The Fourth Star Part 11

68 Lieutenant Ed Ma.s.sar poked his helmet out of the turret: The account of the Canadian Army Trophy compet.i.tion comes from interviews with Chiarelli, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Tom Griffin, John S. Luallin, Joe Schmalzel, John Menard, and Joe Weiss, as well as from archival video and Defense Department after-action reports. The account of the Canadian Army Trophy compet.i.tion comes from interviews with Chiarelli, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Tom Griffin, John S. Luallin, Joe Schmalzel, John Menard, and Joe Weiss, as well as from archival video and Defense Department after-action reports.70. His Army was determined to win the trophy: The account of the compet.i.tion came from Luallin and others. The account of the compet.i.tion came from Luallin and others.71. the Chiarellis were still settling into their new life: The description of the life in Gelnhausen came from Beth Chiarelli and her children, Peter and Erin. The description of the life in Gelnhausen came from Beth Chiarelli and her children, Peter and Erin.71 A few weeks after taking command, Powell came to Gelnhausen: The description of the dinner at the officers' club came from Luallin, Schmalzel, and Menard. Powell's memories of Gelnhausen are described in his memoirs, The description of the dinner at the officers' club came from Luallin, Schmalzel, and Menard. Powell's memories of Gelnhausen are described in his memoirs, My American Journey My American Journey.73. "You have a problem," he warned Luallin: From an interview with Luallin. From an interview with Luallin.74. Enraged, the younger Abrams summoned Lieutenant Joe Weiss, the maintenance officer: From an interview with Weiss. From an interview with Weiss.76. It would only confuse them, he told his superior: From interviews with Chiarelli and Luallin. From interviews with Chiarelli and Luallin.77. "You took a h.e.l.l of a chance," the officer said finally: From an interview with Chiarelli. From an interview with Chiarelli.77 Powell allowed himself the general's prerogative of claiming credit: From Powell's From Powell's My American Journey My American Journey.77 "Warning to the Warsaw Pact," it read: From From Americans on Target Americans on Target, Army Research Inst.i.tute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences, August 1989.78. "Don't tell anybody, but by February fifteenth you guys will be out of here": From interview with Beth Chiarelli. From interview with Beth Chiarelli.79. Vuono had come to rely so heavily on Petraeus: From interview with Petraeus. From interview with Petraeus.80. He spent hours drafting forty-page playbooks that his troops could stuff into a pocket: The account of Casey's leadership as a battalion commander is based on interviews with Dan Hampton, Johnny Parker, Bill Carter, and Tom Carrick. The account of Casey's leadership as a battalion commander is based on interviews with Dan Hampton, Johnny Parker, Bill Carter, and Tom Carrick.82 "The specter of Vietnam has been buried forever in the desert sands of the Arabian Peninsula": This quote is from a radio address by the president to U.S. Armed Forces stationed in the Persian Gulf region, March 2, 1991. This quote is from a radio address by the president to U.S. Armed Forces stationed in the Persian Gulf region, March 2, 1991.82 "Could you help this guy Casey out?": From interviews with Gen. (Ret.) Carl Vuono and Gen. (Ret.) John Tilelli Jr. From interviews with Gen. (Ret.) Carl Vuono and Gen. (Ret.) John Tilelli Jr.

CHAPTER SIX.

