The Forever War
by: Dexter Filkins
Published by: Vintage Book
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Reviewed by Paul Markowitz
The Forever War reads like a series of disparate incidents, some deeply personal and others of political and military import. But the cumulative effect of these series of anecdotes is a powerful and telling description of a complex, dangerous and fluid scenario that the United States found itself immersed in without sufficient knowledge, preparation or understanding.
Dexter Filkins was the New York Times war correspondent in Afghanistan and Iraq from 1998 until 2006. Although he describes many of the better-known episodes of that particular time and place, we get a much clearer picture of their meaning and significance through his personal glimpse into an arena renowned for its shadowy and ever-changing terrain.
Filkins brings to life how war shatters lives, and how some people manage to survive horrendous violence and chaos. Through his personal interactions, we experience the theatrical manipulations of Ahmad Chalabi, the extreme cruelty of the Taliban, the egotistical and tragic hubris of Paul Bremer, and the incredible bravery of numerous ordinary U.S. soldiers.
There is one cautionary note to make. Although the book is critical to understanding our involvement in Iraq, it is important to note that Filkins ends with his departure from the field in 2006. Therefore the book accurately describes the fluid situation on the ground during his tenure, but it is already dated as to our understanding of the present situation. He left the country before the arrival of General David Petraeus, the commencement of “the surge,” and the unexpected falling out of native insurgents against elements of the foreign-born Al-Qaeda in Iraq.
All in all though, Filkins in this multi award-winning book, has elevated war reporting to an art form. You will not only read his brilliant descriptions of both the important and the mundane, but you will also feel it in your bones.
Armchair Interviews says: A 5-star read.
Author’s Web site: http://www.DexterFilkins.net
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