This wars were very different in scale, length and savagery. But in each one the author traces the interaction of military and political events, and shows how the military tide turned. He examines the lessons: the importance of helicopters in anti-querrila warfare; the vital importance of information and intelligence at every level, and of ruthlessly clarifying one's aims; and thevalue of a quick reaction with sufficient force. As the author says, History does not repeat itself but it has much to teach us especially about what not to do.