The fundamental distinctions between the approach in Option 2 and 2A are the narrower mission and the express tighter timeline in which to show progress and transfer responsibility.

International and Afghan contributions In effect, this approach provides General McChrystal more troops earlier than his recommended option.

In 2010, the Afghan army intends to reinforce its units in the capital, south and east region with 44 infantry companies above 4,400.

Assessment criteria The NSC will monitor progress on a monthly basis.

Afghan governance: Has Karzai made progress enacting the compact and fulfilling our specific requests in the private message? Specifically has he made merit-based appointments in the ministries, provinces and districts that are most critical to our mission?

Have we demonstrated that we can assist the Afghans in promoting effective sub-national governance based on our civil/military campaign plan despite the limits of the national government? Specifically, have we and the Afghans generated sufficient civilian capacity to partner with our military forces in the hold, build, transfer phases? And are these resources beginning to take effect?

Has the Afghan government begun to implement an effective reintegration/reconciliation program?

Pakistan: Are there indicators that we have begun to shift Pakistan's strategic calculus and eventually end their active and passive support for extremists?

Has Pakistan approved our specific request for assistance against al Qaeda and other extremists, including the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani network?

ANSF development: Are we meeting our program for accelerated ANSF growth while improving quality? Is the 2010 program to reinforce the ANA by 44 companies on track?

Have we established with the government of Afghanistan a program to transfer security responsibility from ISAF to ANSF province by province?

International support: Have international partners demonstrated substantial support for the mission in Afghanistan? Specifically has NATO sustained current commitments and generated for 2010 additional troops and trainers (about 5,000 troops) and funded sufficiently the various trust funds? Have international partners contributed substantial additional civilian resources?

Do we have in place a civilian counterpart to General McChrystal responsible for coordinating the ISAF assistance effort?

Of these four conditions, the one on which we could objectively expect to show best progress in the next several months is in building international support. To line up immediate support (by the December 3/4 NATO foreign ministerial meeting), principals have been engaging their counterparts. The president has spoken to Berlusconi and is scheduled to speak to key allied leaders including Brown, Sarkozy and Merkel in advance of his speech. Leaders must make decisions to stand with the president at this crucial time and only they can make the call on committing additional troops. At a minimum, we expect a strong political statement in support of the president's decision at the ministerial.

Cost The total cost for this option in Afghanistan is about $113 billion per year for those years in which we sustain nearly 100,000 troops in Afghanistan. Major annual cost factors include: $100 billion for military operations and maintenance; up to $8 billion for the ANSF, depending on annual targets and allied contributions; $5.2 billion for civilian operations and assistance.

CHAPTER NOTES CHAPTER ONE The information in this chapter comes primarily from background interviews with seven firsthand sources.

1 On Thursday, November 6, 2008 On Thursday, November 6, 2008: American Morning American Morning, CNN, November 6, 2008, http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS.3 In September 2006, Pakistan In September 2006, Pakistan: "Government, Militants 'Ink' NWA Peace Pact," The Nation The Nation (Pakistan), September 2, 2006. (Pakistan), September 2, 2006.4 Although classified, the program Although classified, the program: Candace Rondeaux, "U.S. Airstrikes Creating Tension, Pakistan Warns," The Washington Post The Washington Post, November 4, 2008, p. A10.5 Fifty-eight people were killed Fifty-eight people were killed: Abdul Waheed Wafa and Alan Cowell, "Bomber Strikes Afghan Capital; At Least 41 Die," The New York Times The New York Times, July 8, 2008, p. A1.8 But in that part of the world But in that part of the world: Ron Moreau and Mark Hosenball, "Pakistan's Dangerous Double Game," Newsweek Newsweek, September 22, 2008, p. 44.8 McConnell said a second McConnell said a second: Pamela Hess and Matthew Lee, "US officials: Yemen Poses Growing Terror Threat," Associated Press Online, September 17, 2008.9 The Chinese had hacked into The Chinese had hacked into: Evan Thomas, "Center Stage; Obama's Aides Worried the Clintons Might Steal the Show," Newsweek Newsweek, November 17, 2008, p. 87.11 In an Oval Office interview In an Oval Office interview: Interview with President Barack H. Obama, July 10, 2010.

CHAPTER TWO The information in this chapter comes primarily from background interviews with fifteen firsthand sources.

