Includes bibliographical references (pages [315]-375) and index.

Prologue: Mahogany Row Massacre -- The last diplomats -- American myths -- Lady Taliban -- Dick -- The Mango Case -- The other Haqqani network -- Duplicity -- The frat house -- Mission: Impossible -- Walking on glass -- Farmer Holbrooke -- A little less conversation -- A-Rod -- Promise me you'll end the war -- The wheels come off the bus -- The memo -- The real thing -- Shoot first -- Ask questions never -- General rule -- Dostum, he is telling the truth -- And discouraging all lies -- White Beast -- The shortest spring -- Midnight at the ranch -- Present at the destruction -- The state of the Secretary -- The mosquito and the sword -- Meltdown -- Epilogue: The tool of first resort.