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Book Review: Bush at War by Bob Woodward Copyright 2002
Review by Steve Fritsch
In perhaps the best book available on how President George W. Bush manages his administration, Bush at War by Bob Woodward is one must-read book for anyone who wants to get a better understanding of a very controversial and polarizing figure.
The book begins in the early hours of September 11, 2001 and spans the time up until October 11, 2002, when Congress decided to give Bush the authority to attack Iraq unilaterally. Woodward, the assistant managing editor for The Washington Post, was given extraordinary access to the president and his administration. In addition, Woodward also had extensive interviews with the C.I.A. and the F.B.I. By putting it all together, Woodward creates yet another masterpiece of investigation and reporting (see All the President's Men, Shadow, and Veil, among others).
The single biggest point that Bush at War proves is that Bush is indeed in charge of his administration and the war effort. For all the laughs people receive by accusing Vice-President Dick Cheney and others being the driver behind the president's policies, Woodward shows that, in the end and after careful consideration of many points of view, George W. Bush is leading the battle against radical Islamic terrorism.
There are numerous examples in the book that clearly show Bush being in charge, and sometimes even detailing a very upset president at his administration for their lack of timely results and answers. One of the more glaring scenarios throughout the book involves the difficulties of bringing allies on board for an invasion of Afghanistan. Though many world leaders gave vocal support to the U.S. after the terror attacks of 9-11, granting the U.S. military access to its air space and territory was an entirely different story.
However, what makes Bush at War the truly readable book it is happens to be Woodward's ability to put the reader right in the heart of administration meetings on how to deal with the post-9-11 world. Woodward makes you feel like you are standing right next to Cheney and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld as they debate Secretary of State Colin Powell over logistics and planning; or how it would feel to watch National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice trying to handle President Bush's impatience with beginning action against al Qaeda.
So whether you are a Bush fan or critic, Bush at War is a must-read for anyone who wants to gain a fair and independent look at the beginning of the War on Terror and the leaders who prepared the nation for it.