Military Operations from Kosovo to Kabul: The Unique Experiences of a Combat Lawyer

The book "Military Operations From Kosovo to Kabul" is a soldier's account of historic events, seen on the ground from the perspective of a legal professional, seldom associated with fighting wars. The author was asked to provide rules of engagement for NATO to eject a stubborn Russian unit from Pristina by force, and ten years later was back at HQ ARRC, promoted to Colonel. The culture shock was not so much, spending six months in Afghanistan as being professionally embedded in a large American military legal office led by a hyper-energetic US officer from the deep south.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 216 pages
\n Publication date: 08 November 2021
\n Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd
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In a remarkable departure from the traditional role of a lawyer, the author found himself thrust into the heart of a rapidly unfolding crisis in 1998. As the newly appointed senior legal advisor to General Sir Mike Jackson, the charismatic commander who led the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps into the tumultuous Kosovo in the following year, the author was tasked with navigating a complex and perilous landscape. The aftermath of the NATO bombing campaign had left the region in disarray, and the author was called upon to restore some semblance of normality.

Despite the challenges, a peace deal was eventually reached, only to be derailed by Russia's unexpected intervention at the eleventh hour. The author was asked to draft rules of engagement for NATO to forcibly eject a stubborn Russian unit from Pristina, raising fears of a potential World War III. This was one of the rare occasions when the author questioned the merits of civilian legal practice, contemplating the possibility that it might have offered a different path in such a volatile situation.

Fast forward ten years, and the author found himself back at the headquarters of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, this time as a Colonel. The culture shock this time was not as profound, as he had previously spent six months in Afghanistan, professionally embedded in a large American military legal office led by a hyperactive US officer from the deep south.

The war in central Asia, unlike the brief Kosovo experience in central Europe, was the longest in the history of the United States. However, for the British, it was merely the latest chapter in a long history of operations dating back two centuries to the infamous "Great Game." Applying the law in this context was a daunting task, as the author had to balance the need for aggression with adherence to Western notions of human rights. Furthermore, the author attempted to win over the hearts and minds of a proud but impoverished people, who had been historically plagued by conflict.

This captivating account, titled _Military Operations From Kosovo to Kabul_, offers a unique perspective on these historic events, seen through the eyes of an experienced soldier who was also a legal professional. The author's firsthand experience on the ground provides a rare insight into the legal challenges and ethical dilemmas faced by military personnel in the midst of conflict. The book sheds light on the complex interplay between law, politics, and military strategy, and offers valuable lessons for policymakers and military leaders alike.

In conclusion, _Military Operations From Kosovo to Kabul_ is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of modern warfare and the role of law in shaping its outcomes. The author's firsthand account of these historic events offers a valuable perspective that is seldom associated with the realm of fighting wars.

\n Weight: 450g\n
Dimension: 164 x 240 x 24 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781399004619\n \n