Strategic Failure

In this timely and fascinating account of US military power in the era of Barack Obama, a renowned historian with more than a decade inside the US Department of Defense reveals the true nature of the presidents political legacy as his two terms in office draw to a close.In stunning detail, Mark Moyar illustrates how the mounting global catastrophes of Obamas second term are the direct result of the presidents first-term decisions to shrink US defense and replace large overseas military commitments with light footprints. The rise of ISIS. The Benghazi attack and murder of a US ambassador. The growing threats of Russia, China, and IranMoyar reveals how these and other tragic occurrences are the consequences of Obamas: -Withdrawal of US military in Iraq -Rapid drawdown in Afghanistan -Hands-off policy with Syria -Cuts to defense spending -Reliance on drone strikes in Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia -Failure to deliver on his substitutes for military power -Political self-interest -International image as a weak and passive leader Most disturbing, according to Moyars penetrating analysis, is the clear message that Obamas military drawdown places all Americans at risk, with conditions primed for future cataclysms at home and abroad. Drawing upon the lessons of Obamas strategic failures, Moyar identifies methods for recovering and strengthening US national security in the yearsand the administrationsto come.