by Norman Friedman
Annapolis, Md.: Naval Institute Press, 2003. Pp. x, 327.
Illus., maps, notes, biblio., index. $29.95. ISBN:1-59114-290-3
An insightful look into the American military reaction to the September 11, 2001, Islamist terrorist attacks on the U.S.
Friedman explores the background of the attacks and the aims of the conspirators, then goes on to look at how radical innovations in the ways in which the armed forces – particularly the Navy and Marine Corps – fight. He provides some valuable insights into the degree to which the political, covert, and cultural “fronts” were integrated with military operations, which permitted the rapid liberation of Afghanistan from the Taliban/Al Qaeda yoke.
A valuable book for anyone interested in trying to develop a better understanding of the global war on terror.