Book Review: Moment of Truth in Iraq – Michael Yon

“An enemy forced to choose between dying or hiding inevitably loses legitimacy. Legitimacy is essential. Men who must always either run or die are no longer an army and are not going to found a caliphate. They are just a gang, no matter how brave, and though a gang may frighten and coerce the people, it can not win the people.” Michael Yon, A Moment of Truth in Iraq

With an insight like that it’s hard to argue with Yon’s assessment of Iraq and the possible outcome. You’ll notice that I didn’t say inevitable outcome because as Michael so clearly notes, while the soldiers on the ground win the engagements and have claimed the high moral ground among the Iraqis, it is the feckless politician that can still throw it all away for a vote.

Yon takes no prisoners in his accounting of Iraq and Afghanistan. He tells you who exactly is at fault for every setback and heaps praise upon those that wield great success, but also Yon takes you right along on every patrol and operation. You’ll be there as he sits with Sheiks and Generals and you’ll be there when LTC Crissman arrests General Hamid in order to prevent a bloodbath that would have set back many months of progress. As Yon states, “Lack of restraint nearly cost us the war during the first couple of years. Leadership, character and restraint are why we are winning the war in Iraq – now.”

Yon definitely provides his readers a moment of truth in Iraq that you will not get on the evening news or even in the newspapers. You will be introduced to true heroes who give entirely of themselves so that Iraq will succeed and it is our duty to support these men and women when the politicians won’t.

In the end Yon provides the clearest insight into Iraq and the feelings of the American Soldier that very few Americans can see when he writes:

“We can win. But we can still lose. […] There are those who fought and those who didn’t. Our soldier’s often said, ‘The military is at war. America is at the mall.’ […] American combat troops don’t want pity. They’re ready to fight to the end; they just don’t want it to be for naught. They have been fighting for two nations, one of which didn’t seem to notice. The Iraqis noticed.”

When will we?

I want to also take this time to once again personally thank Michael for all his support. Many months ago when he was in Baqoubah with the 3-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, I read a story about Baqoubah in the news. Wanting to verify its truth I emailed Michael and was surprised to find a return email from him. Even more surprising was his offer to help another independent get an interview with LTC Fred Johnson. That offer led to The Thunder Run’s first Boots on the Ground interview.

Thank you Michael.