War by Bob Woodward

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Another book by Woodward, and like most of the prior Woodward books I could not resist. It was a quick, enjoyable read. As always Woodward managed to extract some information/quotes that created some pre-publication buzz around the book. Nobody is better at that than Bob Woodward. He had his usual access to all the top policy makers and with that access authored a pretty good book on the foreign policy challenges that the Biden Administration has faced in the Middle East, and with the Ukraine-Russia war.

I would characterize Woodward as coming from the traditionalist school of U.S. foreign policy, believing in NATO and a larger role for the U.S. in maintaining stability in the world. The book gives us a great look at the run-up to the Russian invasion, and the great work by the U.S. intel agencies in discerning, and then publicizing the Russian intent to invade. The Biden Administration interactions with Putin pre-invasion are highlighted, and for me were some of the best parts of the book.

The conflict in the Middle East, precipitated by the brutal attack by Hamas on Israel, and the Biden Administration response to the tough Israeli military action, is also very well covered. The personal dynamic between President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is fascinating, and Woodward digs in there. These two have a long and complicated history together. Biden had a difficult hand to play, trying to walk a line that protected Israel and defended the Israeli right to defend itself, but also tried to limit the damage to Palestinians living in Gaza. Biden’s cease-fire efforts, which continue to this day, have failed not because of a lack of effort or smarts but because the principal combatants did not, and do not, desire one. Not even Kissinger would be able to separate combatants that wish to continue fighting.

As I mentioned above Woodward, to me, is a foreign policy traditionalist. While he is relating the actions of the participants he ultimately expresses the view that the Biden Administration has handled the multiple foreign policy challenges very well. There were many items in the book that could be highlighted, but I chose one that shows Woodward’s strong grasp of history and brings forward some of the challenges involved with Germany and NATO. It has often been pointed out that Germany tends to be a laggard when it comes to required defense spending under NATO guidelines. With the U.S. urging the Germans to provide Ukraine the Leopard II tank the Germans resisted.

“But the Chancellor is not enthusiastic,’ she said. ‘He said in one of our meetings, ‘Can you imagine the images of German tanks sweeping over Europe? How are people going to react to that?’”

Woodward, Bob “War” pg. 147

There are many, beyond the Russians, that prefer that the Germans not rearm. Ultimately Biden was able to get the Germans to provide the Leopard, but it took a bit of skill and a deal. The larger issue of Germany remilitarizing is a story for another day.

If you have been an avid newspaper reader some of the book may be familiar, but Woodward always get below the surface. I do recommend the book, and I wonder who will be doing these types of books when Woodward stops.


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