85 "I know you understand the rules of engagement": This account of Operation Provide Comfort is developed from interviews with Abizaid and more than a dozen soldiers from his battalion and higher headquarters, including Chris Cavoli, Ron Kluber, Greg Brouillette, Chuck Cardinal, Sean Callahan, Kim Kadesch, Pete Johnson, and Gen. (Ret.) John Shalikashvili. Abizaid also described his experiences in a March 1993 article in This account of Operation Provide Comfort is developed from interviews with Abizaid and more than a dozen soldiers from his battalion and higher headquarters, including Chris Cavoli, Ron Kluber, Greg Brouillette, Chuck Cardinal, Sean Callahan, Kim Kadesch, Pete Johnson, and Gen. (Ret.) John Shalikashvili. Abizaid also described his experiences in a March 1993 article in Military Review Military Review ent.i.tled "Lessons for Peacekeepers." ent.i.tled "Lessons for Peacekeepers."90 "We can't make a country out of that place": From Powell's From Powell's My American Journey My American Journey.90. "We must recognize that peacekeeping is no job for amateurs": This is taken from Abizaid's March 1993 article in This is taken from Abizaid's March 1993 article in Military Review Military Review ent.i.tled "Lessons for Peacekeepers." ent.i.tled "Lessons for Peacekeepers."91. Most of the captains and majors now working for him had been to war: This account of Petraeus's battalion command is drawn from interviews with Petraeus, Gen. (Ret.) Jack Keane, Fred Johnson, Andrew Lucke, Holly Petraeus, and Randy George, and from several published accounts of the shooting accident. This account of Petraeus's battalion command is drawn from interviews with Petraeus, Gen. (Ret.) Jack Keane, Fred Johnson, Andrew Lucke, Holly Petraeus, and Randy George, and from several published accounts of the shooting accident.94. "It made others joke about us, which pulled us together": From interview with Petraeus. From interview with Petraeus.95. "Don't cut my LBE," he muttered. "I just got it to standard": From interview with Fred Johnson. From interview with Fred Johnson.98 Several weeks later, Petraeus ran into Colonel Bob Killebrew: The account of Petraeus's tour in Haiti is drawn from interview with Petraeus, Robert Killebrew, John Shissler, and Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Joe Kinzer. The account of Petraeus's tour in Haiti is drawn from interview with Petraeus, Robert Killebrew, John Shissler, and Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Joe Kinzer.100 "An "An environment conducive to political, social and economic development": environment conducive to political, social and economic development": From "Winning the Peace: Haiti, the U.S. and the U.N.," From "Winning the Peace: Haiti, the U.S. and the U.N.," Armed Forces Journal International Armed Forces Journal International, April 1995.100. These clunky terms reflected confused thinking: The definition of "Military Operations Other Than War" is taken from US Army Field Manual 10023, The definition of "Military Operations Other Than War" is taken from US Army Field Manual 10023, Peace Operations Peace Operations, December 1994.101. "Doctrinal voids exist at every level," Abizaid warned: From "Preparing for Peacekeeping" by John Abizaid and John Wood, From "Preparing for Peacekeeping" by John Abizaid and John Wood, Special Warfare Magazine Special Warfare Magazine, April 1994.101. "On that day I think the two of them really didn't like each other": The quote was recounted in a conversation with an officer who is close to both Petraeus and Abizaid and served on their brigade staff in the 82nd Airborne Division. The quote was recounted in a conversation with an officer who is close to both Petraeus and Abizaid and served on their brigade staff in the 82nd Airborne Division.102. The refugees were Muslims who had once lived in Dugi Dio: The account of the episode at Dugi Dio is drawn from an interview with Casey, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) William Nash, and from an October 11, 1996, article in the The account of the episode at Dugi Dio is drawn from an interview with Casey, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) William Nash, and from an October 11, 1996, article in the The Talon The Talon, a weekly newspaper published by Task Force Eagle in Bosnia.105. "You want Abizaid?" he asked: The account of Abizaid's transfer to Task Force Eagle comes from Nash. The account of Abizaid's transfer to Task Force Eagle comes from Nash.106. That morning, Chiarelli updated Clark on the timetable: The account of Chiarelli's and Casey's roles in the Kosovo War come from interviews with Chiarelli and Casey and from General Wesley Clark's memoirs, The account of Chiarelli's and Casey's roles in the Kosovo War come from interviews with Chiarelli and Casey and from General Wesley Clark's memoirs, Waging Modern War: Bosnia, Kosovo and the Future of Combat Waging Modern War: Bosnia, Kosovo and the Future of Combat.109. "your chain of command is your chain of command": From an interview with Abizaid. From an interview with Abizaid.

CHAPTER SEVEN.

110. On the sixth day of the invasion of Iraq, Lieutenant General John Abizaid sat in: in: This account is based on detailed notes of the meeting taken by one of the partic.i.p.ants and interviews with Abizaid and Paul Wolfowitz. This account is based on detailed notes of the meeting taken by one of the partic.i.p.ants and interviews with Abizaid and Paul Wolfowitz.112 "Wouldn't it be wonderful if this place turns out to be something": This quote is taken from This quote is taken from In the Company of Soldiers In the Company of Soldiers by Rick Atkinson, who was embedded with the 101st Airborne Division. by Rick Atkinson, who was embedded with the 101st Airborne Division.114 "We're in a long war here. I want to keep our guys from getting killed": Also taken from Atkinson, Also taken from Atkinson, In the Company of Soldiers In the Company of Soldiers.116 "You've got to get a force in here and give them some tanks": This quote is taken from This quote is taken from Cobra II Cobra II by Michael R. Gordon and Gen. Bernard E. Trainor. by Michael R. Gordon and Gen. Bernard E. Trainor.118 Less than a week after arriving, Petraeus stood in a former Baath Party reception hall: hall: The account of the election preparations relies on a detailed journal kept by Colonel Richard Hatch, interviews with Hatch and Jeanne Hull, and 101st Airborne Division memos. The account of the election preparations relies on a detailed journal kept by Colonel Richard Hatch, interviews with Hatch and Jeanne Hull, and 101st Airborne Division memos.120. "At this time would the Shabaks please move to their delegation room": From a National Public Radio segment ent.i.tled "Iraq Near Establishing Interim Government," May 5, 2003. From a National Public Radio segment ent.i.tled "Iraq Near Establishing Interim Government," May 5, 2003.121. "Have you done anything like this before?": This exchange was taken from "Mosul Elects Council and Mayor," which aired on CNN on May 5, 2003. This exchange was taken from "Mosul Elects Council and Mayor," which aired on CNN on May 5, 2003.122. "Do you know how huge it is to have a combat patch?": Quote from Atkinson, Quote from Atkinson, In the Company of Soldiers In the Company of Soldiers.125. "I have had enough of Washington": This quote first appeared in This quote first appeared in State of Denial State of Denial by Bob Woodward and was confirmed in an interview with Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Jerry Bates. by Bob Woodward and was confirmed in an interview with Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Jerry Bates.126. Franks's send-off was the sort befitting a conquering hero: An account of the goodbye ceremony appeared in the An account of the goodbye ceremony appeared in the Tampa Tribune Tampa Tribune on July 8, 2003. General Franks's goodbye speech was transcribed on the U.S. Central Command website. on July 8, 2003. General Franks's goodbye speech was transcribed on the U.S. Central Command website.130 A couple of days later Petraeus and Ba.s.so flew to Rabiya: The account of the Rabiya trip relies on "A Mix of President ... and Pope; Army General Given Reins to Remake Mosul" by Scott Wilson in the The account of the Rabiya trip relies on "A Mix of President ... and Pope; Army General Given Reins to Remake Mosul" by Scott Wilson in the Washington Post Washington Post, May 16, 2003.134. "Did you see the look on their faces?": The account of this trip relies on notes taken at the time by Major General John Custer, who accompanied Abizaid. The account of this trip relies on notes taken at the time by Major General John Custer, who accompanied Abizaid.135. Two days later Bremer called Abizaid and told him the Kurds: This account draws on notes of the conversation taken at the time by Abizaid's executive officer, Colonel Joseph Reynes, and Bremer's memoir, This account draws on notes of the conversation taken at the time by Abizaid's executive officer, Colonel Joseph Reynes, and Bremer's memoir, My Year in Iraq My Year in Iraq.135. "Over the last two weeks we've hit the weapons caches": This quote is from an August 3, 2003, article in the This quote is from an August 3, 2003, article in the Washington Post Washington Post by Thomas E. Ricks, who was traveling with Abizaid. by Thomas E. Ricks, who was traveling with Abizaid.136. "There is no Arab army on earth that's less than 300,000 in a country the size of Iraq": From notes taken by Custer, Abizaid's intelligence officer. From notes taken by Custer, Abizaid's intelligence officer.138. "This guy could be what we've been looking for": From notes taken by Custer. From notes taken by Custer.139. "Why aren't we digging more wells?": This exchange is taken from This exchange is taken from Frontline's Frontline's 2003 doc.u.mentary 2003 doc.u.mentary Beyond Baghdad Beyond Baghdad.140. On a drizzly winter day in December a line of: The account of the renunciation ceremony relies on interviews with partic.i.p.ants along with accounts of the ceremony such as "Ex-Baathists Renounce Party Ties," which aired on National Public Radio on January 27, 2004, and Patrick c.o.c.kburn's The account of the renunciation ceremony relies on interviews with partic.i.p.ants along with accounts of the ceremony such as "Ex-Baathists Renounce Party Ties," which aired on National Public Radio on January 27, 2004, and Patrick c.o.c.kburn's The Occupation War and Resistance in Iraq The Occupation War and Resistance in Iraq.

