Barry, Ben Blood, Metal and Dust. The Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq 2001-2014

From the high-ranking officer who wrote the still-classified British military analysis of the war in Iraq comes the authoritative history of two conflicts which have overshadowed the beginning of the 21st century. Inextricably linked to the ongoing "War on Terror", the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan dominated more than a decade of international politics, and their influence is felt to this day. "Blood, Metal and Dust" is the first military history to offer a comprehensive overview of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, providing in-depth accounts of the operations undertaken by both U.S. and British forces. Brigadier Ben Barry explores the wars which shaped the modern Middle East, providing a detailed narrative of operations as they unfolded. With unparalleled access to official military accounts and extensive contacts in both the British and the U.S. militaries, Brigadier Barry is uniquely placed to tell the story of these controversial conflicts, and offers a rounded account of the international campaigns which irrevocably changed the global geopolitical landscape.

This title is the first military history to provide a comprehensive overview of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, with detailed accounts of the operations of the American and British forces. Brigadier General Ben Barry analyses the wars that have shaped the modern Middle East and provides a detailed account of the operations that took place. The author has unrivalled access to official military reports and extensive contacts with both the British and American armies. He is uniquely placed to tell the story of these controversial conflicts, providing a comprehensive overview of these two wars that irrevocably changed the global geopolitical landscape.