14 Despite his misgivings Despite his misgivings: Anne E. Kornblut and Karen DeYoung, "Emanuel to Be Chief of Staff," The Washington Post The Washington Post, November 7, 2008, p. A1.14 Only months earlier, candidate Obama Only months earlier, candidate Obama: Interview with President Barack H. Obama, July 10, 2010.15 Petraeus had almost redefined Petraeus had almost redefined: The Counterinsurgency Field Manual Counterinsurgency Field Manual put together by Petraeus noted the differences from conventional warfare in a section starting on page 47 called "Paradoxes of Counterinsurgency": put together by Petraeus noted the differences from conventional warfare in a section starting on page 47 called "Paradoxes of Counterinsurgency":Sometimes, the more you protect your force, the less secure you may be.Sometimes, the more force is used, the less effective it is.The more successful the counterinsurgency is, the less force can be used and the more risk must be accepted.Sometimes doing nothing is the best reaction.Some of the best weapons for counterinsurgents do not shoot.The host nation doing something tolerably is normally better than us doing it well.If a tactic works this week, it might not work next week; if it works in this province, it might not work in the next.Tactical success guarantees nothing.Many important decisions are not made by generals.15 When his 92-year-old father died When his 92-year-old father died: Lisa DePaulo, "Leader of the Year: Right Man, Right Time," GQ GQ, December 2008.16 The evening before The evening before: David Ignatius, "20 Months in Baghdad," The Washington Post The Washington Post, September 17, 2008, p. A19.16 "The darkness has receded" "The darkness has receded": Robert Gates, "Multi-National Force-Iraq Change of Command (Iraq)," September 16, 2008, http://www.defense.gov/speeches.16 Gates again showed up Gates again showed up: Robert Gates, "U.S. Central Command Change-of-Command Ceremony (Tampa, FL)," October 31, 2008, http://www.defense.gov/speeches.16 Petraeus was the recipient Petraeus was the recipient: Les Carpenter, "NFL Orders Retreat from War Metaphors," The Washington Post The Washington Post, February 1, 2009, p. D1.17 A popular war hero A popular war hero: Steve Coll, "The General's Dilemma," The New Yorker The New Yorker, September 8, 2008, http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/ 2008/09/08/080908fa_fact_coll.17 On Monday, November 10, Obama On Monday, November 10, Obama: Sheryl Gay Stolberg, "As the Handoff Begins, a Visit Both Historic and Perhaps Awkward," The New York Times The New York Times, November 10, 2008, p. A16; Dan Eggen and Michael D. Shear, "Obamas Make Symbolic Visit to Future Home: White House," The Washington Post The Washington Post, November 11, 2008, p. A4.18 Later on November 10: Anderson Cooper 360 Later on November 10: Anderson Cooper 360, CNN, November 10, 2008, http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS.19 In his 1996 memoir In his 1996 memoir: Robert M. Gates, From the Shadows From the Shadows (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1996), p. 419. (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1996), p. 419.20 When he had talked about the problem When he had talked about the problem: Defense Department transcript, Secretary Gates Interview with Tavis Smiley, March 11, 2009, http://www.defense.gov/transcripts; Robert Gates, Remarks at the Army War College, Carlisle, PA, April 16, 2009; Robert Gates, U.S. Military Academy Commencement, May 23, 2009, http://www.defense.gov/speeches.21 Gates read one of several Gates read one of several: Peter Eisler, Blake Morrison and Tom Vanden Brook, "Pentagon Balked at Pleas from Officers in Field for Safer Vehicles," USA Today USA Today, July 16, 2007, p. 1A; Tom Vanden Brook and Peter Eisler, "Letter: Add-on Armor Too Heavy for New Vehicles," USA Today USA Today, July 17, 2007, p. 5A; Tom Vanden Brook and Peter Eisler, "Military Says Troops in Iraq to Get 3,500 Safer MRAP Vehicles," USA Today USA Today, July 19, 2007, p. 10A; Peter Eisler, "The Vehicle the Pentagon Wants and a Small S.C. Company's Rush to Make It," USA Today USA Today, August 2, 2007, p. 1A; Blake Morrison, Tom Vanden Brook and Peter Eisler, "When the Pentagon Failed to Buy Enough Body Armor, Electronic Jammers and Hardened Vehicles to Protect U.S. Troops from Roadside Bombs in Iraq, Congress Stepped In," USA Today USA Today, September 4, 2007, p. 1A.22 As one of his first actions As one of his first actions: Emelie Rutherford, "Defense Secretary Approves 'DX' Rating for MRAP Vehicle Program," Inside the Pentagon Inside the Pentagon, June 7, 2007, Vol. 23, No. 23.22 Gates ordered crash production Gates ordered crash production: By July 2009, all 16,000 had been built. MRAPs do protect soldiers, but they do not completely overcome the problem of IEDs.23 Obama told me that from his time Obama told me that from his time: Interview with President Barack H. Obama, July 10, 2010.23 Later, Obama recalled for me Later, Obama recalled for me: Ibid.24 At a later press conference At a later press conference: Robert Gates, media roundtable from the Pentagon briefing room, Arlington, VA, December 2, 2008, http://www.defense.gov/transcripts.

CHAPTER THREE The information in this chapter comes primarily from background interviews with eight firsthand sources.

27 A 1987 A 1987 Chicago Magazine Chicago Magazine profile profile: Grant Pick, "Hatchet Man: The Rise of David Axelrod," Chicago Chicago, December 1987, http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/December-1987/Hatchet-Man-The-Rise-of-David-Axelrod/.27 After a February rally After a February rally: Perry Bacon, Jr., and Alec MacGillis, "Clinton Takes Strong Exception to Tactics of Obama Campaign," The Washington Post The Washington Post, February 24, 2008, p. A11.28 She flew to Chicago She flew to Chicago: Abdon M. Pallasch, "Hillary in Mystery Motorcade?" Chicago Sun Times Chicago Sun Times, November 14, 2008, p. 3.29 It had offended him It had offended him: Darryl Fears, "Black America Feels the Sting of Ex-President's Comments," The Washington Post The Washington Post, January 25, 2008, p. A8.29 The former president went public The former president went public: Peter Baker and Helene Cooper, "Bill Clinton Said to Accept Terms of Obama Team," The New York Times The New York Times, November 20, 2008, p. A1.30 During the course of this courtship During the course of this courtship: John Heilemann and Mark Halperin, Game Change Game Change (New York: HarperCollins, 2010). (New York: HarperCollins, 2010).33 In one of the presidential debates In one of the presidential debates: CNN transcript of the first presidential debate, September 26, 2008, http://www.cnn.com/2008/.POLITICS/09 /26/debate.mississippi.transcript/.33 Accompanied by a single aide Accompanied by a single aide: Barbara Starr, "Emerging Players in Obama's National Security Team," CNN.com, November 24, 2008, http://www.cnn.com.34 Mullen had testified Mullen had testified: Ann Scott Tyson, "Pentagon Critical of NATO Allies," The Washington Post The Washington Post, December 12, 2007, p. A1.35 Obama later said Obama later said: Interview with President Barack H. Obama, July 10, 2010.

CHAPTER FOUR The information in this chapter comes primarily from background interviews with nine firsthand sources.

36 Jones had expressed distaste Jones had expressed distaste: Bob Woodward, State of Denial State of Denial (New York: Simon & Schuster, 2006), p. 404. (New York: Simon & Schuster, 2006), p. 404.39 In retirement, he was heading In retirement, he was heading: Executive Branch Personnel Public Financial Disclosure Report, James L. Jones, January 17, 2009, http://s3.amazonaws.com/propublica/assets/ financial_disclosures/Jones_James_278.pdf.41 His favorite military book His favorite military book: The Charlie Rose Show The Charlie Rose Show, "A Conversation with Major General Douglas Lute," January 23, 2006, http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/573.43 "We're not losing, but we're not winning" "We're not losing, but we're not winning": Report described to the author by two knowledgeable sources.45 The gunmen created a spectacle The gunmen created a spectacle: Rama Lakshmi, "Dozens Die in Mumbai Attacks," The Washington Post The Washington Post, November 27, 2008, p. A1; Somini Sengupta, "Terror Attacks Kill Scores in India," The New York Times The New York Times, November 27, 2008, p. A1.45 In his nationally televised address In his nationally televised address: Presidential Documents, September 11, 2001, pp. 13011302 (Vol. 37, No. 37), http://www.gpoaccess.gov/wcomp/v37no37.html.45 Bush was extremely proud Bush was extremely proud: Interview with President George W. Bush, December 20, 2001.47 The ease of the planning The ease of the planning: Based on notes and background interviews with several knowledgeable sources. See also "Expert: Open Internet Best Terrorist Asset," New Straits Times New Straits Times (Malaysia), November 12, 2009, p. 13; Jeremy Kahn, "Terrorists Used Technology in Planning and Execution," (Malaysia), November 12, 2009, p. 13; Jeremy Kahn, "Terrorists Used Technology in Planning and Execution," The New York Times The New York Times, December 9, 2008, p. A14.

CHAPTER FIVE The information in this chapter comes primarily from background interviews with nine firsthand sources.

