped the conflict. Ricks's narrative is both thorough and engaging, offering valuable insights into the political and military decisions that had far-reaching consequences. The book is particularly praised for its detailed analysis and the way it humanizes the impact of these decisions on the soldiers and civilians involved. While some critics argue that the book could have benefited from a more balanced view, its overall impact is undeniable, making it a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the Iraq War.

Quick quotes

    The book is a searing indictment of the Bush administration's handling of the Iraq War.

    Ricks's narrative is both thorough and engaging, offering valuable insights into the political and military decisions that had far-reaching consequences.

    The book is particularly praised for its detailed analysis and the way it humanizes the impact of these decisions on the soldiers and civilians involved.

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