Honor and Betrayal: The Untold Story of the Navy SEALs Who Captured the "Butcher of Fallujah" -- and the Shameful Ordeal They Later Endured - Couverture souple

THEY JUST CAPTURED IRAQ'S MOST WANTED TERRORIST. NOW THEY HAD TO DEFEND THEIR HONOR. On a daring nighttime raid in September 2009, a team of Navy SEALs grabbed the notorious terrorist Ahmad Hashim Abd al-Isawi, the villainous "Butcher of Fallujah," mastermind behind the 2004 murder and mutilation of four American contractors. Within hours of his capture, al-Isawi, with his lip bleeding, claimed he had been beaten in his holding cell. Three Navy SEALs--members of the same team that had just captured the notorious terrorist--were charged with prisoner abuse, dereliction of duty, and lying. On the word of a terrorist! The three Navy SEALs were placed under house arrest and forbidden contact with their comrades. Despite enormous pressure from their commanders to sign confessions to "lesser charges," the three resolute and fearless SEALs each demanded a court-martial. They were determined to prove their innocence. When Fox News broke the story about the accusations, Americans were outraged. Over 300,000 people signed petitions demanding the SEALs be exonerated. Their SEAL teammates were furious; but nothing could stop the cold determination of the military's top brass to hang these guys out to dry--not even U.S. congressmen who petitioned the Pentagon to drop the charges. "Honor and Betrayal" is a no-holds-barred account by bestselling author Patrick Robinson. It reveals for the first time the entire story, from the night the SEALs stormed the al-Qaeda desert stronghold, the accusations and legal twists and turns that followed, to the cut-and-thrust drama in the courtroom where the fate of three American heroes hung in the balance.

"In this very important book, author Patrick Robinson shows how the culture of our military is imperiled by a high command that too frequently allows political correctness to trump honor and common sense.... I was shocked as a Navy veteran and defense lawyer." Ray V. Hartwell III, Washington Times

"If you are looking for a strong read, this is a no-brainer." Sacramento Book Review

"Should be required reading for all military personnel today." American Spectator

Written in an even keeled, reportorial style, the book tells a story...that certainly needs to be told.... Guaranteed to raise eyebrows and spark debate.” Booklist

Kirkus Reviews, 11/1/13

Robinson ably discusses the intricacies of military justice Captures the folly and resource drain of the Iraq War Should appeal to conservative readers.”