CHAPTER EIGHT.

143 This was Chiarelli's new domain: The account of Chiarelli's first few weeks in Baghdad comes from an interview with Chiarelli and from a personal journal he kept during that period. The account of Chiarelli's first few weeks in Baghdad comes from an interview with Chiarelli and from a personal journal he kept during that period.146 Chiarelli removed his gear and the two men sat in frayed chairs facing each other: From interviews with Chiarelli and James Stephenson. From interviews with Chiarelli and James Stephenson.148. The first reports came in a little before seven o'clock in the evening: The account of the Sadr City battle comes from Martha Raddatz's book The account of the Sadr City battle comes from Martha Raddatz's book The Long Road Home The Long Road Home and from interviews with Chiarelli, Robert Abrams, and Gary Volesky. and from interviews with Chiarelli, Robert Abrams, and Gary Volesky.149. "Terrorize your enemy," Sadr proclaimed following the newspaper closure: Quoted in Patrick Coburn's Quoted in Patrick Coburn's Muqtada Al-Sadr and the Fall of Iraq Muqtada Al-Sadr and the Fall of Iraq.151 He went back inside and placed a call to General Eric Shinseki: Chiarelli's call to Shinseki is recounted in Raddatz, Chiarelli's call to Shinseki is recounted in Raddatz, Long Road Home Long Road Home.151. "Sir, why didn't we bring our tanks?": Recounted in Raddatz, Recounted in Raddatz, Long Road Home Long Road Home.152. Abizaid had argued for postponing the moves against Sadr: From Sanchez's book From Sanchez's book Wiser in Battle Wiser in Battle.153. "If you are going to take Vienna, take f.u.c.king Vienna": From Bing West's book From Bing West's book No True Glory No True Glory.153. At Sanchez's headquarters the mood was grim: From interviews with Colonel Casey Haskins and Stephenson. From interviews with Colonel Casey Haskins and Stephenson.154. Chiarelli worried, too: From interviews with Chiarelli, Volesky, and Barrett Holmes as well as from T. Christian Miller's book From interviews with Chiarelli, Volesky, and Barrett Holmes as well as from T. Christian Miller's book Blood Money Blood Money.154. "Do these people even want us here?" a frazzled Bush asked Abizaid: From Brig. Gen. John Custer's notes of the meeting. From Brig. Gen. John Custer's notes of the meeting.155. He was ushered into the company's dining facility: The account of the Bechtel meeting is drawn from interviews with Chiarelli, Stephenson, Col. Kendall c.o.x, and from Stephenson's book, The account of the Bechtel meeting is drawn from interviews with Chiarelli, Stephenson, Col. Kendall c.o.x, and from Stephenson's book, Losing the Golden Hour, An Insider's View of Iraq's Reconstruction Losing the Golden Hour, An Insider's View of Iraq's Reconstruction.157 "I'll give you money when you get the place secure": From an interview with Chiarelli. From an interview with Chiarelli.157. It was a field trip of sorts, organized by Chiarelli: The account of the meeting between USAID and 1st Cav comes from an interview with Kirkpatrick Day. The account of the meeting between USAID and 1st Cav comes from an interview with Kirkpatrick Day.158. "That young man, sir-Kirk Day-is a G.o.dd.a.m.ned hero": From Stephenson, From Stephenson, Losing the Golden Hour Losing the Golden Hour.159 "What I'm getting is not what I require": From notes taken by partic.i.p.ants at the meeting. From notes taken by partic.i.p.ants at the meeting.159 "We are blowing our window of opportunity": From notes taken by partic.i.p.ants at the meeting. From notes taken by partic.i.p.ants at the meeting.

