‘A Chance in Hell’ tells of Anbar Awakening - Entertainment, Books - Navy Times

‘A Chance in Hell’ tells of Anbar Awakening

In “A Chance in Hell,” author Jim Michaels chronicles the birth of the Anbar Awakening and the amazing transformation of Ramadi from one of Iraq’s deadliest cities into a place where children go to school, local businessmen sell their wares and the government functions on its own.

At the center of his book is a group of Army and Marine officers who, against conventional wisdom, took a chance on a local sheik and empowered local leaders to stand up to al-Qaida.

Their risky decision led to the turning point for Ramadi, achieving unexpected success at a time when the Iraq war seemed to be spiraling out of control.

There’s Col. Sean MacFarland, “introverted and cerebral.” MacFarland commanded 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, which brought its tanks and Bradley fighting vehicles from its original mission in Tal Afar in northern Iraq to help wrest control of Ramadi from the insurgents.

There’s Capt. Travis Patriquin, fluent in Arabic, with an uncanny ability to understand and connect with Iraqis.

And there’s Lt. Col. Tony Deane, “loud, profane and prone to sudden bursts of laughter.” He seemed manic about being around the action and “could talk excitedly for hours.” But he is credited with cultivating a relationship with an obscure sheik named Abdul Sattar Bezia al-Rishawi.

Initially mistrusted by some in the chain of command in Ramadi, Sattar became the face of the Anbar Awakening, uniting his fellow sheiks to support the Americans and fight the terrorists.

Throughout the 233-page book, Michaels — A reporter for USA Today — brings to light the intricate risks taken and the delicate dance performed by these Army and Marine officers to reclaim a province that some deemed too far gone to save.

Many of the events in the book — from international meetings with prominent sheiks who had fled Iraq to lengthy tea sessions to build personal relationships in one of Iraq’s most contested cities — will captivate readers, particularly those with an interest in tactics and counterinsurgency.

However, the book may leave readers wanting to learn more — particularly about why these leaders made the choices they did and Sattar’s role in orchestrating the awakening. Ë

----

Michelle Tan spent part of January 2007 embedded with 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, in Ramadi, Iraq.