48 The memorial service The memorial service: Jacques Steinberg, "At Funeral, Russert's Son Sounds a Theme of Unity," The New York Times The New York Times, June 19, 2008, p. B7.50 That meeting was finally arranged That meeting was finally arranged: Sara A. Carter, "Obama Huddles with CIA Director on Security," The Washington Times The Washington Times, December 13, 2008, p. A5.50 As Richard Helms, the CIA director As Richard Helms, the CIA director: Bob Woodward, Veil: The Secret Wars of the CIA, 19811987 Veil: The Secret Wars of the CIA, 19811987 (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1987), p. 25. (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1987), p. 25.51 "They just arrested the governor" "They just arrested the governor": Carrie Johnson, "FBI Says Illinois Governor Tried to Sell Senate Seat," The Washington Post The Washington Post, December 10, 2008, p. A1.55 There had been 13, Hayden said There had been 13, Hayden said:The 13 former interrogation techniques, some of which are still current, are:1. Dietary manipulation. Reduce food intake to as little as 1,000 kcal/day, limiting detainees to a bottle of the diet drink Ensure.2. Nudity in rooms at least 68 degrees F. It was permissible to exploit a detainee's fear of being seen naked, including when women interrogators are used.3. Attention grasp. The grabbing of a shirt collar in a quick and controlled motion to pull the detainee forward.4. Walling. Ramming a detainee into a flexible, false wall up to 20 or 30 times.5. Facial hold. The interrogator using both palms to hold the detainee's face.6. Facial slap or insult slap. A slap to the lower part of face between the chin and earlobe.7. Abdominal slap. A slap with the back of an open hand, not a fist, to the area between the navel and sternum.8. Cramped confinement. Usually dark. For no more than eight hours at a time, or 18 hours a day. In very small spaces, no more than two hours. Harmless insects could be placed in the space to frighten the detainee, but this technique had not been used.9. Wall standing. Have the detainee stand several feet away from the wall, arms out with fingers touching the wall. The detainee is not permitted to move, inducing temporary muscle fatigue.10. Three stress positions: 1. Sitting on the floor with legs extended straight and arms raised; 2. Kneeling on the floor while at a 45-degree angle; and 3. With wrists handcuffed in the front or back, the detainee is placed three feet from the wall and only able to lean his head against the wall. As with wall standing, these postures induce temporary muscle fatigue.11. Water dousing. Cold water is poured or sprayed on a detainee. The maximum time a detainee can be soaked in water is two thirds of the time at which hypothermia could set in.12. Sleep deprivation for more than 48 hours. The detainee is standing, his hands are handcuffed and chained to the ceiling, his feet shackled to the floor. The hands are kept between heart and chin. He can only raise his hands above his head for two hours. The detainee cannot support his weight by hanging from the ceiling, though he can also be shackled to a small stool. The detainee may be naked and wearing a diaper. The diaper is for sanitary purposes and "not used for the purpose of humiliating the detainee." Maximum permissible period is 180 hours, or more than one week. Then eight hours of uninterrupted sleep are required.13. Waterboarding. The detainee is strapped to a board and his feet elevated. A cloth is placed over the detainee's face, and water is poured over the cloth for no more than 40 seconds. This is not physically painful, but "it usually does cause fear and panic," creating the sensation of drowning. Waterboarding can only be used if there is credible intelligence that a terrorist attack is imminent and the detainee might possess actionable intelligence that could stop the attack. A detainee could only be subjected to two distinct two-hour waterboarding sessions a day for no more than five days, with a maximum of 12 minutes of waterboarding in a 24-hour period. (Khalid Sheik Mohammed, the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks, was waterboarded 183 times.)56 Later as president Later as president: Executive Order 13491-Ensuring Lawful Interrogations, signed January 22, 2009, by President Barack H. Obama, http://www.gpoaccess.gov/presdocs/ 2009/DCPD200900007.htm.56 When I asked the president When I asked the president: Interview with President Barack H. Obama, July 10, 2010.56 The 2004 reform law The 2004 reform law: "Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004," December 17, 2004, http://www.nctc.gov/docs/pl108_458.pdf.58 "Before the election" "Before the election": Speech by Dennis Blair at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, July 22, 2009, BNET, http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi _8167/is_20090722/ai_n50901376/.60 "Number three, I've read some" "Number three, I've read some": Leon E. Panetta, "No Torture. No Exceptions," The Washington Monthly The Washington Monthly, January/February/March 2008, p. 40, http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/ features/2008/0801.torture.pdf; Leon E. Panetta, "Americans Reject Fear Tactics," Monterey County Herald Monterey County Herald, March 9, 2008.60 The Justice Department had approved The Justice Department had approved: The text of the Justice Department memos on interrogation techniques may be accessed at: http://documents.nytimes.com/justice-department-memos-on-interrogation-techniques.

CHAPTER SIX The information in this chapter comes primarily from background interviews with six firsthand sources.

