This book describes the complete operational history of the surge from its inception to the end of 2007. The author's analysis looks at the external players - from al Qaeda in Iraq, and the Iranian-backed Special Groups, to the Jaysh al Mahdi - and covers the day-to-day strategies, locations, tactics, organization and responses to American actions.

Introduction -- The battle for Baghdad in 2006 -- The new way forward -- Anbar awakens -- Preliminary operations in Diyala -- The real surge : the offensive in Baghdad's belts -- Phantom thunder and phantom strike in Diyala -- Rasheed and the southern belt during phantom thunder and phantom strike -- Conclusion.