I was blown away by the...reviews. I can't wait to read this book. It sounds just like the book I have been waiting for regarding the War in Iraq. Compelling. Inspiring. No nonsense. Unfortunately I have made a commitment, a rather large commitment, to the Kindle. So please somebody publish this book on Kindle. This book sounds terrific.

I finally finished this book (After 3 days) and all I can say is that I am completely amazed at the contrasts between what's happening on the ground, and what we see back home.
Having personally had a role in Mosul during 2003, I can relate to much of what Mr. Yon says as fact, but I came home and had to watch the war through the media, which showed sharp contrasts to what was really going on. How can the media, as a whole, get true perspective unless they're spending actual time on the ground? I'm talking about real time, not two weeks here and there. Mr. Yon gives us that perspective.
Many times I had to sit the book down, just to think about what I had just read. This included the part about the martyr, and Farah, and many other instances. Wonderufl reporting, wonderful perspective, and my hats off to Mr. Yon for providing us with the best book of 2008.

Michael Yon's book is an eye opener in what originally went wrong in Iraq and How General Petreaus has reversed the direction of the war. Michael predicts it will be over by the end of 2008. This book in non-political and the view of an independent author imbedded with the troops. A great read and great insight into the War in Iraq.

Ever since the media has practically been ignoring Iraq, I've been trying to find a source of some sort that had a neutral look on Iraq, good and bad. This book was exactly that.

Many have summed up this book greatly, but I'll add in a few bits. I would of liked for it to be a little longer as one review also said, there are a few parts that would of been nice to be explained moreso. (such as Fallujah) But it wasn't a big deal and didn't hurt the book.

Michael Yon introduces himself as well as going over a few of the many disastrous mistakes made in Iraq. When he mentions good news, parts in Iraq improving, he is also careful to say that it isn't a permanent peace.

But best of all is the many personal stories, this book is truly a must if you want to see what has really been going on in Iraq.

Well written account from one of the rare journalists who has stayed embedded with the troops during the occupation. Yon is an articulate, clear-eyed journalist who is not for sale. Buy this book if you really want to know what is going on in the war. Buy this book before you vote.

This book was everything the reviews said it was.It should be required reading for all TV anchors and related media.I have read many books on the war and it's battles.This was the most truthful and unbiased to date.

Amazing book. Hard-hitting piece of journalism from a writer beholden to no one. What I found so interesting and so hard to find anywhere else is the relationship between Iraqi's and our American troops so well described here. Yon acknowledges our mistakes and the fact that we were a hair's breath from losing this war and it becoming the biggest foreign policy mistake in our history. The turning point? Gen. David Petreaus. He's written the book on fighting this insurgency. And American values which compared to the lack of values from Al Qaeda turned the tide as far as the Iraqi people are concerned. With the co-operation of the Iraqi's, Al Qaeda is being driven out and beaten down. The respect and admiration of the Iraqi's for the American soldier is so clearly written here but not in chest-thumping, flag waving sales job but in a way we can all be proud of.

How can I write a review for such a marvelous book? What else can I say other than: This book is just great. Simple to read, peppered with facts and details and personal emotions of the parties involved in the conflict. Totally un-biased. Ex-Green Beret member Michael Yon has written a masterpiece. He has done superb job that he has managed to do so by staying in Iraq over the years. He is not linked to any news agency, tv networks, NGOs or governmental institutions. He does it because he knows no one else is doing it properly and factually. His book made me upset, angry and at times made me laugh so hard. It's brilliant and highly recommended. Any one interested in what has happened in Iraq since March of 2007 when Pres. Bush ordered the troops surge should grab this book and read it to believe what the Americans have done to improve Iraq. I Loved it and will recommend it to friends and fellow bloggers.

this book was so good I couldnt put it down and Michael talked like a person who was there and didnt take sides but wrote about what is really happening,and the importance of this information
I sent one of these books to the mother of a soldier who was killed in Iraq and who was with this unit.
Sgt. Adam Plumadore, will never be forgotten as long as there are people talking the truth to the rest of us. and not the sensationalism of the news medias
everyone should read this book.
Julieann