62 On Friday, January 9 On Friday, January 9: Pamela Constable, "Bomb Kills 3 U.S. Soldiers in Afghanistan," The Washington Post The Washington Post, January 10, 2009, p. A10.65 After 9/11, CIA and U.S. Special Forces After 9/11, CIA and U.S. Special Forces: In his 2007 memoir, At the Center of the Storm At the Center of the Storm, former CIA Director George Tenet told how Karzai's life was rescued at the end of 2001 when he became the leader of Afghanistan (pp.219220).65 Ahmed Wali had been on Ahmed Wali had been on: Dexter Filkins, Mark Mazzetti and James Risen, "Brother of Afghan Leader Said to Be Paid by C.I.A.," The New York Times The New York Times, October 28, 2009, p. A1.70 Biden threw down his napkin Biden threw down his napkin: Dexter Filkins, "Afghan Leader Finds Himself Hero No More," The New York Times The New York Times, February 8, 2009, p. A1.72 Floated in the media that day Floated in the media that day: "Obama to Dems: Give Me the Money," The Situation Room The Situation Room, CNN transcript, January 13, 2009; Farah Stockman, "Bill Clinton's Policies May Echo at Hearing," The Boston Globe The Boston Globe, January 13, 2009, p. A1; "No Stumbling Block Expected at Clinton Hearing," Morning Edition Morning Edition, NPR, January 13, 2009.73 As Obama, Biden and Graham As Obama, Biden and Graham: "Remarks by President-Elect Obama and Vice PresidentElect Joe Biden," Federal News Service, January 14, 2009.

CHAPTER SEVEN The information in this chapter comes primarily from background interviews with seven firsthand sources.

74 "Mr. President, I was on television" "Mr. President, I was on television": Axelrod appeared on Fox News, NBC's Today Today and CBS's and CBS's Early Show Early Show.74 Credible intelligence showed Credible intelligence showed: Peter Baker, "Inside Obama's War on Terrorism," The New York Times on the Web The New York Times on the Web, Magazine Preview, January 5, 2010, http://www.nytimes.com.75 In his address, Obama devoted In his address, Obama devoted: Daily Compilation of Presidential Documents, January 20, 2009, Inaugural Address, http://www.gpoaccess.gov/presdocs/ 2009/DCPD200900001.htm.77 The 54-year-old retired Army colonel The 54-year-old retired Army colonel: See Bob Woodward, The War Within The War Within (New York: Simon & Schuster, 2008). (New York: Simon & Schuster, 2008).

CHAPTER EIGHT The information in this chapter comes primarily from background interviews with six firsthand sources.

82 Known as the father Known as the father: See Bob Woodward, The War Within The War Within (New York: Simon & Schuster), 2008. (New York: Simon & Schuster), 2008.84 Holbrooke's first assignment Holbrooke's first assignment: See George Packer, "The Last Mission," The New Yorker The New Yorker, September 28, 2009, p. 39.85 The gaunt runner The gaunt runner: David Martin, "McChrystal's Frank Talk on Afghanistan," 60 Minutes 60 Minutes, CBS, September 27, 2009.85 When JSOC had killed When JSOC had killed: John F. Burns, "After Long Hunt, U.S. Bombs Kill al Qaeda Leader in Iraq," The New York Times The New York Times, June 9, 2006, p. A1; Sean D. Naylor, "Inside the Zarqawi Takedown," Defense News Defense News, June 12, 2006, p. 1; Joshua Partlow and Michael Abramowitz, "Officials Detail Zarqawi's Last Hour," The Washington Post The Washington Post, June 13, 2006, p. A1.86 While teaching at Boston University While teaching at Boston University: Husain Haqqani, Pakistan: Between Mosque and Military Pakistan: Between Mosque and Military, (Washington, D.C.: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, 2005).87 The Hay-Adams, as advertised The Hay-Adams, as advertised: http://www.hayadams.com.89 Four months earlier, he had published Four months earlier, he had published: Bruce Riedel, The Search for al Qaeda The Search for al Qaeda (Washington D.C.: Brookings Institution Press, 2008), p. 12. (Washington D.C.: Brookings Institution Press, 2008), p. 12.89 He concluded that there was He concluded that there was: Ibid, p. 140.89 He matched the description He matched the description: William Colby, Honorable Men: My Life in the CIA Honorable Men: My Life in the CIA (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1978). (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1978).

CHAPTER NINE The information in this chapter comes primarily from background interviews with seven firsthand sources.

