The Mirror Test

Praise for J. Kael Weston’s The Mirror Test: “Closely observed and illuminating… . Weston’s reportage recalls the finest foreign correspondence of the Iraq and Afghan wars.” –The New York Review of Books“Weston is… a diplomat of great bravery, erudition and heart who befriended Afghans and stood up to his superiors… . The emotional core of The Mirror Test is Weston’s profound love for the Marines… . Weston is [a] civilian hero.” —The New York Times Book Review“Weston, who worked as a State Department official for more than a decade, brings balance and cultural perspective different from the previous war books… . Along the way, he heralds humanitarian efforts and describes a fascinating dynamic of American dollars simultaneously rolling out to fund the allied war effort and the Afghan infrastructure.” —The Desert News “This book shines when it recounts Weston’s day-to-day dealings with Marines (and Iraqis and Afghans)… . [The Mirror Test] deserves a salute.” —St. Louis Post-Dispatch“Weston, a former State Department official, spent seven courageous and harrowing years on the front lines as a political adviser to American troops. His memoir offers a serious examination of the effects of terrorism from a personal and emotional perspective.” —The New York Times (Editors’ Choice)“As a former Foreign Service officer, Weston is perfectly positioned to provide a different perspective on these wars’ sometimes-particular complexities… . The Mirror Test offers insights into tribal, cultural and religious dynamics; the limits of military power as a political instrument; the use of drones; the heavy reliance on special operators; cooperation and failed cooperation among military services, agencies and allies.” –The Washington Post

JOHN KAEL WESTON represented the United States for more than a decade as a State Department official. Washington acknowledged his multi-year work in Fallujah with Marines by awarding him one of its highest honors, the Secretary of State’s Medal for Heroism.