The Operators: The Wild and Terrifying Inside Story of America's War in Afghanistan

Somehow all the news and articles passed without touching me, so when I began this book all the facts were totally new to me.

I have to say that I'm at a loss for words, I'm not sure what I think about all of this, but I have no doubt that everybody should read it.

This book was very entertaining and enlightening. Like many Americans, I have followed the wars through the new for the last 10+ years. I was aware of many of the actual historical events that are backdrops to this story. What I really liked was getting a glimpse behind the headlines, and seeing how the 'operators' that caused the events, and why.

The book is not, and does not try to be, comprehensive. Nevertheless, there is enough there to provide a pretty good review. It certainly made me want to read other books that provide a critical synthesis of the wars and politics.

I enjoyed the whole book, but it did sag a little toward the end. Even that was interesting, but not as good as the first 4/5ths or so. Still, I highly recommend this book.

No way.

It is basically a rambling group of what I hesitate to call

It droned on and was too matter-of-fact with no passion. Actually, forget about passion, it had no feeling at all.

The Author!

Does Audible give refunds? :-)

The narration of this book was exciting and easy to listen to. It was as though the author were sitting next to me telling a really good war story.

The book is about the author's investigation into writing a Rolling Stone article (June 2010) on Gen. Stanley McChrystal who was in charge of the war in Afghanistan as well as the fallout after publication of the article.

Now that I have finished the book, I'm dying to read the RS article. The author never realized what a sh*tstorm the article would create - and it did.


The middle part of the book is a little boring but stick with it. The end where the sh*t hits the fan and the fallout at the White House is fantastic.

The story is also interesting knowing about Gen Petraeus' recent scandal in Florida.

The sad part about the book is that you realize we have no business in the war. We aren't winning, they don't want us there, they don't even want democracy and our soldiers are risking the lives for nothing. It's time to bring our troops home.

I did not read the print version, however the audio was well worth the listen

I liked the portrayal of General Mc Chrystal. It is unfortunate that no matter how hard Hastings tries to gloss over his despicable betrayal of Mc Chrystal and his staff, he still comes off as a deceptive worm and makes it impossible for embedded reporters in the future to get honest answers. I'm sure Hastings is proud he got one of America's greatest generals and heroes fired. Obviously no deception is below his moral.

The narrative was excellent and well spoken.

"How to worm your way into someone's trust and then betray him"

Although the story was extremely informative, I do not believe the author's betrayal of McChrystal can be justified. Obviously Hastings is attempting to be another Woodward and Bernstein, and comes off more as a Keith Olbermann

Very Well Written and Equally well Read. Congratulations, Michael for creating such in depth and unbiased portrait of Generals who fought the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

A better author

Hell no. He will never be confused with Max Hastings. He should be writing articles for Vanity Fair.

Get an author to write a military related book who isn't an anti-war liberal trying to create a career.

For me, none what so ever.

It was clear to me 15 mins into this book, the author hates the military.It's Rumsfelds' fault, it's Bushs' fault, it's John McCains' fault. The authors description of General McCystals' uniform and awards and comindations.

no

Performance was fine, material was bad.

Yea, never to buy another Micheal Hastings book again.

It was a waste or time and money.

No...too depressing.

We never should have invaded Iraq. This story...proves we never EVER should have invaded Afghanistan either. What a mess...what...a...mess. Those poor families who lost loved ones to this stupid conflict that had nothing to do with what happened on 9/11. Sad...really sad.