A popular theme as pundits and politicos ponder the import of Bob Woodward’s book “Obama’s Wars” — an excerpt of which was published in today’s Washington Post – is this:   Is the military subverting civilian control by presenting only limited versions of the same option, all of which would result in perpetual war in Afghanistan?
Andrew […]

If journalism is the first rough draft of history, then Bob Woodward’s books are typically a second, more polished rough draft of history. They are as complete and comprehensive as can be expected without the advantage that comes of more retroactive perspective, and facts that can only be uncovered with time. But my experience is they capture the essential spirit of larger truth, even if at times some of small details and nuances can be off. And Woodward is all about providing context, while he’s not perfect, he’s damn good.

Bob Woodard says the sources (more than one) who leaked him the McChrystal report had “pretty pure” motives and were not trying to “box in” President Obama. He also insists that after the initial anger some in the White House told him the publication “did them a favor.” And that the scoop was in some respects as significant as the landmark Pentagon Papers case in 1971.