SKU: 65960589584

Before the First Shots Are Fired

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Before the First Shots Are FiredFor the better part of the last half century, the United States has been the World's Police, claiming to defend ideologies, allies, and our national security through brute force. But is military action always the most appropriate response? Drawing on his vast experience, from combat in Vietnam to peacekeeping in Somalia, to war games in Washington, DC and negotiations with former rebels in the Philippines, retired four star General Tony Zinni argues

For the better part of the last half century, the United States has been the World's Police, claiming to defend ideologies, allies, and our national security through brute force. But is military action always the most appropriate response? Drawing on his vast experience, from combat in Vietnam to peacekeeping in Somalia, to war games in Washington, DC and negotiations with former rebels in the Philippines, retired four-star General Tony Zinni argues that we have a lot of work to do to make the process of going to war--or not--more clear-eyed and ultimately successful. He examines the relationship between the executive and the military (including the difference between passive and engaged presidents); the failures of the Joint Chief of Staff; the challenges of working with the UN, coalition forces, and NATO; the difference between young, on the ground officers and less savvy senior leaders; the role of special forces and drone warfare; and the difficult choices that need to be made to create tomorrow's military. Among his provocative points:
* Virtually every recent American military operation follows a disconnected series of actions that lead to outcomes we never foresaw or intended.
* We need to assign accountability for the political decisions that can make or break a mission.
* Words and ideas are as important to victory in today's conflicts as bullets.
* The cyber "war" is ongoing. Either you must build better tech than the other guy, or you must steal it.
* Our foreign aid budget is pitiful, our State Department, USAID, and the other government agencies that we critically need to be on a par with our military are underfunded, undermanned, and poorly structured for their current objectives.
From the Oval Office to the battlefield, Before the First Shots Are Fired is a hard-hitting analysis of the history of America's use of military action and a spirited call for change.



Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Griffin
Published: 09/15/2015
ISBN: 9781250075055
Pages: 256
Weight: 0.60lbs
Size: 9.20h x 6.10w x 0.60d
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SKU: 65960589584

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Theresa bird
Port Orchard, US
★★★★★ 5
Best pillows ever
Size: King (Pack of 2)
“These pillows are incredibly comfortable! They’re soft, supportive, and hold their shape really well. The material feels high quality and makes relaxing or sleeping so much more enjoyable. I noticed a difference right away — whether I’m watching TV, reading, or going to bed, they provide the perfect amount of comfort. Definitely one of the best pillow purchases I’ve made!”
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merrylee
Lake Worth, US
★★★★★ 5
Soft but Supportive, Sleeps Cool!
Size: Queen (Pack of 2)
Very comfortable and adjustable pillows. Good neck support for side and back sleeping. They feel cool and not too hot at night. Great value for a set of two. Happy with my purchase.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2026
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BLT090973
Omaha, US
★★★★★ 4
LOVE IT but cooling depends on readjusting frequently
Size: Queen (Pack of 2)
I’ve actually been pretty happy with this product overall, especially for comfort and the initial cooling effect. When you first sit or lay on it, it definitely feels cool and refreshing, which is a huge relief if you run warm or live somewhere hot. Humanity continues its decades-long campaign against functional air circulation, so products like this are doing important work. That said, I do think it’s important to be realistic about expectations. The cooling effect doesn’t stay perfectly consistent in one spot forever. After sitting or laying in the same position for a while, the area naturally warms up and you’ll usually need to shift or readjust to feel the cooler sections again. It’s not “ice cold all the time” magic despite what some listings might make people imagine. Even with that limitation, I still think it works well and is worth purchasing. The materials feel comfortable, the quality seems solid, and it absolutely helps reduce heat buildup compared to regular fabric or cushions. I’ve found myself using it regularly, especially during warmer days and nights. So if you go into it understanding that movement/readjustment is part of how the cooling effect works, it’s actually a very good product and noticeably more comfortable than standard alternatives.
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YuQiu Jiang
Los Angeles, US
★★★★★ 5
Large and thin
Size: Queen (Pack of 2)
This pillow is large and relatively thin, and it's not soft to the touch; it has a granular texture inside, which I prefer. However, it's too high and too soft for me.
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Green Shadow's Fire🔥🔥🍏🍐🍈🌱🌲🌳🌴🍀🌿
Los Angeles, US
★★★★★ 5
Supple and soft pillow.
Size: King (Pack of 2)
Very supportive pillow soft and firm enough to keep your neck natural curve. Great value!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2026

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