CHAPTER NINE.

161. "Okay, who's my counterinsurgency expert"?: asked General George Casey: The account of Casey's first meeting is based on interviews with Casey, Maj. Gen. Steve Sergeant, and senior staff members at the meeting. The account of Casey's first meeting is based on interviews with Casey, Maj. Gen. Steve Sergeant, and senior staff members at the meeting.162. Just three months before the invasion he a.s.sembled: This is based on interviews with Casey and members of the fifty-eight-person team. An account of Casey's effort was also mentioned in This is based on interviews with Casey and members of the fifty-eight-person team. An account of Casey's effort was also mentioned in Cobra II Cobra II by Michael R. Gordon and General Bernard E. Trainor. by Michael R. Gordon and General Bernard E. Trainor.163. On his way into Iraq, Casey had been told by officers in Kuwait: This account is based on interviews with Casey and Col. (Ret.) Derek Harvey and a previous account in This account is based on interviews with Casey and Col. (Ret.) Derek Harvey and a previous account in The War Within The War Within by Bob Woodward. by Bob Woodward.164. Six months earlier, on Christmas Eve 2003: This account is based on an interview with Ryan Casey. This account is based on an interview with Ryan Casey.165. Casey was told to put together a short list: The description of Casey's selection as commander in Iraq comes from interviews with Casey, Abizaid, and Sheila Casey. The description of Casey's selection as commander in Iraq comes from interviews with Casey, Abizaid, and Sheila Casey.170. "There is a strategic opportunity for success": From an e-mail from Casey to Abizaid. From an e-mail from Casey to Abizaid.171. "he wants Casey to stop saying um um so much": so much": From an interview with Brig. Gen. James Barclay. From an interview with Brig. Gen. James Barclay.172. Petraeus had been promoted and sent back to Iraq: Newsweek Newsweek, July 5, 2005.172. "From now on, I'm your PAO," he told Petraeus: From a partic.i.p.ant in the meeting. From a partic.i.p.ant in the meeting.173. The U.S. troops, backed by helicopters and fighter jets, did most of the heavy fighting: The account of the Najaf battle comes from interviews with Casey, Petraeus, Lt. Gen. Tom Metz, and Barclay, and from numerous published accounts. The account of the Najaf battle comes from interviews with Casey, Petraeus, Lt. Gen. Tom Metz, and Barclay, and from numerous published accounts.174. "Frankly I didn't expect such a key success so early": From an interview with Casey. From an interview with Casey.174 Not all of Casey's subordinate commanders were as convinced: The account of the meeting comes from notes taken by a partic.i.p.ant. The account of the meeting comes from notes taken by a partic.i.p.ant.175 "I am not going to listen to Chiarelli ... b.i.t.c.h about the State Department": From an interview with Robert Earle and from Earle's book, From an interview with Robert Earle and from Earle's book, Nights in the Pink Motel: An American Strategist's Pursuit of Peace in Iraq Nights in the Pink Motel: An American Strategist's Pursuit of Peace in Iraq.175. "Will Sadr or his lieutenants attack again?": Taken from "Winning the Peace: The Requirement for Full Spectrum Operations," by Maj. Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli and Maj. Patrick R. Michaelis, Taken from "Winning the Peace: The Requirement for Full Spectrum Operations," by Maj. Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli and Maj. Patrick R. Michaelis, Military Review Military Review, July/August 2005.176. In late September, Petraeus put down his thoughts: Petraeus's op-ed, ent.i.tled "Battling for Iraq," appeared in the Petraeus's op-ed, ent.i.tled "Battling for Iraq," appeared in the Washington Post Washington Post on September 24, 2004. on September 24, 2004.176. "They just walked out the gate and didn't come back": The interview with Maj. Dixon was conducted by the Army's Combat Studies Inst.i.tute at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in October 2006. The interview with Maj. Dixon was conducted by the Army's Combat Studies Inst.i.tute at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in October 2006.177. One of the deserters was the battalion commander: This account is based on an interview with Maj. Jones conducted by the Army's Combat Studies Inst.i.tute at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in November 2006. This account is based on an interview with Maj. Jones conducted by the Army's Combat Studies Inst.i.tute at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in November 2006.178. In June Abizaid had a.s.sured Petraeus that he would get whatever he needed: The account of this meeting comes from interviews with several members of Petraeus's staff at the training command. The account of this meeting comes from interviews with several members of Petraeus's staff at the training command.179. Petraeus's staff knew they had a problem: This account is based on an interview with Colonel Fred Kienle, who served on Petraeus's staff and helped oversee the Iraqi army training effort. This account is based on an interview with Colonel Fred Kienle, who served on Petraeus's staff and helped oversee the Iraqi army training effort.179. In late 2004, Brigadier General James Schwitters: This exchange is based on interviews with Petraeus's staff and interviews conducted by the Army's Combat Studies Inst.i.tute at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. This exchange is based on interviews with Petraeus's staff and interviews conducted by the Army's Combat Studies Inst.i.tute at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.180. "I lost fifty-three soldiers in Mosul": Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Miller accompanied Petraeus on this trip and took detailed notes. The account is also based on interviews with Petraeus and his aide, Sadi Othman. Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Miller accompanied Petraeus on this trip and took detailed notes. The account is also based on interviews with Petraeus and his aide, Sadi Othman.181. Ham suspected that Barhawi had been cooperating: This account is based on interviews with General Ham and his staff. This account is based on interviews with General Ham and his staff.182. Abizaid knew things weren't going well: The account of this meeting is based on detailed notes of the meeting taken by one of the partic.i.p.ants and interviews with all of the officers involved. The account of this meeting is based on detailed notes of the meeting taken by one of the partic.i.p.ants and interviews with all of the officers involved.185 But Major Grant Doty, a slim, bespectacled strategist: This account is based on interviews of those present at the morning briefing and emails provided by Major Doty. This account is based on interviews of those present at the morning briefing and emails provided by Major Doty.188 "What a historic day": This scene is constructed from notes taken that day by Miller. This scene is constructed from notes taken that day by Miller.

