All the Presidents’ Wars

‘Damning and meticulously researched … It is testament to both Bergen’s tenacity and the sheer number of fiascos under discussion here that his collection of interview subjects runs to over 500 people … [A] steady accretion of revealing anecdotes and insider details that transport the reader from surprise to a peculiar sense of wonderment at the scale of the ineptitude.’

-- Scott Anderson * The New York Times *

‘Peter Bergen lifts the proverbial “fog of war” to provide a brilliantly clear and much-needed reckoning with America’s twenty-five-year global war on terror. With an even hand and expert skill, he holds US presidents and policymakers accountable for blunders of historic proportion.’

-- Jane Mayer, The New Yorker staff writer, author of Dark Money and The Dark Side

‘The best account I’ve read of America’s post-9/11 wars in the Middle East.’

-- Max Boot, author of Reagan: His Life and Legend

‘A primer in how to lose the war on terror. National security expert Bergen shows how intelligence agencies, politicians, and the military misread the world after 9/11 — the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan cost roughly $6 trillion and 7,000 American lives … A profoundly insightful account of why we’re mired in forever wars, and likely will be long into the future.’

-- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

‘Peter Bergen delivers the best overview of America’s post-9/11 wars that I’ve seen. He does thoughtfully and fairly, laying out the facts and then coming to solid, evenhanded conclusions. Anyone who wants to understand American foreign policy needs to read this masterful account. Essential reading — and, as a bonus, well written.’

-- Thomas E. Ricks, two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and author of Fiasco

‘With his signature clarity and unparalleled insight, Peter Bergen traces the decisions made in the Oval Office and on the battlefield after 9/11 — and the lasting consequences that followed. A timely, incisive, and compelling account of a war whose impact is far from over.’

-- Clarissa Ward, CNN chief international correspondent and author of On All Fronts: the education of a journalist

‘All the Presidents’ Wars is an unflinching look at the tragic mistakes and miscalculations of four US administrations, as well as the quiet successes that thwarted terrorist plans for further attacks on the US homeland. Drawing on decades of reporting, Bergen’s book is packed with revelations and fascinating insights. An important, deeply researched book, and a fascinating read.’

-- Joby Warrick, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Black Flags: the rise of ISIS

‘Few writers are better placed than Bergen to take the measure of the war on terror … Every citizen — and especially those who will make US policy in the future — should reckon with the primary lesson of All the Presidents’ Wars.’

-- Philip H. Gordon * Foreign Affairs *

‘His insights and analysis are informed by official documents and over 500 interviews with military, diplomatic and political leaders, soldiers, intelligence officers, and many others … Bergen is uniquely well-positioned to provide an authoritative chronicle of the post-9/11 history.’

-- James Forest * Terrorism and Political Violence *

‘Superb … If you are going to read only one book on the [Global War on Terror], Bergen’s All the Presidents’ Wars is where you should start.’

-- Joseph Collins * Strategic Affairs *

‘An excellent compendium of America’s post-9/11 war on terror… Policymakers will be well-served in digesting Bergen’s survey of policy missteps.

-- Joe Zacks * The Cipher Bri