The Gamble: General David Petraeus and the American Military Adventure in Iraq, 2006-2008

Abstract

The Gamble: General David Petraeus and American Military Adventure in Iraq, 2006-2008, Thomas E. Ricks, The Penguin Press, New York, New York, 2009, $27.95. Thomas E. Ricks' latest book-The Gamble is a follow-up to his best-selling and critically acclaimed 2006 book Fiasco. Its title refers to strategic gamble taken by President Bush to send approximately 30,000 additional troops to in spring of 2007 in what is commonly referred to as the surge. Ricks' thesis is that surge succeeded militarily, but failed politically. It succeeded militarily because it accomplished operational objectives laid out by senior U.S. military commanders on ground. Ricks believes surge failed politically in both United States and in because nearly every key political issue remains unresolved. In Iraq, he cites strained relationship between Shi'as, Sunnis, and Kurds; continued influence of former Saddam Hussein regime officials and Baath Party members; Iran's influence and influence of other Middle Eastern nations in Iraq's affairs; uncertain future role of Moqtada al-Sadr; and conflict between Arabs and Kurds over oil revenue sharing and status of Kirkuk. Ricks also discusses how difficult it will be for Government of to assimilate primarily Sunni neighborhood watch groups, commonly referred to as Sons of Iraq and how potential future actions by those groups could derail relative calm that has existed in for past 18 months. Ricks believes surge also failed politically from an American perspective, because core problems in have regional and potentially global implications which, if not addressed properly, could reverse progress seen in Iraq. He believes U.S. military will have to have a presence in for many years and uses simple logic to make his case. If challenges facing are daunting with a large American military presence, they will be no less so without such presence. The book highlights pivotal roles played by General David H. Petraeus and General Ray T. Odierno, and how they both challenged conventional wisdom as well as many members of their chain of command--directly and indirectly--to push for additional troops and major changes in tactics. It also emphasizes prominent role played by retired General Jack Keane, former vice chief of staff of Army. Odierno and Petraeus rolled dice with other huge gambles. Both agreed surge of additional troops would only be successful if accompanied by a comprehensive change in tactics. These involved changing priority from building up capabilities of Security Forces and attacking Al-Qaeda elements and insurgents to protecting Iraqi people. …

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