CHAPTER TEN.

190 Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld was furious: This account relies on detailed notes taken by several partic.i.p.ants at the meeting. This account relies on detailed notes taken by several partic.i.p.ants at the meeting.192. The president had reservations: This account is based on interviews with Casey, Abizaid, and Col. James G. Rose, who all partic.i.p.ated in the meeting. An account of the meeting is also in This account is based on interviews with Casey, Abizaid, and Col. James G. Rose, who all partic.i.p.ated in the meeting. An account of the meeting is also in The War Within The War Within by Bob Woodward. by Bob Woodward.193. As Casey studied his new orders: Casey confided this worry to his wife, Sheila, only after returning to the United States. Casey confided this worry to his wife, Sheila, only after returning to the United States.194. Petraeus led Luck's team through a three-hour briefing: The account of this meeting is based on interviews with several of Petraeus's staff officers, who took detailed notes. The account of this meeting is based on interviews with several of Petraeus's staff officers, who took detailed notes.196. Finally Petraeus demanded a meeting with Casey's chief of staff: The account of this meeting is based on an interview with Maj. Gen. Donovan and notes taken at the time by Petraeus's staff. The account of this meeting is based on an interview with Maj. Gen. Donovan and notes taken at the time by Petraeus's staff.197. Iraq was a "troop sump": This quote comes from Bob Woodward's This quote comes from Bob Woodward's The War Within The War Within and was confirmed by several of Casey's staff officers. and was confirmed by several of Casey's staff officers.199 The Army's official history of the conflict: This pa.s.sage is taken from This pa.s.sage is taken from Certain Victory: The U.S. Army in the Gulf War Certain Victory: The U.S. Army in the Gulf War by Brigadier General Robert H. Scales. by Brigadier General Robert H. Scales.199. "You need to stop thinking strategically": This exchange was recounted by officers on McMaster's staff. This exchange was recounted by officers on McMaster's staff.200. When the briefing was done: This account is based on interviews with both McMaster and Casey. This account is based on interviews with both McMaster and Casey.201. "We're managing this war, not fighting it": This quote was recounted by several of McMaster's staff officers. This quote was recounted by several of McMaster's staff officers.202. The two visited thirty-one different units: This account is based on interviews with Hix and Sepp as well as a review of their final report. This account is based on interviews with Hix and Sepp as well as a review of their final report.205 Casey's small plane touched down: This account is based on interviews with several staff officers who attended the meeting as well as interviews with Casey and McMaster. This account is based on interviews with several staff officers who attended the meeting as well as interviews with Casey and McMaster.207. U.S. advisors complained: The U.S. advisors' complaints about McMaster are chronicled in interviews conducted by the Army's Combat Studies Inst.i.tute at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and in The U.S. advisors' complaints about McMaster are chronicled in interviews conducted by the Army's Combat Studies Inst.i.tute at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and in Iroquois Warriors in Iraq Iroquois Warriors in Iraq by Stephen E. Clay. by Stephen E. Clay.208. Rumsfeld hit the roof: The defense secretary's remarks were made in a Pentagon press conference and posted on the Defense Department's website. The defense secretary's remarks were made in a Pentagon press conference and posted on the Defense Department's website.208 With Iraq collapsing into civil war, President Bush cited: The quotes are taken from Bush's speech on March 20, 2006, in Cleveland, Ohio. The quotes are taken from Bush's speech on March 20, 2006, in Cleveland, Ohio.208 An influential New Yorker New Yorker article: article: The article, ent.i.tled "The Lesson of Tal Afar," was written by George Packer and published on April 10, 2006. The article, ent.i.tled "The Lesson of Tal Afar," was written by George Packer and published on April 10, 2006.208 "I understand you are looking for a kidnapped boy": This account is based on interviews with Gen. Horst and Gen. Casey. It also borrows from an interview with Horst that was conducted by This account is based on interviews with Gen. Horst and Gen. Casey. It also borrows from an interview with Horst that was conducted by Frontline Frontline for its doc.u.mentary for its doc.u.mentary Gangs of Iraq Gangs of Iraq.

CHAPTER ELEVEN.

