From Desert Storm To Operation Iraqi Freedom: A Tale of Conflict and Change

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Over the years, the Middle East has been a hotbed of conflict, with various military operations shaping the region's political landscape. Two of the most significant military campaigns in recent history are Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Desert Storm:

Radioman: Twenty-Five Years in the Marine Corps: From Desert Storm to Operation Iraqi Freedom

by Andrew Hesterman(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	24354 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	336 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

In 1990, tensions escalated between Iraq and its neighboring country, Kuwait. Saddam Hussein, then President of Iraq, believed that Kuwait was historically a part of Iraq and sought to annex it. This led to the invasion of Kuwait by Iraqi forces, triggering an international response.

The United Nations (UN) swiftly passed Resolution 678, authorizing the use of force, if necessary, to expel Iraqi forces from Kuwait. This resolution laid the foundation for what would become Desert Storm, a large-scale military operation led by a coalition of countries, primarily the United States.

The coalition launched aerial attacks on strategic targets in Iraq, crippling its infrastructure and weakening its military capabilities. This was followed by a ground assault that swiftly liberated Kuwait. The operation marked a significant victory for the coalition and showcased the military prowess of the United States.

Operation Iraqi Freedom:

The events of September 11, 2001, had a profound impact on global politics, leading to a renewed focus on combating terrorism. The United States, under the administration of President George W. Bush, believed that Iraq played a significant role in supporting terrorism, particularly with regards to weapons of mass destruction (WMD).

This belief led to the initiation of Operation Iraqi Freedom, a military campaign aimed at removing Saddam Hussein from power and eliminating any potential WMD threat. In March 2003, a coalition of countries, primarily led by the United States and supported by the United Kingdom, launched a ground invasion of Iraq.

The operation faced significant resistance from Iraqi forces and insurgent groups. However, within a few months, Baghdad fell, and Saddam Hussein's regime was toppled. The aftermath of the operation, however, presented a new set of challenges as efforts to stabilize the country were met with increasing sectarian violence and insurgency.

The Legacy:

The legacies of Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom are deeply intertwined with the history and politics of the Middle East. While Desert Storm established the prowess of the military coalition and showcased the effectiveness of air power, Operation Iraqi Freedom highlighted the complexities of nation-building and the challenges of post-war reconstruction.

The overthrow of Saddam Hussein's regime in Operation Iraqi Freedom paved the way for a democratic government in Iraq. However, the country has since been marred by internal conflicts, regional tensions, and the rise of extremist groups such as ISIS.

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The military operations of Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom have left lasting imprints on the Middle East. They have shaped the political dynamics of the region, both positively and negatively. As we reflect on these historical events, it is crucial to consider the lessons learned and the ongoing challenges faced in the quest for stability in the Middle East.

The journey from Desert Storm to Operation Iraqi Freedom has been a tumultuous one, marked by triumphs and setbacks. Yet, it remains an essential chapter in understanding the complex tapestry of conflicts in the Middle East.

Radioman: Twenty-Five Years in the Marine Corps: From Desert Storm to Operation Iraqi Freedom

by Andrew Hesterman(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	24354 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	336 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

"RADIOMAN tells a universal story -- about war, family, and growing up. Andy Hesterman's 25 years in the Marines span a huge range of world events and personal experiences. I found myself laughing, rooting for him, and shaking my head at the insanity of it all. A great book!" - Nathaniel Fick, NY Times best-selling author of ONE BULLET AWAY

“From a recruit surviving boot camp to a Major flying combat helicopters and controlling F/A-18s in Iraq, Andy Hesterman shares the pride of the Corps and the pain of saying goodbye to your family for yet another deployment. With Radioman, you’ll feel like you’ve put on the Marine cammies and marched alongside Hesty for over two decades of service to our country.”  - Dell Epperson, Captain, U.S. Navy (Retired)

"Radioman is far more than the story of one man's 25-year journey through the modern Marine Corps - as fascinating as that story is. It is also an account of the extraordinary changes - technological, tactical, moral - that have utterly transformed the American military in that time. Both gripping and honest, Radioman is also told with a humor and humility that makes for an extremely pleasurable read." - "Scott Anderson, New York Times best-selling author of THE QUIET AMERICANS"

From a Gulf War grunt to a full-fledged Marine Major in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Andrew Hesterman saw it all. Radioman offers a highly personal and unfiltered view of the Marine Corps as it transitioned from the post-Vietnam analog Reagan era to the post-9/11 high-tech George W. Bush and Obama years.

Radioman begins with Andy as a recruit at boot camp and the ensuing training that leads to formally becoming a Marine. After comm school and the reserves, Andy is called to active duty in 1991 for the Gulf War, where he experiences combat up close in Kuwait. The next personally, professionally, and politically tumultuous decade brings marriage (and divorce),flight school and helicopter missions in Kosovo, the shock of 9/11, another marriage, and children. Andy’s journey culminates as an officer in Iraq, where he directs air support for the Marines in Fallujah.

Co-authored by Robert Einaudi, a close friend of Hesterman’s since high school, Radioman provides an honest and vivid military portrait of the Marine Corps and the modern US military seen through the experiences of one Marine.