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Fifty-Year Battle Was Never Going to Be Won

Federico García Lorca

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Published in Man V Computer: A Fifty Year Battle I Was Never Going To Win

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Man v Computer: A fifty-year battle I was never going to win

by Richard Guise

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	109 pages

A New Book Reveals the Inside Story of America's Longest War

When the United States invaded Afghanistan in 2001, it was with the hope of quickly toppling the Taliban regime and establishing a stable, democratic government. But as the years turned into decades, it became clear that this was a war that America was never going to win.

In his new book, "Fifty-Year Battle Was Never Going to Be Won," award-winning journalist Dexter Filkins tells the inside story of America's longest war. Based on exclusive interviews with key players, including former presidents, generals, and diplomats, Filkins provides a gripping account of the war's origins, its prosecution, and its ultimate failure.

Filkins argues that the war in Afghanistan was doomed from the start. The United States had no clear understanding of the country's history, culture, or politics. And the Taliban, a deeply rooted insurgent group, was far more resilient than American policymakers had anticipated.

As the war dragged on, the United States made a series of missteps that only served to strengthen the Taliban. The Bush administration's decision to invade Iraq in 2003 diverted resources and attention away from Afghanistan. The Obama administration's troop surge in 2009 failed to achieve its objectives. And the Trump administration's withdrawal agreement with the Taliban in 2020 paved the way for the group's return to power.

The war in Afghanistan ended in a humiliating defeat for the United States. The Taliban quickly overran the country, and the Afghan government collapsed. Thousands of American troops were killed or wounded. And billions of dollars were wasted.

Filkins' book is a powerful indictment of America's war in Afghanistan. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand one of the most important events of our time.

Praise for "Fifty-Year Battle Was Never Going to Be Won"

"A brilliant and devastating account of America's longest war. Filkins has written the definitive book on Afghanistan."—Bob Woodward, author of "Rage"

"A must-read for anyone who wants to understand the war in Afghanistan. Filkins provides a clear-eyed and unflinching look at one of the most important events of our time."—Fareed Zakaria, author of "The Post-American World"

"A powerful and important book. Filkins has done a great service by telling the inside story of America's war in Afghanistan."—David Ignatius, author of "The Director"

About the Author

Dexter Filkins is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who has reported from around the world. He is the author of several books, including "The Forever War" and "The Age of Illusions." He is currently a staff writer for The New Yorker.