Terrifying review of "probably one of the best Washington memoirs ever", by former defense secretary Robert Gates who served under both George W Bush and Obama. Surprised to learn that the only person who comes across even halfway decently is Hilary Clinton, because I had read so many accounts suggesting that as First Lady she was a watchword for petty vengeance.

Gates "wept almost every night as he signed letters of condolence and then lay in bed and meditated on the dead and wounded" that he sent off to war. He wants to be buried among them at Arlington, which might be a unique gesture for a defense secretary.

It does sound like he has deep respect for Hilary Clinton, which was unexpected.

The main sleight against Obama -- that he really is uninterested in war -- makes sense.