91 Outgoing Director Hayden was watching Outgoing Director Hayden was watching: Federal News Service, Hearing of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Subject: The Nomination of Leon Panetta to Be Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, February 5, 2009.92 But it was another "slam dunk" But it was another "slam dunk": Before the Iraq invasion, then CIA Director George Tenet told President Bush the case for Iraq possessing weapons of mass destruction was a "slam dunk." No WMD were ever found in Iraq after the 2003 invasion.92 The next day, Friday, February 6 The next day, Friday, February 6: Federal News Service, Hearing of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Subject: The Nomination of Leon Panetta to Be Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (Part Two), February 6, 2009.94 Jones went along with the whole draft Jones went along with the whole draft: General David Petraeus, Commander's Remarks at 45th Munich Security Conference, February 8, 2009, http://www.centcom.mil/from-the-commander/commanders-remarks-at-45th-munich-security-conference.97 Obama later said that the worries Obama later said that the worries: Interview with President Barack H. Obama, July 10, 2010.98 The next day the White House The next day the White House: White House press release, Statement on United States Troop Levels in Afghanistan, February 17, 2009, http://www.gpoaccess.gov/presdocs/ 2009/DCPD200900089.htm.98 It was left to the Pentagon It was left to the Pentagon: Defense Department press release, DOD Announces Afghanistan Force Deployment, February 17, 2009, http://www.defense.gov.

CHAPTER TEN The information in this chapter comes primarily from background interviews with seven firsthand sources.

109 Obama put on his jacket Obama put on his jacket: Scott Wilson, "Obama, in Calif., Says He Hopes to Return 'Balance' to Economy," The Washington Post The Washington Post, March 19, 2009, p. A6.

109 Taping Taping The Tonight Show The Tonight Show that afternoon that afternoon: Daily Compilation of Presidential Documents, March 19, 2009, Interview with Jay Leno of The Tonight Show The Tonight Show in Burbank, California, in Burbank, California, http://www.gpoaccess.gov/presdocs/ 2009/DCPD200900173.htm.

109 Later, the president confirmed Later, the president confirmed: Interview with President Barack H. Obama, July 10, 2010.

CHAPTER ELEVEN The information in this chapter comes primarily from background interviews with seventeen firsthand sources.

112 About her conversation with Petraeus About her conversation with Petraeus: Author interview with Helen Thomas, January, 2010.

113 At 9:40 the next morning At 9:40 the next morning: Daily Compilation of Presidential Documents, March 27, 2009, Remarks on United States Military and Diplomatic Strategies for Afghanistan and Pakistan, http://www.gpoaccess.gov/presdocs/ 2009/DCPD-200900196.htm.

113 A A Washington Post Washington Post editorial editorial: "The Price of Realism," The Washington Post The Washington Post, March 29, 2008, p. A12.

113 A A New York Times New York Times editorial editorial: "The Remembered War," The New York Times The New York Times, March 28, 2009, p. A20.

114 Secretary of Defense Gates seemed Secretary of Defense Gates seemed: Secretary Robert Gates Interview with Fox News, FOX News Sunday FOX News Sunday, March 29, 2009, http://www.defense.gov/transcripts.

116 Later Obama told me Later Obama told me: Interview with President Barack H. Obama, July 10, 2010.

119 In late April, Admiral Mullen In late April, Admiral Mullen: Fisnik Abrashi, "Top Pentagon Commander in Afghanistan," AP Worldstream, April 22, 2009; Rajiv Chandrasekaran, "Pentagon Worries Led to Command Change," The Washington Post The Washington Post, August 17, 2009, p. A1.

119 McKiernan had given his word McKiernan had given his word: Author interview with Colonel Julian "Dale" Alford, December 1, 2009.

119 At a Monday, May 11, Pentagon press conference At a Monday, May 11, Pentagon press conference: Press Conference with Secretary Gates and Admiral Mullen on Leadership Changes in Afghanistan, May 11, 2009, http://www.defense.gov/transcripts.

120 On the choice of McChrystal On the choice of McChrystal: Interview with President Barack H. Obama, July 10, 2010.

121 The headline on this item read The headline on this item read: Author's dictated notes of a Top Secret document dated May 26, 2009.

122 On September 19, 2009, agents On September 19, 2009, agents: Al Baker and Karen Zraick, "F.B.I. Searches Colorado Home of Man in Terror Inquiry That Reached Queens," The New York Times The New York Times, September 17, 2009; Anne E. Kornblut, "Obama Team Says Zazi Case Illustrates Balanced Approach to Terror Threat," The Washington Post The Washington Post, October 6, 2009, p. A8.

122 Chicago resident David Coleman Headley Chicago resident David Coleman Headley: David Johnston, "2 in Chicago Held in Plot to Attack in Denmark," The New York Times The New York Times, October 28, 2009, p. A18; Ginger Thompson, "A Terror Suspect with Feet in East and West," The New York Times The New York Times, November 22, 2009, p. A1.

123 When I later asked the president When I later asked the president: Interview with President Barack H. Obama, July 10, 2010.

123 In his prepared remarks In his prepared remarks: Federal News Service, Hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Subject: Nomination of ... Lieutenant General Stanley McChrystal, USA, to be General and Commander, International Security Assistance Force, and Commander, U.S. Forces, Afghanistan, June 2, 2009.