213 Casey clambered out of one vehicle along with several aides: This account of the meeting with Jabr and the handling of the Jediriyah incident is taken from interviews with Casey and other partic.i.p.ants. This account of the meeting with Jabr and the handling of the Jediriyah incident is taken from interviews with Casey and other partic.i.p.ants.216 In November, Senator John McCain went public with his criticism: A transcript of McCain's speech is on his Senate website. A transcript of McCain's speech is on his Senate website.218. The doctrine, which drove the Army for two decades: This description borrows from Rick Atkinson's account of the impact of the AirLand Battle Doctrine in his book This description borrows from Rick Atkinson's account of the impact of the AirLand Battle Doctrine in his book The Long Gray Line The Long Gray Line.219. The most radical aspect of the manual: This idea is taken from Sarah Sewall's introduction to the counterinsurgency doctrine, which was later published by the University of Chicago Press. The idea is elaborated further in "Our War on Terror" by Samantha Power, which appeared in the This idea is taken from Sarah Sewall's introduction to the counterinsurgency doctrine, which was later published by the University of Chicago Press. The idea is elaborated further in "Our War on Terror" by Samantha Power, which appeared in the New York Times New York Times on July 29, 2007. on July 29, 2007.221. He had only been back from his first tour since March: From an interview with Chiarelli. From an interview with Chiarelli.222. The biggest reservations came from military intelligence officers: From an interview with Col. Marcus Kuiper. From an interview with Col. Marcus Kuiper.222. From his base in Tampa, Abizaid told his staff to shift surveillance drones: From Brig. Gen. Custer's notes. From Brig. Gen. Custer's notes.223. Two days after the bombing, a worried Casey: E-mail provided by U.S. military officer. E-mail provided by U.S. military officer.223. Sometimes he sat in his office or his quarters at night: From interviews with Casey and Maj. Tony Hale. Doc.u.ments provided by Casey. From interviews with Casey and Maj. Tony Hale. Doc.u.ments provided by Casey.224. As he sat on a folding chair listening, Chiarelli became annoyed: The account of Chiarelli's visits to Samarra comes from interviews with Chiarelli and other partic.i.p.ants. The account of Chiarelli's visits to Samarra comes from interviews with Chiarelli and other partic.i.p.ants.225. "Anytime you fight-anytime you fight-you always kill": A video of Steele's speech is posted on YouTube. A video of Steele's speech is posted on YouTube.226. The pungent smell of manure wafted up from the ground: One of the authors accompanied Chiarelli on his visit to Al Asad. One of the authors accompanied Chiarelli on his visit to Al Asad.228 A few minutes into the proceedings: Parts of this account came from coverage in the Parts of this account came from coverage in the New York Times New York Times of the public aspects of the proceedings, including "Iraqis Form Government with Crucial Posts Vacant," May 21, 2006, by Dexter Filkins and Richard A. Oppel Jr. It also relies on interviews with Casey and his staff. of the public aspects of the proceedings, including "Iraqis Form Government with Crucial Posts Vacant," May 21, 2006, by Dexter Filkins and Richard A. Oppel Jr. It also relies on interviews with Casey and his staff.228 "One, he absolutely believes": Bob Woodward in his book Bob Woodward in his book The War Within The War Within provided a similar account of Casey's initial description of Maliki to President Bush. provided a similar account of Casey's initial description of Maliki to President Bush.228. "Excuse me, ma'am. Did you say forty-eight?" From an interview with Casey and from Woodward's From an interview with Casey and from Woodward's The War Within The War Within.229. After the meeting Rumsfeld shot him a snowflake: From an interview with Casey. From an interview with Casey.230. "We've got to get in to see Maliki": From an interview with Chiarelli. From an interview with Chiarelli.230 Maliki studied it intently for several minutes: From an interview with Chiarelli. From an interview with Chiarelli.230. Chiarelli's doubts about Maliki grew more acute over the course of the summer: From an interview with an officer who saw the intelligence reports. From an interview with an officer who saw the intelligence reports.231. Casey had been back from leave only a few hours: This account of the deliberations at senior command levels in the latter half of 2006 is drawn from interviews with Casey, Chiarelli, and others involved, as well as from e-mails, meeting notes, and other doc.u.ments written by partic.i.p.ants. This account of the deliberations at senior command levels in the latter half of 2006 is drawn from interviews with Casey, Chiarelli, and others involved, as well as from e-mails, meeting notes, and other doc.u.ments written by partic.i.p.ants.233 "Do you really want that job?" she asked him: From an interview with Celeste Ward. From an interview with Celeste Ward.235 Incensed, Thurman ripped off the Velcro patch that held his two stars: The account of the episode comes from someone who was present. Chiarelli recalled in an interview the training film from his days as junior officer. The account of the episode comes from someone who was present. Chiarelli recalled in an interview the training film from his days as junior officer.237 several of Chiarelli's staff were so worried: This account of Chiarelli's meeting with Steele comes from two officers on Chiarelli's staff. This account of Chiarelli's meeting with Steele comes from two officers on Chiarelli's staff.237. A soldier griped in the Washington Times: Washington Times: From From Washington Times Washington Times, February 16, 2007.238. The graying men around the conference table: The account of the Iraq Study Group visit to Baghdad comes from an interview with Chiarelli and from Woodward, The account of the Iraq Study Group visit to Baghdad comes from an interview with Chiarelli and from Woodward, The War Within The War Within.239. To Casey's surprise, Maliki admitted that he had ordered the raid: From an e-mail describing the meeting provided by a U.S. officer. From an e-mail describing the meeting provided by a U.S. officer.240 Abizaid Abizaid happened to happened to be in be in Baghdad when he got Baghdad when he got Casey's Casey's note: note: Abizaid's visit to Iraq was reconstructed through interviews with Abizaid and from e-mails provided by a U.S. officer. Abizaid's visit to Iraq was reconstructed through interviews with Abizaid and from e-mails provided by a U.S. officer.243. As Hadley's team prepared to leave for the airport: Hadley's visit to Iraq was described by Chiarelli, by an administration official who accompanied him, and in Woodward, Hadley's visit to Iraq was described by Chiarelli, by an administration official who accompanied him, and in Woodward, The War Within The War Within.244. A few days later Hadley drafted a cla.s.sified memo for Bush: Hadley's memo to Bush was reprinted in the Hadley's memo to Bush was reprinted in the New York Times New York Times on November 29, 2006. on November 29, 2006.246 Bush was planning on giving an Iraq speech before Christmas: The White House meetings were reconstructed using notes taken by a partic.i.p.ant. The White House meetings were reconstructed using notes taken by a partic.i.p.ant.248 He had sent word ahead of time that he needed a few minutes with Casey: From an interview with Casey. From an interview with Casey.248 Chiarelli's last day in Iraq was spent waiting for a plane: The account of Chiarelli's return from Iraq comes from interviews with Chiarelli, Brig. Gen. Don Campbell, and Beth Chiarelli. The account of Chiarelli's return from Iraq comes from interviews with Chiarelli, Brig. Gen. Don Campbell, and Beth Chiarelli.