I am an amateur student of military history and this is by far one of the best books I have ever read. On par with "Killer Angels" it tells the story of the Iraqi war from the participants perspective. Yon has unblemished praise for our coalition soldiers, the Iraqi people and, their soldiers. This is not a rah rah tale of US supremacy. He is candidly critical of the US's early failed strategy. He is apolitical and makes it clear that despite amazingly great strides in the last year we could still fail. His praise of individual officers and NCO's is a tribute to the military. He describes in detail how individual leaders grasped the concept of counterinsurgency. These modern warriors have become friends with the tribal leaders and turned the tide of the war. There is a face on the Iraqi citizen that I have not seen from any journalist during this war. He vividly reports of numerous firefiqhts in which he was embedded. His description of a British mechanics' valor in Basra is journalism at its best. There is closing message of hope for Iraq. It is a fitting tribute to the lives of 4,000 of our finest citizens. I am ordering 5 copies for friends and a copy for one very anti-war veteran who raised me.

Michael Yon has done yeoman's work as an embedded correspondent during the war in Iraq. As is so often the case in complex endeavors, the situation in Iraq is not as black and white as the partisans on both sides of the political divide would have you believe. Mr. Yon explores the ever-changing shades of gray and reports both triumphs and tragic mistakes. This book was an eye-opener.

The American people are being systematically misled by the media, which report only the things that are likely to discourage people from supporting the completion of our mission in Iraq. Our mission is to stabilize the country so we can leave, and there will be no possibility of Iraq becoming a hotbed for exporting terrorism to our shores. Would that more reporters were honest with the people, as Michael Yon is. Yon is a reporter who has been embedded with our military for many months. He himself had military experience, and understands the situation well. Our troops trust him, and will tell him things they otherwise would not readily share. He tells the good, bad, and the ugly. He doesn't spare the criticism of our early policies, and tells exactly why they failed. He then follows our progress, and shows how General Petraeus' policy of mingling with the Iraqis stabilized Mosul very rapidly. This stability was unraveled because we pulled out too quickly. Thus, in discussing General Petraeus, he shows why he was chosen to lead the entire effort in Iraq. His narrative includes little tidbits, such as the time when the troops knew that the terrorist had not recently gotten out of bed as he claimed, because he was wearing his socks. Yon tells us that Iraqis don't wear socks to bed because they believe this will make them blind. And then he says, "I'm not making this up." This is a very human book, with lots of individual stories of heroism and other events, the kind of book you can't put down. There is a section of pictures. The cover photo, of an American solder lovingly carrying an Iraqi girl, won the hearts of many Iraqis. Why will we win? Because al Qaeda does nothing but wantonly destroy, and the people are turning against them. Yon portrays the progess to the point where we have stabilized most regions, and the Iraqi military is increasingly taking over the defense of the nation. We are winning the peace in Iraq. Yon doesn't conclude what policies we should follow in the future, but strongly suggests that we should stay the course. If you want accurate, unbiased information to balance out the misrepresentations and omissions of the media, read this book! We as Americans CANNOT formulate a policy of success unless we are informed. And, the very future of our nation is in the balance. So read this book and become informed!

I found the book touching and his coverage of the war effort to be brutally honest, not pulling punches as to why we are were we are now and who is responsible (in his opinion of course). Whether you are for the war or against it, this book tells about the good and the bad from the perspective of those in the thick of it. My hat's off to a courageous man who didn't have to be there but was, so he could provide the world with a view from those who have the most at stake.

For the first time I am clear on the real situation in Iraq. You will meet the people of Iraq, the men, women and children who are the reasons we are there. This is not a "Right vs Left", "Hawk vs Dove" book. The author is neither flag waving nor sipping the cool aid. Michael has put together a balanced and comprehensive view into the current conditions in Iraq and makes a strong arguement for the critical and moral need to finish the job. Before you vote for the next President of the United States, or any other country for that matter, please take an afternoon and read this book. If for no other reason than you will be an informed citizen and voter.

Michael Yon plays it straight based entirely on what he saw while there with the front line troops frequently over the last 3 years. His writing is clear, coherent and even exciting at times. Most of all the reader can trust him. He was all over the war zone and with his skill had access to those most knowledgeable about the war-the troops both enlisted and officers. The best book on Iraq of many that I have read.

If you want to know the true facts about the war in Iraq, read this book. Michael Yon is a free lance writer and has no connection with a newspaper or media site so he tells it the way he sees it. He is an awsome writer and actually this book was requested by one of the LTC's that I support so I was more than happy to be able to send him this book.