124 As President Obama spoke As President Obama spoke: Scott Wilson, "History ... Has Always Been Up to Us," The Washington Post The Washington Post, June 7, 2009, p. A1.

125 That next Monday, June 8 That next Monday, June 8: News Briefing with Geoff Morrell, June 8, 2009, http://www.defense.gov/transcripts.

CHAPTER TWELVE The information in this chapter comes primarily from background interviews with nine firsthand sources.

127 During an hour-long conversation During an hour-long conversation: Author interview with retired General Jim Jones, June 21, 2009.

128 As I entered the spacious office As I entered the spacious office: Author interview with President Hamid Karzai, June 23, 2009.

129 Goldstein records how Goldstein records how: Gordon M. Goldstein, Lessons in Disaster Lessons in Disaster (New York: Times Books, 2008), p. 97. (New York: Times Books, 2008), p. 97.

130 In the morning, the commander In the morning, the commander: Author conversation with Brigadier General Lawrence Nicholson, retired General Jim Jones and others.

130 Corporal Matthew Lembke Corporal Matthew Lembke: Chris Brummitt, "Stalemate in Afghan Ghost Town Shows Task Ahead," Associated Press Worldstream, July 1, 2009; Julie Sullivan, "Family Keeps Faith, as Marine Would Want," The Oregonian The Oregonian, July 8, 2009.

131 Lembke was airlifted Lembke was airlifted: William Cole, "Marine Dies of Injuries in Afghan Roadside Blast," The Honolulu Advertiser The Honolulu Advertiser, July 11, 2009.

131 The Oregon governor honored The Oregon governor honored: Press release from the office of the governor of Oregon, "Governor Orders Flags at Half-Staff in Memory of Oregon Soldier," July 16, 2009.

131 Lembke was Lembke was: Josh Boak phone conversation with Anna Richter Taylor, press secretary for Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski, July 27, 2010.

131 Five months later Five months later: Richard A. Oppel, Jr., "Marines Lead Offensive to Secure Southern Afghan Town," The New York Times The New York Times, December 5, 2009, p. A9.

131 Later that morning, Nicholson Later that morning, Nicholson: On-the-record briefing attended by the author. See also: Bob Woodward, "Key in Afghanistan: Economy, Not Military," The Washington Post The Washington Post, July 1, 2009, p. A1.

135 In a meeting, the PRT leaders In a meeting, the PRT leaders: Meeting attended by the author.

136 As a first step, he called in As a first step, he called in: Press conference attended by the author.

136 Zardari sat between two photographs Zardari sat between two photographs: Author interview with President Asif Ali Zardari.

139 Zinni thought he had been offered Zinni thought he had been offered: Barbara Slavin, "Zinni Says Iraq Ambassador Job Offer Was Retracted," The Washington Times The Washington Times, February 4, 2009, p. A13; Eric Schmitt and Mark Landler, "General Says Iraq Envoy Job Was Offered, Then Retracted," The New York Times The New York Times, February 6, 2009, P. A8.

140 A few days after returning A few days after returning: Bob Woodward, "Key in Afghanistan: Economy, Not Military," The Washington Post The Washington Post, July 1, 2009, p. A1.

142 Mullen then gave an interview Mullen then gave an interview: Ann Scott Tyson, "No Limit in Place for Pending Request on Troops in Afghanistan," The Washington Post The Washington Post, July 2, 2009, p. A10.

142 At his daily briefing At his daily briefing: White House press briefing by Robert Gibbs, July 1, 2009, http://www.whitehouse.gov.

143 In a column for In a column for The Weekly Standard: William Kristol, "A Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Presidency?" The Weekly Standard: William Kristol, "A Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Presidency?" The Weekly Standard The Weekly Standard, September 21, 2009 (Vol. 15, No. 1).

CHAPTER THIRTEEN The information in this chapter comes primarily from background interviews with 13 firsthand sources.

146 The classified SIP was signed The classified SIP was signed: Author's review and dictated notes of the July 17, 2009, Strategic Implementation Plan.

146 But in public, Holbrooke downplayed But in public, Holbrooke downplayed: Richard Holbrooke, Special Briefing on July 2009 Trip to Pakistan, Afghanistan and Brussels, July 29, 2009, http://www.state.gov/p/sca/rls/rmks /2009/126669.htm.

149 McChrystal's staff had hastily organized McChrystal's staff had hastily organized: Members of the McChrystal review team:General Stanley McChrystalColonel Chris Kolenda, review coordinatorColonel Daniel Pick, assistant review coordinatorStephen Biddle, Council on Foreign RelationsAnthony Cordesman, Center for Strategic and International StudiesCatherine Dale, Congressional Research Serviceetienne de Durand, Institut Francais des Relations InternationalesAndrew Exum, Center for a New American SecurityFred Kagan, American Enterprise InstituteKimberly Kagan, Institute for the Study of WarWhitney Kassel, U.S. Office of the Secretary of DefenseTerry Kelly, The RAND CorporationLuis Peral, European Union Institute for Strategic StudiesLieutenant Colonel Aaron Prupas, U.S. Air Force, CentCom 153 McChrystal soon became the chief McChrystal soon became the chief: Dexter Filkins, "His Long War," The New York Times Magazine The New York Times Magazine, October 18, 2009, p. 36.

