HERITAGE
The American War in Afghanistan: A History
By Carter Malkasian · 576 pages
Why this title matters
Carter Malkasian's comprehensive history of the 20-year conflict, written by a former State Department adviser who served there. He balances military operations, diplomatic failures, and Afghan perspectives with rare clarity — explaining both why the effort was made and why, despite enormous sacrifice, it fell short.
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Reading category: HERITAGE
Campaigns, personalities, and turning points that sharpen perspective on where the Corps came from and how Marines have adapted in every era.