New Dawn, by Richard S. Lowry

Review by W.J. Rayment / Conservative Bookstore -- The greatest urban battle for U.S. forces since the Vietnam War occurred in Fallujah in 2004. It was a struggle for the heart and soul of Iraq. Insurgent forces, bent on returning Iraq to Saddam Hussein or converting it to a Jihadist's paradise had taken over the city and were using it as a base of operations to terrorize Anbar Province as well as Baghdad, the capital city of Iraq. The U.S. was equally set on bringing democracy and freedom to the region.

The clash between East and West in Fallujah is depicted in detail in Richard S. Lowry's book, New Dawn. The U.S. Marines, supported by the other branches of the military including Army Rangers, Navy Seals, and Air Force C-130 gun ships, after removing the civilian population, moved in to clear the city of insurgents. The battle developed into a house-to-house, man-to-man struggle. Lowry, as in all of his books paints a clear and detailed picture of the action.

Based on phone interviews, newspaper articles, and official documents, the book reads like ringside commentary at a boxing match. The overarching operation is described, but the fascinating reading is in the details. The reader feels as though he is with the troops as they clear houses and buildings of fanatical insurgents toting AK-47s and RPGs (Rocket Propelled Grenades). The individual vignettes are fascinating not just from what they reveal about modern urban warfare, but what they reveal about the human spirit and man's ability to take punishment and keep on fighting in the face of grave danger. A novel could not have captured the intensity of individual combat more vividly.

Besides being a fascinating read, New Dawn is a primary resource. The collected information would surely have been lost to time and foggy memories had Lowry not taken on this project. It is important not just as a work of history, but also as an instructive book revealing the tactics, methods, weapons and thinking behind urban warfare and counter-insurgency fighting. We learn just how truly fanatical the resistance in Fallujah was. Yet it was insufficient to stand up to the training and determination of the U.S. military. Any future participant in an urban struggle would do well to read this book before embarking upon his mission.

Reading the history of an individual battle is an interesting proposition. More than 70 Marines died in the attack on Fallujah. As the story plays out we are amazed at the visceral, palpable presence of imminent mortality. Each heroic act inspires. Each heroic death prompts us to shake our head sadly. New Dawn is a great work on so many levels. It is exciting, intense, thoughtful, and informative. A must read for anyone interested in the insurgency after the Iraq War or military combat in general.

New Dawn, the Battles for Fallujah, by Richard S. Lowry is available at Amazon.