Degrade and Destroy

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A top D.C. journalist presents the inside story of the U.S. war against the Islamic State. After the last U.S. combat troops left Iraq in 2011, President Obama claimed success in ending one war while avoiding intervention in Syria, despite escalating violence. His strategy aimed to reduce America's military footprint in the Middle East. However, five years later, the U.S. found itself once again engaged in conflict, this time against the Islamic State, which had established a self-declared caliphate across significant areas of Iraq and Syria. How did this shift occur, and what strategies will the U.S. employ to succeed in this renewed engagement? Michael R. Gordon, a bestselling author and national security correspondent for The New York Times, delves into the debates, diplomacy, and military strategies that have defined the fight against the Islamic State. With unique access to key players in the White House, intelligence community, State Department, and Pentagon, Gordon crafts a compelling narrative. The book highlights figures like Hillary Clinton, who sought to arm Syrian rebels, and John Kerry, who worked to rally hesitant allies, all while navigating a complex landscape of international tensions. This work not only chronicles contemporary history but also sheds light on the challenging decisions facing future U.S. leadership, as the State Department anticipates the struggle with ISIS to last three to five years.