Description

 The Afghanistan Papers

A Secret History of the War

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Pulitzer Prize Finalist

“Voted Best Book of 2021 by The Washington Post

Discover the shocking truth behind America’s longest war in “The Afghanistan Papers,” a gripping investigative account by acclaimed Washington Post reporter Craig Whitlock. This #1 New York Times bestselling book exposes the deceitful actions of three consecutive presidents and their military commanders, who year after year deceived the public about the true state of affairs in Afghanistan. Through meticulous research and interviews with over 1,000 individuals involved in the war, Whitlock uncovers a web of lies and misdirection that ultimately led to the Taliban’s recapture of the country.

Unlike previous conflicts such as Vietnam and Iraq, the US invasion of Afghanistan initially enjoyed overwhelming public support. The mission seemed clear-cut: eradicate al-Qaeda and prevent another devastating attack like 9/11. However, as time went on, the United States lost its focus and strayed from its original objectives. With the distraction of the war in Iraq, the US military found itself embroiled in a complex guerrilla conflict in a foreign land it did not fully comprehend.

Despite mounting evidence that victory was unattainable, no president was willing to admit failure in a war that was once seen as just. Instead, the Bush, Obama, and Trump administrations continued to deploy more troops and falsely claimed progress, all while knowing the harsh reality on the ground.

“The Afghanistan Papers” is a groundbreaking exposé that parallels the impact of the Pentagon Papers during the Vietnam War. Through firsthand accounts from key figures in the White House, the Pentagon, and those on the front lines, readers are confronted with the unvarnished truth about the disastrous strategies employed by the US government.

The nation-building project in Afghanistan crumbled under the weight of corruption and drug trafficking, while the American public was fed a distorted and often fabricated narrative. President Bush’s lack of familiarity with the war’s details, as revealed by documents obtained by The Washington Post, further highlights the extent of the deception perpetuated by those in power. Prepare to have your understanding of America’s involvement in Afghanistan shattered as you delve into this eye-opening and revelatory account.

“Fast-paced and vivid… chock-full of telling quotes”
— The New York Times Book Review

“Craig Whitlock has forged a searing indictment of the deceit, blunders, and hubris of senior military and civilian officials, with the same tragic echoes of the Vietnam conflict. The American dead, wounded and their families deserved wiser and more honorable leaders.”
— Tom Bowman, NPR Pentagon correspondent

“The excellent new book… Bombshell revelations… [and] damning evidence of things we already intuited.”
— The Washington Post

“At once page-turning and rigorous, The Afghanistan Papers makes a lasting and revelatory contribution to the record of America’s tragic management of our longest war. In transparent and nuanced detail, Whitlock chronicles how American leaders and commanders undermined their country’s promises to the Afghans who counted on them and to the U.S. troops who made the ultimate sacrifice after 9/11.”
— Steve Coll, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Ghost Wars and Directorate S

About The Author (Craig Whitlock)

Craig Michael Whitlock, a seasoned journalist, currently holds the prestigious position of covering the Pentagon and national security for The Washington Post. With an impressive tenure dating back to 1998, Whitlock’s experience as a staff writer spans various beats, including the Maryland Statehouse in Annapolis and the Prince George’s County police department, where he dedicated nearly six years of his career.

Not limited to domestic affairs, Whitlock’s expertise also extends to international matters as he previously served as the Berlin bureau chief for the Post. During this time, he fearlessly delved into the intricacies of terrorism networks in Europe, South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa.

His unmatched passion for investigative journalism has driven him to report from over 50 countries, making him a truly remarkable journalist. Before his tenure at The Washington Post, Whitlock’s talent was recognized by the Raleigh News & Observer, where he gained invaluable experience as a reporter.

“The Afghanistan Papers a gripping account of why the war in Afghanistan lasted so long. The missed opportunities, the outright mistakes, and more than anything the first-hand accounts from senior commanders who only years later acknowledged they simply did not tell the American people what they knew about how the war was going.”
— Barbara Starr, CNN Pentagon correspondent

“Whitlock is unsparing in his assessment of presidents Bush, Obama, and Trump, as well as U.S. military leaders, saying all failed to level with the American public…Whitlock’s book is based on hundreds of ‘lessons learned’ interviews conducted privately by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction. …The candid interviews are revealing.”
—NPR

“A hallmark achievement of primary source reporting….The Afghanistan Papers reminds readers of the power of reportage built on documented evidence with names attached.”
— The Daily Beast

“A damning account of America’s longest war that reveals what top generals and government officials knew about the cost and futility of the mission. Whitlock puts the pieces together in a way nobody has before, bringing us the most comprehensive, inside story of this conflict ever told.”
— Rajiv Chandrasekaran, author of Little America: The War Within the War for Afghanistan

“The Afghanistan Papers is an autopsy of America’s folly in central Asia. It chronicles years of recklessness and bad decision-making that the nation is still grappling with today. This book is one part indictment of mission creep and American hubris, and one part warning to future leaders.”
— Kevin Maurer, co-author of The New York Times bestsellers No Easy Day and American Radical

“Like the Pentagon Papers of the Vietnam War, The Afghanistan Papers expose decades of deceit and the persistence of an American brand of imperialism. Examined by the sharp eye of Craig Whitlock, this history provides ample evidence that citizens should finally reject the baseless claim that U.S. military power is a unique force for good in the world.”
— Christian G. Appy, author of American Reckoning: The Vietnam War and Our National Identity

“An unputdownable account of imperial hubris, blundering and deception.” — The Spectator