One sentence summary:
Bob Woodward’s book ‘Plan of Attack’ provides a detailed account of the decision-making and planning process that led to the United States’ invasion of Iraq in 2003.
Book genre:
Non-fiction, political journalism
Main topic of the book:
The planning and execution of the Iraq War by the administration of President George W. Bush.
Key ideas:
- The book reveals the internal debates and discussions within the Bush administration leading up to the invasion of Iraq.
- Woodward presents a detailed account of the decision-making process, including the various arguments and opinions from key figures such as President Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, Secretary of State Colin Powell, and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld.
- The book also delves into the intelligence gathering and analysis that was used to justify the invasion, as well as the consequences and aftermath of the war.
Main parts of the book and a short summary:
- Part I – Prelude: This section sets the context for the decision to invade Iraq, including the events of 9/11 and the Bush administration’s focus on regime change in Iraq.
- Part II – Waiting for the Word: Here, the book covers the debates and discussions within the administration leading up to the decision to invade Iraq. It also includes the infamous meeting between President Bush and CIA Director George Tenet where Tenet assured Bush about the presence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.
- Part III – Going to War: This part focuses on the preparations for the invasion, including the military strategy, public relations, and the diplomatic efforts to garner international support.
- Part IV – War: The actual invasion of Iraq and the initial stages of the war are covered in this section, including the failure to find weapons of mass destruction and the difficulties in stabilizing the country.
- Part V – Wake and Fallout: The final part of the book documents the consequences and legacy of the war, including the continued violence and turmoil in Iraq and the impact on the United States’ reputation and credibility.
Key takeaways:
- The decision to invade Iraq was highly divisive and involved intense debate and discussion within the Bush administration.
- The intelligence used to justify the invasion was flawed and incorrect, leading to the failure to find weapons of mass destruction.
- The war resulted in significant consequences and consequences, both for Iraq and the United States.
Author’s background and qualifications:
Bob Woodward is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who gained prominence for his reporting on the Watergate scandal in the 1970s. He has written numerous books on American presidents, including three on the Bush administration. He is known for his in-depth and investigative reporting and has been praised for his extensive research and use of sources.
Target audience:
The target audience for this book is primarily adults interested in politics, history, and current affairs. It may also appeal to readers interested in the decision-making process and dynamics within the U.S. government.
Publisher and first publication date:
Published in 2004 by Simon & Schuster.