154 The Washington Post The Washington Post called the report called the report: Ann Scott Tyson, "General: Afghan Situation 'Serious,'" The Washington Post The Washington Post, September 1, 2009, p. A1.

154 The New York Times The New York Times warned warned: Peter Baker and Dexter Filkins, "Obama to Weigh Buildup Option in Afghan War," The New York Times The New York Times, September 1, 2009, p. A1.

154 McChrystal had signed off McChrystal had signed off: Ann Scott Tyson, "9 Officers Blamed in Tillman Death, but No Coverup Found," The Washington Post The Washington Post, March 27, 2007, p. A2.

154 The issue resurfaced The issue resurfaced: Federal News Service, Hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Subject: Nomination of ... Lieutenant General Stanley McChrystal, USA, to be General and Commander, International Security Assistance Force, and Commander, U.S. Forces, Afghanistan, June 2, 2009.

155 In August, members of the Senate In August, members of the Senate: Nahal Toosi, "McCain Calls for More US Troops in Afghanistan," Associated Press, August 18, 2009.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN The information in this chapter comes primarily from background interviews with nine firsthand sources.

157 Petraeus read a September 2 column Petraeus read a September 2 column: David Ignatius, "A Middle Way on Afghanistan?" The Washington Post The Washington Post, September 2, 2009, p. A17.

158 Rebutting Ignatius's critique Rebutting Ignatius's critique: Michael Gerson, "In Afghanistan, No Choice but to Try," The Washington Post The Washington Post, September 4, 2009, p. A23.

159 The vice president had flown The vice president had flown: Michael Finnegan, "Biden Helps Boxer Raise Reelection Funds," Los Angeles Times Los Angeles Times, September 13, 2009, p. A42; Thomas Hines, "Memorial at Dodger Stadium Honors Fallen Firefighters," San Gabriel Valley Tribune San Gabriel Valley Tribune, September 12, 2009.

160 Obama later explained to me Obama later explained to me: Interview with President Barack H. Obama, July 10, 2010.

161 Obama had read McChrystal's Obama had read McChrystal's: Author's review of the SECRET assessment.

170 Instead, the CentCom commander Instead, the CentCom commander: http://www.nfl.com.

171 On Monday, September 14, a long op-ed On Monday, September 14, a long op-ed: Lindsey Graham, Joseph I. Lieberman and John McCain, "Only Decisive Force Can Prevail in Afghanistan," The Wall Street Journal The Wall Street Journal, December 14, 2009, p. A15.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN The information in this chapter comes primarily from background interviews with eight firsthand sources.

172 Admiral Mullen appeared Admiral Mullen appeared: Hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Subject: Nomination of Admiral Michael Mullen for a second term as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, September 15, 2009.

172 "The Taliban insurgency grows" "The Taliban insurgency grows": Ibid.

173 The chairman had a Facebook page The chairman had a Facebook page: See http://www.facebook.com/admiralmikemullen; http://twitter.com/THEJOINTSTAFF; http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=EC6B9257769B13D0; and http://www.defense.gov/home/features /2008/0708_mullen1/.

174 "Mullen: More Troops 'Probably' Needed" "Mullen: More Troops 'Probably' Needed": Ann Scott Tyson, "Mullen: More Troops 'Probably' Needed," The Washington Post The Washington Post, September 16, 2009, p. A1.

176 On the second page On the second page: Author's review of the classified Commander International Security Assistance Force Initial Assessment. A searchable copy declassified by the Defense Department on September 20, 2009, is available at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn /content/article/2009/09/21 /AR2009092100110.html?sid=ST2009092003140.

177 Because of "inadequate intelligence" Because of "inadequate intelligence": Ibid. The nonredacted sentence reads, "The insurgents control or contest a significant portion of the country, although it is difficult to assess precisely how much due to a lack of ISAF presence and inadequate intelligence and inadequate intelligence." (Emphasis added.) 179 The June 30, 1971, Supreme Court The June 30, 1971, Supreme Court: R. W. Apple, Jr., "Times Topics: Pentagon Papers," The New York Times The New York Times, June 23, 1996, http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/ timestopics/subjects/p/pentagon_papers/index.html.

179 I reached General Jones I reached General Jones: Author phone call with General Jim Jones, September 19, 2009.