Michael Yon provides the reader with an "up close" perspective of what is REALLY going on in Iraq. The book is a great read and will give you an appreciation of our military. They are true heroes.

I learned more about what was really going on in Iraq in the first 50 pages than I have from all the other sources I have read or heard. I now know how it went wrong (didn't realize how bad) and how we got a second chance and did it right. When this war started, I thought it would ultimately succeed (of course at great cost) and end up transforming the region because the God given right of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is written in all men's hearts no matter how obscured by blind rage, institutionalized hatred or political indoctrination. Freedom will win out eventually; after reading this book I am strengthened in this assessment. The slaughter of so many innocents by these jihadists has opened many eyes to the truth that jihad is about annihilation, funerals and pie in the sky (70 pcs of it) and the American way is about opening a business, trusting in the rule of law, going on vacations and dancing at your daughter's and grandson's weddings. Thank God for the men and women engaged in this battle and the American commanders, such as General Petraeus (I hope I spelled that right), who are leading the way and winning the hearts and minds of people of Iraq by modeling America's highest ideals courageously. Thank you Michael Yon, job very well done.

This is one of the best books I have read. Michael Yon is an excellent writer and gives a real feel for how it really is over there and not what we see on the news. He gives the good and the bad and you cannot help but be amazed by our servicemen. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know the truth.

Thank you Mr. Yon for providing us with the soldier's day by day struggles in Iraq. Your book made me love these people more, and I didn't think that was possible.

After reading your book I came to realize our county is blessed with a volunteer military made up of truly brave people. I think what we need are more brave journalist.

Thank you for your courage. Thank you for puting yourself in harms way in order to write the truth. Thank you for giving the American Solders a voice in order to tell their story.

Judy

I can see why Yon has a devoted following. He is able to write things from a soldiers viewpoint. He is not out for headlines, he does not have a bias,(although he very much respects Marines and soldiers) and he is actually experiening what they do. Has a great view of what is going on.

I've been reading Miachel Yon's dispatches from Iraq for 2 years. His book, Moment of Truth in Iraq, is a must read if you really want to know what's happening in Iraq. His account is riveting and captivating. His up close and personal accounts really make the story "live." I would recommend it to anyone.

I heard Michael Yon interviewed on the radio and had to buy his book. It did not disappoint. I cried, laughed, got mad, but most of all I felt a deep sense of pride. Pride in what America has always been about in spite of those who choose to only look for the cloud in every silver lining. Because of Gen Petraeus and our brave troops commitment to American values, America is standing tall in Iraq today. Yes, big mistakes were made early on which could have meant sure disaster. But as Michael says, "We got a second chance." Michael's close up view about the reality in Iraq on the ground, not from the green zone, gives a clear picture on the commitment and clear purpose of our current strategy through his first hand knowledge of the tireless soldiers in the field who are soldiers, diplomats, city planners, all in the space of one hour's work. I hope that more people will read and understand what is happening in today's Iraq, not the Iraq of three years ago. We are on the cusp of victory for the American people and for the people of Iraq. I just pray we won't snatch defeat from the mouths of victory there after our next election. The future of America will depend on how well we end this. I am committed personally to help the truth about Iraq get out from this book. Give it to your husband, Dad and Grandpa for Father's Day!

This is one book that everyone should read, because the main-stream media won't tell this story. Mr Yon provides an insider's look at what is really happening in Iraq that makes a difference. And we thought that military leaders were in Iraq to lead fighting men and now we learn that they are political leaders as well. It's heart-warming to read his story and what wonderful relationships they, the soldiers, have developed with the Iraqi people. We can only hope that the military isn't forced to leave prematurely.

This book does not take sides. It's not a "political" book. Michael Yon has been embedded longer than any other reporter during this war. He has seen it all up close and personal. This book is about honoring our men and women in uniform. And that is the point that needs to be made. We may disagree with our leadership...but we still MUST honor our Troops. Great job Michael Yon! My 15yr old son also read this and loved it as well.

This book by this most up-close-and-personal reporter must be read by each and every elected representative in a position to support, or not, our effots in Iraq. Any one of them not doing so cannot be counted as informed on the war.

My suggestion is that every one of us who have read it contact our representatives and plead or insist that they spend the short time necessary to read this outstanding piece of journalism. I'm starting my contacts this week.