CHAPTER TWELVE.

251 At 7:27 a.m. Casey took his place: The account of this morning briefing is based on notes taken by a senior officer in the audience. The account of this morning briefing is based on notes taken by a senior officer in the audience.254 Abizaid stepped up the lectern and did his best: A video of the change-of-command ceremony is available on the Department of Defense website. A video of the change-of-command ceremony is available on the Department of Defense website.256 The volatile Mashhadani castigated Obaidi: The first account of the dinner came in The first account of the dinner came in Tell Me How This Ends Tell Me How This Ends by Linda Robinson, which provides a detailed account of Petraeus's strategy during the surge. by Linda Robinson, which provides a detailed account of Petraeus's strategy during the surge.259 "Good morning," Petraeus mumbled: The authors attended several of Petraeus's morning briefings in 2007 and 2008. This account is built from their observations and detailed notes taken by Petraeus's staff officers. The authors attended several of Petraeus's morning briefings in 2007 and 2008. This account is built from their observations and detailed notes taken by Petraeus's staff officers.262 Fixing Tower 57, which was just one small piece: This account is based on interviews with Petraeus, his staff, and officers from the Third Infantry Division, whose soldiers were responsible for helping to provide security for the Iraqi repair crews. It also borrows from an account of the repair mission that was written by Army journalists and posted on the Multi-National Force-Iraq website. This account is based on interviews with Petraeus, his staff, and officers from the Third Infantry Division, whose soldiers were responsible for helping to provide security for the Iraqi repair crews. It also borrows from an account of the repair mission that was written by Army journalists and posted on the Multi-National Force-Iraq website.262 "I've occasionally wondered if there is some sort of bad-news limit": This quote first appeared in a September 2007 article by Brian Mockenhaupt in This quote first appeared in a September 2007 article by Brian Mockenhaupt in Esquire Esquire magazine. magazine.263 Days earlier Lieutenant Colonel Dale Kuehl: This account is based on interviews with Kuehl and some of his staff officers. A more detailed account of his efforts appears in This account is based on interviews with Kuehl and some of his staff officers. A more detailed account of his efforts appears in Tell Me How This Ends Tell Me How This Ends by Linda Robinson. by Linda Robinson.266 Even before Petraeus set foot in the country: Senior U.S. military officers learned of the Iraqis' doubts through intercepts of Iraqi cell phone conversations. Senior U.S. military officers learned of the Iraqis' doubts through intercepts of Iraqi cell phone conversations.266. "Everyone knows this. We've been talking about it for months": This account is based on interviews with Petraeus and his senior staff members who attended the meeting. The meeting is also briefly covered in Bob Woodward's This account is based on interviews with Petraeus and his senior staff members who attended the meeting. The meeting is also briefly covered in Bob Woodward's The War Within The War Within.267. He sat behind a desk wearing a black cavalry hat: This account relies on interviews with Kuehl and Pinkerton. It also borrows some details from "Meet Abu Abed: The US's New Ally Against al Qaeda," which appeared in the This account relies on interviews with Kuehl and Pinkerton. It also borrows some details from "Meet Abu Abed: The US's New Ally Against al Qaeda," which appeared in the Guardian Guardian newspaper on November 10, 2007. newspaper on November 10, 2007.272 He opened with a searing seven-minute video: This video was shot by Sean Smith of the This video was shot by Sean Smith of the Guardian Guardian newspaper and first appeared on the newspaper and first appeared on the Guardiane's Guardiane's website in 2007. website in 2007.277 A few days after he had returned to Baghdad he met: The account of this meeting is based on detailed notes taken by one of Petraeus's staff officers. The account of this meeting is based on detailed notes taken by one of Petraeus's staff officers.277. "This is not a government of national unity": The account of this meeting is based on detailed notes taken by one of Petraeus's staff officers. The account of this meeting is based on detailed notes taken by one of Petraeus's staff officers.278. In September 2008 the last of the U.S. reinforcements: The account of the Rakkasans in Iraq is based on personal observations from time one of the authors spent with the unit in 2008. The account of the Rakkasans in Iraq is based on personal observations from time one of the authors spent with the unit in 2008.

