The Strongest Tribe
Random House, 2009
Politicians should help in getting the business done, and not put any more hurdles on the path of those who fight in Iraq: it could be the message from this book, where action proves valor:
“100 miles south of Baghdad … Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr exhorted his followers to protest the American presence. Faced with an unruly mob, Lt. Col. John Mayer took off his helmet and armored vest and strode into their midst with an interpreter, shouting, Is this the thanks you give to the soldiers who removed Saddam's boot from your neck? Abashed the crowd dispersed. The next day, the city council asked Mayer to sit with them.”
On the ground, fighting, vividly described:
“On signal, the door would be smashed in and four marines would rush into the front room, each pointing his rifle toward a different corner, each betting his life that none of the others would freeze or not shoot quickly enough.”
Treason by politicians:
“Harry Reid, the majority leader in the Senate, said, 'This war is lost and the surge is not accomplishing anything' … The press gave Reid a free pass, barely mentioning his remarks.”
An Iraqi interpreter who should be in the Senate instead of Reid: “My country didn't do a fuck for me. The U.S. ruined Japan with nukes and then rebuilt it. Sunni and Shiite killers, there's no difference. Let's kick the shit out of them, then rebuild, like you did to Japan.” Iraqis, obviously, don't play PC games. Harry Reid hasn't met this guy neither.
A good message to Obama: “Obama didn't understand the nature of warriors. Warriors want to be praised for winning, not consoled for being battered”, this on account of the America's current disgraceful press, who -talking to Marines in North Carolina- portrayed marine warriors as victims rather than as the strongest tribe.
This book is all about Irak, top to bottom, inside out, full of action, and not at all for the acedemia. It's to be read by those who sweat and toil, over there with the risking of their lives, and in the homeland, staying safe while paying taxes. The most comprehensive story of the war in Iraq and in the States. Great, sober, clear, denouncing, proud and tall.