Thank you Michael Yon for a crucial work.

Probaly one of the best books on Iraq ever published. Everyone in Congress and House of Representatives and the News media should read this book to see what is really going on in Iraq.

I've been reading Yon's posts for the past few years. His work has been invaluable in learning what is going on ins Iraq - the who, what, where, when, why, how that our media refuses to pursue. This book is largely based on his online posts, yet many are rewritten and given context that is compelling. I initially bought this book as a thank-you for Yon's work, thinking it was nothing new, but was surprised at the new treatment given to these stories as well as Yon's commentary on what he thinks it all means.

Mr. Yon, thank you for your help in telling an important chapter in our nation's history that our media chose to ignore.

"Moment of Truth in Iraq" was a very easy read, and Michael Yon delivers the reader outstanding first hand observations and accounts from Iraq of combat units and soldiers at their best. He gets out with the soldiers and units, matter of fact is the only journalist I ran into while out in the streets of Mosul Iraq. His accounts clearly leave the reader with a understand of how hard soldiers are working with the Iraqi civilians and the Iraqi Army while fighting insurgents. It's a great first hand account of a journalist that puts himself close to the soldiers and the dangers they face everyday and he has shared in and observed the minor victories of everyday slow progress and if he says progress is being made, you can believe it, he's been there during the low points as well as the high.

An excellent book, and anyone who wishes to opine on what is going on in Iraq should be sure to read this or they will look like an uninformed fool. The book is based around the reports made by Michael Yon on his numerous trips to Iraq. Yon has probably spent more time in Iraq since the invasion that any other journalist, and has been embedded with various troops on all of his visits. He is critical where appropriate and tells it like it is (in the way that journalists used to do!). In short, this is an extremely well informed report from Iraq. The photo on the front cover is by Michael Yon himself, and is on its way to becoming an iconic image of US involvement in Iraq.

Michael Yon is not a great writer, but you get to know the people about whom he writes better than what you see on the evening news. He is not a great photographer, but he has captured some of the most memorable images of Iraq that any of us have seen.

He has also distinguished himself as one of the few reporters writing about Iraq who actually spends extensive time (as opposed to a few hours of a weekend visit to the country) outside the green zone. Yon spends months embedded with troops in every part of Iraq, and even Afghanistan. He doesn't report merely the sound bite or the latest IED casualties; he writes about the day-to-day struggle of living in Iraq for average troops in the field -- the obstacles to doing their jobs, their successes, and their failures. He was one of the first to suggest several years ago that we might be facing something like a civil war in Iraq, initially earning him the ire of military officials, but his unwavering honesty in portraying the efforts of officers and men representing us in Iraq has earned him their respect and (only sometimes, I suspect) cooperation.

So when he writes about mistakes we made in Iraq or opportunities we missed, I believe him more than I believe those who _only_ write about how we screwed up. At the same time, when he says -- and he does -- that there is a chance we could succeed in Iraq, if only we don't lose our nerve, I believe him about that, too.

Forget about the mainstream media and their biases, liberal or conservative. Read Michael Yon's book -- and his blog -- to better learn the true state of affairs in Iraq.

Great book by an honest broker. Learn how the U.S. military has accomplished a true miracle -- the winning of the hearts & minds of the Iraqi people! Gen. Petreus has developed the template that will be followed in all future conflicts of this type. We are winning the war, confirmed by the lack of media coverage Iraq is getting. If we were losing, it would all over the front pages, especially as the Presidential election draws closer.

This book actually gives you a fresh, realistic, and truthful view of what it is like for our men and women in Iraq. It is a truthful view that we will never get from the mainstream media nor the hate-America liberal politicians.

In his words, pg 96:
"If you are going on a combat mission and soldiers have not cleaned all their windows to a sparkle, do not go with them. Soldiers with dirty windows are not watching for tiny wires in the road, nor are they scanning rooftops. They are talking about women, football, and the cars they will buy when they get home. I will not go into combat with soldiers with dirty windows."

Or, from pg 178:
"In September 2007, I went back to the United States for a few weeks and found a nation not at all inclined to believe in miracles. I was struck by the bizarre contrast between what most Americans seemed to think was happening in Iraq versus what I had just seen. My countrymen seemed to be living under a glass dome that allowed few hard facts to filter in unless attached to a string of false assumptions or skewed by a convenient ideology."