EPILOGUE.

287 His solution amounted to an anti-Powell Doctrine for the Arab world: This phrase is taken from David Kilcullen's book This phrase is taken from David Kilcullen's book The Accidental Guerrilla The Accidental Guerrilla, which was published in the spring of 2009. Kilcullen advocates a similar premise.287. "Throughout the region we need to quit being the primary military force": This quote appeared in a speech that Abizaid delivered at Dartmouth University in the fall of 2008. A video of his address is posted on the Dartmouth University website. This quote appeared in a speech that Abizaid delivered at Dartmouth University in the fall of 2008. A video of his address is posted on the Dartmouth University website.288. "Why not have 270 or 2,7000?" Abizaid wondered: Abizaid made this point in a public address at Fort Huachuca in Arizona in the summer of 2008. Abizaid made this point in a public address at Fort Huachuca in Arizona in the summer of 2008.289. When the lights came back on Petraeus stood atop a plywood riser: This account is based on personal observations by one of the authors who attended the ceremony. This account is based on personal observations by one of the authors who attended the ceremony.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Hundreds of people have generously given their time to help us with this book. None deserve greater thanks than the four generals at the heart of the effort, their spouses, and their children. John Abizaid, George Casey, Peter Chiarelli, and David Petraeus all discussed their careers in multiple, wide-ranging interviews and e-mail exchanges over the course of a year during which no question was off-limits. They shared with us personal papers that provided valuable insight into their lives and careers and helped us understand them as young officers and as the experienced commanders they became. They generously encouraged the men and women they served with over the years to subject themselves to interviews. And they patiently endured numerous follow-up questions and other intrusions during our research. The book would not have been possible without their a.s.sistance.We would like to thank Kurt Campbell, Michele Flournoy, and John Nagl, at the Center for a New American Security, an inspiring national security think tank that gave us a place to work, along with encouragement, countless ideas, and support. Our book was shaped by hundreds of hallway conversations at CNAS with the dedicated people who have made it the most creative and influential think tank in Washington. They include Price Floyd, Derek Chollet, Nate Fick, Michael Zubrow, Shannon O'Reilly, Vikram Singh, Jim Miller, Nirav Patel, Shawn Brimley, Colin Kahl, Sharon Burke, and Andrew Exum. Kurt Campbell, in particular, immediately grasped the book we were trying to write and went to extraordinary lengths to help us.We'd also like to say a special thanks to Alexander "Sandy" Cochran and Kelly Howard, who provided valuable insights on General Casey's tenure in Iraq. Major General John Custer, Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Miller, Colonel James Laufenburg, and Colonel Richard Hatch were particularly patient with us as we asked them to walk us through old journals and field notebooks. In each case they supplemented their notes with crucial recollections and invaluable insights. Colonel Steve Boylan helped us both set up reporting trips to Iraq. We also benefited from his deep knowledge of the U.S. military in Iraq, which grew out of his long tenure as a public affairs officer there. Colonel Michael Meese, who heads the Department of Social Sciences at West Point, helped us understand the critical role that Sosh plays in the life of the Army and, even more important, encouraged others in the somewhat secretive world of Sosh to talk about the department.We'd also like to thank our friends and colleagues from our days at the Wall Street Wall Street Journal Journal, especially our editors there, Jerry Seib and Alan Murray. In the years when we were there, the Journal Journal was a journalistic jewel that encouraged deep inquiry and nuanced writing about the world, and we continually sought to emulate those standards in this project. We owe a huge debt of grat.i.tude to our agent, Gail Ross, and her a.s.sistant, Howard Yoon, who helped us form the idea for this book and helped shepherd the project through to completion. Our editor, Rick Horgan, and his a.s.sistant, Nathan Roberson, at times seemed to understand what we were trying to say and then accomplished it better than we had. Their guidance was invaluable. was a journalistic jewel that encouraged deep inquiry and nuanced writing about the world, and we continually sought to emulate those standards in this project. We owe a huge debt of grat.i.tude to our agent, Gail Ross, and her a.s.sistant, Howard Yoon, who helped us form the idea for this book and helped shepherd the project through to completion. Our editor, Rick Horgan, and his a.s.sistant, Nathan Roberson, at times seemed to understand what we were trying to say and then accomplished it better than we had. Their guidance was invaluable.David's parents, Nancy Fuller and Stanley Cloud, and Greg's parents Michael and Elaine Jaffe, grasped what we were doing and why from the beginning and supported it with their love and time. Thanks to Stanley Cloud, whose comments on our proposal and the final ma.n.u.script were invaluable. Finally, we would like to thank our wives and children, who sustained us from the beginning to the end of this project and continue to do so. Both of us had spent long stretches away from the people we love the most even before we began. When we explained what we planned to do, Jennifer Cloud and Kristie Jaffe became the book's biggest supporters, banishing our doubts and worries about secondary matters. They and our children, Allison Jaffe, Matthew Jaffe, and Joey Cloud, endured our moodiness and our long hours away from them without complaint. They provided irreplaceable advice, encouragement, and love to two first-time authors as they discovered writing a book is considerably harder than daily journalism. They never lost faith in what we were doing, and, because of that, neither did we.Greg Jaffe and David CloudWashington, D.C.May 2009