The Mirror Test: America at War in Iraq and Afghanistan

Fact#1: I am not a US Citizen neither am I Afghan or Iraqui Fact#2: I live and always lived in Central America Fact#3: Im not a big non fiction reader Why those facts? I put them here because If one of those were the contraire I would be a logical and potential reader of «The Mirror Test». As it is not the case, I have to say marvelous situations brought me to this book, so I bought an e-copy from Amazon and started it. J. Kael Weston wrote a marvelous book, the book is divided in three big sections and a epilogue: 1. «The Wrong War» 2. «The Right War» 3. «Home» Epilogue. «After War» I have to say the first two sections are my favorite, both are so vivid that when you read them is hard to believe you are reading non-fiction; You are there and you can't stop turning pages and get surprised about what you are reading- J.K. Weston is a person of a great personality and deep thinking, a humanitarian, that you can tell from his decisions and opinions through the book; My reason to mention this is because one of the main reasons I get motivated to read non-fiction once in a while is that I always look forward to the learning experience, a conversation with a great mind, this author doesn't dissapoint you in that sense, you learn a lot. I have to mention: «Home» was my least favorite section, maybe is because it was afar from the wars and the unknown (the adventure, the danger), however that doesn't mean it is bad. As I like jogging I can relate it with that moment after a long run when you walk to relax, you still have the adrenaline, but is time for a reflexion, the real Mirror Test for America with his big population, big and small graveyards, shopping malls, museums and cities. Were this a fiction book I'd probably give 4.4 stars to it (a very honest rating), however I personally think it requires a lot of courage to write about the things he wrote about in this book. This is an important book, and even if it was not written to talk about my country or a war where my country is fighting. I believe is a must read for anyone who has a bit of conscience for this world.

Powerful. I've read a lot (100+) of military history/political intrigue books and this is right up at the top of the list. I consider it a must read. The experiences conveyed by the author are sobering and many times hard to get through. In a day with so many rah-rah shoot'm up books, with very little focus on the personal sacrifices of war. This book is a refreshing, as it is a deeply personal look at how war affects people at all levels of involvement, from the most powerful Presidents, Politicians, Generals, Diplomats, to the Grunts tasked with carrying out the will of the nation. I really respect that this book shows us what happens to the other side when the might of the US Military is unleashed. It gives voice to those who never have a platform from which to speak. For example, the views of a young boy left to watch-over his grandfather, who refused to leave his ancestral home in Fallujah, and was killed (collateral damage) as a result. No blame on the US or condemnation from the boy just the realization that War is ugly and his only request, that his grandfather be given a proper burial. The rational side of me says, he was told to leave and he should have. But I can't help feel for the boy and what toll the war had on him and his family. The book really got me to think and ask questions of myself. Would I leave my home if a foreign power told me to do so? Would I be willing to give my life to better my community (like many of the Fallujah city council and those in Afghanistan were willing to do)... This book covers more ground and has more depth than any I've read to date concerning the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is truly a heart wrenching first hand look at the affects of war; the death and destruction, the aftermath and most importantly, what comes after the guns are silenced and people return to rebuild their lives, both here in America and in the Middle East. This will be a book I will have my sons read when they are old enough to understand true sacrifice and War (sometimes necessary and often times not).

Kael Weston provides a unique and complete viewpoint of our wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. A viewpoint that blends many different and necessary perspectives for all citizens to understand. If it is the military’s duty to protect our great Nation, then it should be a civilian’s duty to read and understand war – in all of its brutality and tragedy, as well as those moments of great compassion and the most honorable and desirable traits humanity can possess. Kael’s book brings that to the reader – the costs, the victories, and tragedies on both sides of the conflict – from a political perspective, a civilian’s perspective, as well as a Service member’s perspective. Reading this book will enhance your life and provide clarity to the “30 second sound-bytes” of infotainment that shaped so many ill-informed opinions about Iraq and Afghanistan. Take the journey with Kael – and you will better understand the world we are storming into – and quite possibly, make a more informed argument with the case for/against military action in the future. As a fellow citizen, we owe this to the men and women who pay the price for our freedom. As a veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan, we deserve the attention and understanding of all citizens to this most important undertaking of the State.

I don't have a lot of time to sit and read, but this book kept me interested and informed. Not sure I agree with everything that was commented on but that's alright. promotes some good conversation. Will recommend.

Not your usual war memoir. This is a deeply thoughtful journey of the US war in Afghantistan and Iraq. Very highly recommended.