Michael Yon's book is the story of how the American soldier and marine and their field commanders day-by-day turned around a mess made in Washington. It shows that the Iraqi people are not compliant or complicit with evil if other choices are at hand. It shows that the media focus on a few American villains in Iraq slandered most of the troops and their commanders over there. Most importantly, it shows that the authentic experiences of the Iraqi people with Al Qaeda in Iraq led them to know who were the real villains.

It is a fitting tribute to those we knew who died over there.

What can I add? Michael Yon, Like Michael Totten, has put his life on the line to get the most detailed, insightful reporting ever from the ongoing war front. Mingling with everyone from grunts to generals, seeing the true story on (and sadly sometimes under) the ground, Yon is possibly the most committed journalist of our time.

And yet he is self-employed, and publishes on the internet. The future is now.

Yon makes clear we are succeeding as what we do is with, by and for Iraqi's who want their freedom and own life back from despots and tyrants.

Yon gives a liberal education on the middle east, politics in America, AQ Jihad (as an abomination of Islam), other gangsters and corrupted leaders and how we are learing to help this country survive and recreate itself.

He gives his first hand account to tell stories of Iraqs people, women and children, our troops, American and Iraqi leaders, Sheiks, peasants, mayors, ministers, from Spc. to LTC to Gen., all in action.

Yon tells these stories of Iraqis and our soldiers, while sharing his own education in Iraq.

It is awesome because what he presents is in the making: a middle east version Marshall plan combined with a peace corp program, a community development program, combined with community policing anti-gang neighborhood watch operations, all rolled into one on a national and regional scale.

I believe Yon is as compelling a witness as anyone would want when he explains how "country building" and "counter-insurgency" are playing out in a whole new way---still in a moment of truth.

Yon provides the most important view of a war, from the battlefields. This account does not come from a person hiding out in the IZ with a camera, but from a person who ventures with the Soldier. Formulate your opinions from a primary source.

This book provides insights not often available, since Yon actually is on the scene and tells both sides as he sees them. There is bad that he chronicles, mistakes he acknowledges, yet overarching all is the story of our intent and commitment to seeing a free and peaceful Iraqi nation. The stories that Yon uses to illustrate his view of the progress there are gut-wrenching personal reality.
I recommend this book highly, and believe it will be a source of pride for our nation, if it will only be distributed to and read by those who seek understanding of our purpose in this war.
The only reason I did not give it a five star rating is the organization as literature seemed a bit off. The first chapter was repeated later with no apparent realization of that fact, for instance. None of my criticism applies to the content of the writing, however. It is a great chronicle of the author's experience in a war zone.

This is an excellent book by an author whose has spent more time with his subject than any other journalist around. He gives a detailed, small unit view of the war whhile providing insight into "the big picture". A must read for anyone who wants to intelligently discuss this subject.

As partisan as the media today has become, on-the-ground, in-the-trenches reporting like Yon's is essential. No matter your political prism, this book will still inform and expand your reality. A frontline dispatch from the brink of history, a quick read and worth your time.
Finally, what great men and women we have in our armed services--amazing.

"An enemy forced to choose between dying or hiding inevitably loses legitimacy. Legitimacy is essential. Men who must always either run or die are no longer an army and are not going to found a caliphate. They are just a gang, no matter how brave, and though a gang may frighten and coerce the people, it can not win the people." Michael Yon, A Moment of Truth in Iraq



With an insight like that it's hard to argue with Yon's assessment of Iraq and the possible outcome. You'll notice that I didn't say inevitable outcome because as Michael so clearly notes, while the soldiers on the ground win the engagements and have claimed the high moral ground among the Iraqis, it is the feckless politician that can still throw it all away for a vote.

Yon takes no prisoners in his accounting of Iraq and Afghanistan. He tells you who exactly is at fault for every setback and heaps praise upon those that wield great success, but also Yon takes you right along on every patrol and operation. You'll be there as he sits with Sheiks and Generals and you'll be there when LTC Crissman arrests General Hamid in order to prevent a bloodbath that would have set back many months of progress. As Yon states, "Lack of restraint nearly cost us the war during the first couple of years. Leadership, character and restraint are why we are winning the war in Iraq - now."

