On My Watch: A Memoir by Robert Gates - An Unforgettable Journey into the Heart of Power

On My Watch: A Memoir

by Virginia Buckingham

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2310 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	305 pages

FREE

Robert Gates' memoir, On My Watch, is a gripping and insightful account of his time as Secretary of Defense during the Bush and Obama administrations. Gates provides a unique perspective on some of the most consequential events of our time, including the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the financial crisis, and the rise of ISIS.

Gates is a gifted storyteller, and his memoir is full of vivid anecdotes and candid assessments of the people and events he encountered. He is not afraid to criticize those he worked with, including President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama. But he also gives credit where it is due, and he pays tribute to the many brave men and women who served under his command.

On My Watch is a must-read for anyone interested in American politics and foreign policy. It is a valuable contribution to our understanding of one of the most turbulent periods in recent history.

The Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan

Gates served as Secretary of Defense during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He provides a firsthand account of the decision-making that led to these wars, and he offers a candid assessment of their progress and setbacks.

Gates is critical of the Bush administration's decision to invade Iraq in 2003. He argues that the administration did not adequately prepare for the aftermath of the invasion, and that its decision to disband the Iraqi army created a power vacuum that allowed sectarian violence to flourish.

Gates is more positive about the Obama administration's handling of the war in Afghanistan. He credits the administration with increasing troop levels and giving the Afghan government more responsibility for its own security. However, he also acknowledges that the war in Afghanistan was a difficult and costly undertaking, and that the United States did not achieve all of its goals.

The Financial Crisis

Gates also served as Secretary of Defense during the financial crisis of 2008. He provides a firsthand account of the government's response to the crisis, and he offers his own insights into the causes and consequences of the crisis.

Gates is critical of the Bush administration's handling of the financial crisis. He argues that the administration did not adequately regulate the financial industry, and that its decision to bail out the banks created a moral hazard that contributed to the crisis.

Gates is more positive about the Obama administration's handling of the financial crisis. He credits the administration with taking steps to stabilize the financial system and prevent a second Great Depression.

The Rise of ISIS

Gates served as Secretary of Defense during the rise of ISIS. He provides a firsthand account of the government's response to ISIS, and he offers his own insights into the causes and consequences of the group's rise.

Gates is critical of the Obama administration's handling of ISIS. He argues that the administration did not take the threat of ISIS seriously enough, and that its decision to withdraw troops from Iraq in 2011 created a vacuum that allowed ISIS to flourish.

Gates is more positive about the Trump administration's handling of ISIS. He credits the administration with taking steps to defeat ISIS and prevent its spread.

Robert Gates' memoir, On My Watch, is a must-read for anyone interested in American politics and foreign policy. It is a valuable contribution to our understanding of one of the most turbulent periods in recent history.

Gates is a gifted storyteller, and his memoir is full of vivid anecdotes and candid assessments of the people and events he encountered. He is not afraid to criticize those he worked with, including President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama. But he also gives credit where it is due, and he pays tribute to the many brave men and women who served under his command.

On My Watch is a powerful and important book. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the world we live in today.

On My Watch: A Memoir

by Virginia Buckingham

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2310 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	305 pages

FREE