The Counterinsurgency Challenge: A Parable of Leadership and Decision Making in Modern Conflict - Hardcover

"This hugely engaging book draws us into the perplexing and deadly world of the counterinsurgent . . . an essential parable for our times."--Theo Farrell"Department of War Studies, King's College" (06/15/2012)

"No one understands counterinsurgency in places such as Afghanistan better than Kolenda."--Michael O'Hanlon"Brookings Institution" (06/03/2012)

"An innovative strategic thinker and operator, Kolenda uniquely combines the ability to develop insightful and practical approaches to the vexing strategic problems in Afghanistan."--Stanley A McChrystal, (07/01/2010)

"Col. Chris Kolenda won international renown for fighting this fight for real . . . [now] he passes on the lessons he learned in the crucible of combat to the next generation of counterinsurgents."--John A. Nagl"Department of History, U.S. Naval Academy" (05/21/2012)

"Chris Kolenda is a tactical genius and strategic thinker . . . [with] an unparalleled understanding of counterinsurgency principles, he is one of our foremost COIN experts.--David H. Petraeus (09/01/2010)

"An extraordinarily useful account of the complexity, ambiguity, and uncertainty of counterinsurgency operations. His combination of theory and anecdotes make "The Counterinsurgency Challenge" a powerful and convincing read."--Seth G. Jones, author of Hunting in the Shadows: The Pursuit of al Qa'ida Since 9/11 (06/26/2012)

Christopher Kolenda is a graduate of West Point, a former West Point instructor, and a retired Army officer. Gen. Stanley A. McChristal is a retired four-star general and the former commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan.