Ghost Riders of Baghdad: Soldiers, Civilians, and the Myth of the Surge
From October 2006 to December 2007, Daniel A. Sjursen—then a U.S. Army lieutenant—led a light scout platoon across Baghdad. The experiences of Ghost Rider platoon provide a soldier’s-eye view of the incredible complexities of warfare, peacekeeping, and counterinsurgency in one of the world’s most ancient cities. Sjursen reflects broadly and critically on the prevailing narrative of the surge as savior of America’s longest war, on the overall military strategy in Iraq, and on U.S. relations with ordinary Iraqis. At a time when just a handful of U.S. senators and representatives have a family member in combat, Sjursen also writes movingly on questions of America’s patterns of national service. Who now serves and why? What connection does America’s professional army have to the broader society and culture? What is the price we pay for abandoning the model of the citizen soldier? With the bloody emergence of ISIS in 2014, Iraq and its beleaguered, battle-scarred people are again much in the news. Unlike other books on the U.S. war in Iraq, Ghost Riders of Baghdad is part battlefield chronicle, part critique of American military strategy and policy, and part appreciation of Iraq and its people. At once a military memoir, history, and cultural commentary, Ghost Riders of Bahdad delivers a compelling story and a deep appreciation of both those who serve and the civilians they strive to protect. Sjursen provides a riveting addition to our understanding of modern warfare and its human costs.
1121502305
Ghost Riders of Baghdad: Soldiers, Civilians, and the Myth of the Surge
From October 2006 to December 2007, Daniel A. Sjursen—then a U.S. Army lieutenant—led a light scout platoon across Baghdad. The experiences of Ghost Rider platoon provide a soldier’s-eye view of the incredible complexities of warfare, peacekeeping, and counterinsurgency in one of the world’s most ancient cities. Sjursen reflects broadly and critically on the prevailing narrative of the surge as savior of America’s longest war, on the overall military strategy in Iraq, and on U.S. relations with ordinary Iraqis. At a time when just a handful of U.S. senators and representatives have a family member in combat, Sjursen also writes movingly on questions of America’s patterns of national service. Who now serves and why? What connection does America’s professional army have to the broader society and culture? What is the price we pay for abandoning the model of the citizen soldier? With the bloody emergence of ISIS in 2014, Iraq and its beleaguered, battle-scarred people are again much in the news. Unlike other books on the U.S. war in Iraq, Ghost Riders of Baghdad is part battlefield chronicle, part critique of American military strategy and policy, and part appreciation of Iraq and its people. At once a military memoir, history, and cultural commentary, Ghost Riders of Bahdad delivers a compelling story and a deep appreciation of both those who serve and the civilians they strive to protect. Sjursen provides a riveting addition to our understanding of modern warfare and its human costs.
17.49 In Stock
Ghost Riders of Baghdad: Soldiers, Civilians, and the Myth of the Surge

Ghost Riders of Baghdad: Soldiers, Civilians, and the Myth of the Surge

by Daniel A. Sjursen
Ghost Riders of Baghdad: Soldiers, Civilians, and the Myth of the Surge

Ghost Riders of Baghdad: Soldiers, Civilians, and the Myth of the Surge

by Daniel A. Sjursen

eBook

$17.49  $22.99 Save 24% Current price is $17.49, Original price is $22.99. You Save 24%.

Available on Compatible NOOK devices, the free NOOK App and in My Digital Library.
WANT A NOOK?  Explore Now

Related collections and offers

LEND ME® See Details

Overview

From October 2006 to December 2007, Daniel A. Sjursen—then a U.S. Army lieutenant—led a light scout platoon across Baghdad. The experiences of Ghost Rider platoon provide a soldier’s-eye view of the incredible complexities of warfare, peacekeeping, and counterinsurgency in one of the world’s most ancient cities. Sjursen reflects broadly and critically on the prevailing narrative of the surge as savior of America’s longest war, on the overall military strategy in Iraq, and on U.S. relations with ordinary Iraqis. At a time when just a handful of U.S. senators and representatives have a family member in combat, Sjursen also writes movingly on questions of America’s patterns of national service. Who now serves and why? What connection does America’s professional army have to the broader society and culture? What is the price we pay for abandoning the model of the citizen soldier? With the bloody emergence of ISIS in 2014, Iraq and its beleaguered, battle-scarred people are again much in the news. Unlike other books on the U.S. war in Iraq, Ghost Riders of Baghdad is part battlefield chronicle, part critique of American military strategy and policy, and part appreciation of Iraq and its people. At once a military memoir, history, and cultural commentary, Ghost Riders of Bahdad delivers a compelling story and a deep appreciation of both those who serve and the civilians they strive to protect. Sjursen provides a riveting addition to our understanding of modern warfare and its human costs.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781611688276
Publisher: University Press of New England
Publication date: 10/06/2015
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
Pages: 264
File size: 13 MB
Note: This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

MAJOR DANIEL A. SJURSEN was born and raised in Staten Island, New York. A 2005 graduate of West Point, he has served in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He earned a master’s degree from the University of Kansas and is pursuing a doctorate in history while teaching at West Point.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments • Prologue • Preface: “No Shit, There We Were”: Salman Pak Backstory • Enter the “Ghost Riders”: 2nd Platoon, B/3-61 CAV • Citizenship and Sacrifice: Reflections on Military Service • Life as a Countdown: Drinking, Training, and Otherwise

What People are Saying About This

Lucas Tomlinson

“Sjursen takes you on an intellectual thrill ride, with more than a few surprises.If you want political talking points or an army operations order, look elsewhere.There are no easy answers on the streets of Iraq.Think you know all about the famous ‘surge’? Guess again.”

Robert A. Doughty

“Ghost Riders of Baghdad is the best memoir to come out of the American wars in Southwest Asia. Sjursen’s honesty and passion bleed through every page and raise serious questions about the ‘victory’ in Iraq.”

From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews