has anyone read "A Savage War of Peace"? by Horne

[Hamlette]

Apparently Kessinger tells Bush what to read and Bush is now reading this book. According to Amazon it sounds like a good read about the French in Algeria 1954-1962 (see also the Battle for Algers?)

From MoDo this am:


The book was recommended to W. by Henry Kissinger, who is working on an official biography of himself with Mr. Horne.

Mr. Horne recalled that Dr. Kissinger told him: “The president’s one of my best students. He reads all the books I send him.” The author asked the president’s foreign affairs adviser if W. ever wrote any essays on the books. “Henry just laughed,” Mr. Horne said.


Curious as to whether it is worth the time since the reviews seem so good.

[PATRICK]

1. It seems a big subtle message

by the subject matter alone. Way over the Chimperor's head I bet. Getting out of Algeria was DeGaulle's brave solution against the deadly hawks. Bush would never have let go of either and is not currently.

[NoPasaran]

2. I haven't read this book

But I have read a number of Alistair Horne's other books on French history and thought them worthwhile reads.

[Davis_X_Machina]

3. Yes, in '79 or '80, when it came out.

Highly recommended. It's particularly good on the toxic effect the French experience in Vietnam and Algeria had on domestic French politics, and on the rise of domestic violent extremism (the OAS).

The fate of the Algerians who worked with and for the French is also covered in detail. If Algeria is anything to go by, we should expect to have to absorb up to half-a-million Iraqis compromised by contact with us.