Yon definitely provides his readers a moment of truth in Iraq that you will not get on the evening news or even in the newspapers. You will be introduced to true heroes who give entirely of themselves so that Iraq will succeed and it is our duty to support these men and women when the politicians won't.

In the end Yon provides the clearest insight into Iraq and the feelings of the American Soldier that very few Americans can see when he writes:





"We can win. But we can still lose. [...] There are those who fought and those who didn't. Our soldier's often said, `The military is at war. America is at the mall.' [...] American combat troops don't want pity. They're ready to fight to the end; they just don't want it to be for naught. They have been fighting for two nations, one of which didn't seem to notice. The Iraqis noticed."

When will we?

I want to also take this time to once again personally thank Michael for all his support. Many months ago when he was in Baqoubah with the 3-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, I read a story about Baqoubah in the news. Wanting to verify its truth I emailed Michael and was surprised to find a return email from him. Even more surprising was his offer to help another independent get an interview with LTC Fred Johnson. That offer led to The Thunder Run's first Boots on the Ground interview.

Thank you Michael.

I have never read a book that made me think more. This is good though because everyone needs to learn more. I am the mother of a Navy pilot who had told me we don't understand how things are over there because the news media wants us to see only their veiw point. This book lets you get a better idea of the way things really are. Sometimes it is had to think of things being the way they were and are, but I am glad I bought this book! It is worth reading.

This is an outstanding book, dealing with the problems our troops have faced and how things have improved since GEN Petraeus' plan is working for the second time. Mistakes were made but we cannot afford to lose this War. Osama Ben Laden and the rest have only one thing in mind, and that is to kill us.
Michael You makes me proud to be a member of the Special Forces Association.

Terrific, warts and all book about Iraq from one of the few journalists who seems to really understand what has been happening there. My admiration for American soldiers, having once been one myself, has always been high but Yon's book has gotten me to admire the Iraqis who are laying everything on the line trying to save their country from terrorism. They're betting everything they have on a game we started. We cannot let them down. And you can be sure that Obama and Clinton have not and probably will not read this book.

"Moment of Truth" is a quick read and highly recommended. The color photos are worth the price by themselves.

Horrible mistakes were made early in the occupation. Those mistakes were made by diplomats, not the military. Diplomats answered to the Whitehouse, and cleared all major decisions with the Whitehouse. Perhaps the administration was trying to learn a lesson from the last real war, Vietnam, and chose to let their people on the ground make the final decisions. Perhaps they knew they were clueless and didn't wish to expose themselves. Books now on the shelves and books yet to be written will tell both sides of that tale. One thing is certain: Disbanding the Army AND the Bureaucracy because both were dominated by minority Baathists, to appease the majority Shiia may have looked good on paper but as we now know, it was both dumb and expensive in blood and treasure and gravitas.

Gen Petraeus wrote a book, actually THE book, on counterinsurgency. His methods in the early days of the occupation are detailed here by Yon. They worked. When Petraeus' orders changed; his wisdom and his results were ignored. Now he's in charge and the Iraqi have real hope for the first time in 5 years. So do we.

Many things have gone wrong. Many more things will. Still, there is hope. Real hope. If you want to understand that hope, or share it, you must read this book.

Moment of Truth in Iraq: How a New 'Greatest Generation' of American Soldiers is Turning Defeat and Disaster into Victory and Hope

Very illuminating, no matter how you view the war in Iraq. See how the troops and citizens in Iraq try to make the best of the situation.

Two comments,

First, this is a really well written, enjoyable book.

Second, it provides a different, factual perspective on what has been been going on in Iraq. Its really well worth reading just to be well informed and learn whats going on from the perspective of the people there.

Well written, - well worth the read - should be required reading in order to vote in 2008.
Dispells media distortions and anti-war half-truths.
Not light but easy reading.

I got my book last Saturday and I finished it on Sunday. I laughed, I cried, and most of all I'm proud to be a American. Our troops are doing a magnificent job in horrible conditions. With the media so biased and uninterested in the truth and good work our troops are doing, we can see the mission so clearly now. Thank you Michael Yon!

This book and Michael Yon's blog are excellent sources of information on the great things our troops are doing in Iraq. The mainstream media loves to harp on the bad news and omit the good, but Michael tells both sides of the story in a compelling and honest way. Our troops are heroes and so is Michael Yon.