In "Losing the Long Game," Philip H. Gordon masterfully chronicles the United States' repeated attempts at regime change in the Middle East, painting a vivid portrait of a policy approach fraught with unintended consequences and dismal failures. Gordon, leveraging his profound insights into U.S. foreign policy, takes readers on a historical journey from the aftermath of World War II to the modern day, examining interventions in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Egypt, Libya, and Syria, among others. Through meticulous analysis, he reveals the complex motives driving these efforts, ranging from the noble to the nefarious, and the diverse strategies employed, from diplomatic maneuvers to full-scale military invasions. This compelling narrative not only sheds light on the high costs—both human and financial—of these interventions but also argues convincingly that they have often left the nations involved in worse conditions than before. Gordon’s critique serves as a sobering reminder of the limits of American power and the perils of interventionist foreign policies. "Losing the Long Game" is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the intricate dynamics of the United States' engagement in the Middle East and the hard lessons learned from decades of attempting to reshape the region according to American interests. It stands as a critical reflection on the past and a cautionary tale for future policymakers.