53 pages • 1 hour read
The Afghanistan Papers: A Secret History of the War
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Book Brief
384
Book • Nonfiction
Afghanistan • 2000s-2010s
2021
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Afghanistan Papers: A Secret History of the War by Craig Whitlock details the US’s protracted involvement in Afghanistan, focusing on the systemic mistakes and misleading public statements that perpetuated the conflict. Based on the SIGAR "Lessons Learned" project, the book reveals high-level officials' candid interviews and documents, offering a comprehensive account of the war's missteps, comparable to the Vietnam War's "Pentagon Papers."
Informative
Dark
Unnerving
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
7,927 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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Review Roundup
Craig Whitlock’s The Afghanistan Papers is praised for its meticulous investigation, revealing deep-seated governmental deception and strategic failures over two decades. However, some critics argue it lacks comprehensive solutions and depth in narrative style. Overall, it is a significant work for understanding the complexities of the Afghanistan conflict.
Who Should Read The Afghanistan Papers?
Readers who appreciate The Afghanistan Papers by Craig Whitlock are typically interested in investigative journalism, military history, and U.S. foreign policy. Comparable to readers of Bob Woodward’s Fear or Michael Hastings’ The Operators, they seek in-depth, critical analyses of government actions and wartime decisions.
7,927 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
384
Book • Nonfiction
Afghanistan • 2000s-2010s
2021
Adult
18+ years
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