"In 2013, President Obama began the drawdown of troops in Afghanistan. But only a year into the withdrawal, Obama began allowing the U.S. military to resume combat operations, relying almost entirely on U.S. Special Operations forces. It was the beginning of a new, covert war. Reporter Jessica Donati shows how policy shifted, and argues that the war is undermining American interests both at home and abroad. It is eroding morale among America's most elite and most important forces and widening the disconnect between the military and the general public. This covert war fought by U.S. Special Forces is not fought as a nation, but as a secretive tool of policy. With big picture insight and on-the-ground grit, Donati argues that U.S. foreign policy and reliance upon covert warfare is allowing Afghanistan to continue as a safe-haven for extremist groups, and become more susceptible to foreign powers like China and Russia. As Afghanistan becomes more unstable, America will continue to fight a full-blown war with no end in sight"-- Provided by publisher.

Back to war — Hutch --The Helmand job — Caleb -- Gridlock in Washington -- "Insider Attack! Insider Attack!" -- We'll play it safe — Hutch -- The fall of Kunduz -- Kunduz clearing patrol — CONOP -- Battle for Kunduz — Hutch -- "I'm Sorry, Mom" — Dr. Cua -- They're calling it a war crime — Hutch -- Damage control in Washington -- Obama changes the plan -- The Taliban must shoot first — Helmand -- Mission to save Marjah — Caleb -- Internally inconsistent, implausible — Hutch -- Sangingrad — Caleb -- Eagle down — Andy -- Get back out there — Andy -- This isn't Afghanistan anymore — Caleb -- President Obama ramps up the war -- No good or bad men in war — Hutch -- Lobster and canapés with the Taliban — Doha -- thank you for your service — Caleb -- Trump inherits the Afghan War -- You don't believe in winning? — General McMaster -- Green Berets unleashed — Josh -- Special forces to the rescue — Josh -- Back to war, again — Hutch -- Recovery — Caleb -- Ending (and Trump gets the deal).