Battle Ready (Abridged, Paperback, Abridged edition)

From the author of numerous bestsellers comes the fourth in an extraordinary series that looks deep into the art of war - and peace - through the eyes of one of America's outstanding commanders: the 'Warrior Diplomat' Marine General Tony Zinni. 'Military success, in and of itself, is never the complete answer. Success will have to be measured, not in military terms, but in political terms in what is left behind. That will be the mark of what we are - what we leave behind.' - General Tony Zinni, speech to the Middle East Institute, 10 October, 2002 These words are more relevant today than ever, and there is no one more well placed to provide a critique of the American military than General Tony Zinni. Serving for nearly forty years, his credentials are impeccable, and include leading troops in Vietnam, commanding operations in Somalia and directing strikes against Iraq and Al Qaeda as Commander in Chief of CENTCOM. As a peacemaker he conducted dangerous troubleshooting missions all over the world, serving as Secretary of State Colin Powell's special envoy to the Middle East before resigning over the 2003 Iraqi war and its probable aftermath. Battle Ready follows the fascinating evolution of the Marine Corps and General Zinni from the cauldron of Vietnam through to a post-9/11 military with a radically different job to do. This is an eye-opening book - a front row seat to a man and an institution - a compelling account of both war and peace.