From Hue to Mosul, the mechanics of fighting in cities remain much the same.
A few weeks ago, the Atlantic Monthly Press released Mark Bowden’s excellent book, Hue 1968, A Turning Point of the American War in Vietnam. As he did previously in Black Hawk Down, Bowden brings the reader down the deadly streets of a savage urban battle, meticulously describing the action from the points of view the participants. Currently, the roughly yearlong battle for the Iraqi city of Mosul is drawing to a close. Although a half century separates these two classic battles, the similarities in urban combat far outweigh differences. Why is this so and what does it portend for the future?
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WNU Editor: If this book is written in the same format as Black Hawk Down .... it is going to be a must read. And as for today's urban warfare .... technology has assisted the U.S. in keeping military casualties down .... but for the opposite side and the civilians caught in the crossfire .... as we have seen in Syria and Iraq .... it is still a disaster.
By coincidence I'm reading this book now. So far so good. Bowden has the benefit of hindsight to set the stage for this battle and bring us back to that time.
ReplyDeleteI was in Saigon a few years ago and stayed at the Caravel. I recommend Vietnam as a great vacation destination. You will hear a remarkable amount of Spanish, French, and English of course. My take away is I had to remember we lost the war. Everyone was so nice.