New York, May 26: A brand name author with many admirers in the military criticized the US-led invasion of Iraq, citing it as proof that "good men make mistakes."
Tom Clancy also said he almost "came to blows" with a leading war supporter, former Pentagon adviser Richard Perle.
The hawkish master of such million-selling thrillers as Patriot Games and The Hunt for Red October now finds himself adding to the criticism of the Iraq war, and not only through his own comments.

His latest book, Battle Ready, is a collaboration with another war critic, retired Marine Gen. Anthony C Zinni. Battle Ready looks at Zinni's long military career, dating back to the Vietnam War, and includes harsh remarks by Zinni about the current conflict.

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In an interview on Monday, Clancy and Zinni sat side by side in a hotel conference room in Manhattan, mutual admirers who said they agreed on most issues, despite "one or two" spirited "discussions" during the book's planning. Zinni has openly attacked the war, but Clancy reluctantly acknowledged his own concerns. He declined repeatedly to comment on the war, before saying that it lacked a "casus belli," or suitable provocation.
"It troubles me greatly to say that, because I've met President (George W.) Bush," Clancy said. "He's a good guy. ... I think he's well-grounded, both morally and philosophically. But good men make mistakes."

"Battle Ready" was published in the United States Monday with a first printing of 438,700. It is the fourth in Clancy's "Commanders" series, in which military leaders reflect on their careers and discuss military strategy.
Bureau Report