Known and Unknown (Rumsfeld)

Discussion Questions
1. What is the meaning of the book's title? It was taken from a well-known, and oft-repeated, statement Rumsfeld made in a 2002 press conference: “Reports that say that something hasn’t happened are always interesting to me because, as we know, there are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns—the ones we don’t know we don’t know.” In what way is his statement relevant to his memoir? Why might Rumsfeld have chosen it as his title?

2. There is disagreement about the tone and purpose of Known and Unknown. Some reviewers believe it is a self-serving, blame-others memoir and scathing attempt to settle scores, especially regarding Colin Powell. John Scales, however, a retired major general, writes in the Wall Street Journal that Rumsfeld is always gracious to his opponents, that he "treats almost everyone with respect and softens his barbs." What is your opinion of the book's tone and thrust?

3. Mr. Rumsfeld writes that...

there is not a persuasive argument to be made that the United States would be in a stronger strategic position or that Iraq and the Middle East would be better off if Saddam were still in power. In short, ridding the region of Saddam’s brutal regime has created a more stable and secure world.

What reasons does he give for this statement? Do you agree or disagree with him?

4. How does Rumsfeld dispute his critics who have said the war in Iraq diverted attention from Afghanistan? Do you agree with Rumsfeld or his critics?

5. How does the author defend himself against his critics who claim that his preoccupation with building a fast, light, and flexible force crippled the military's ability to secure Iraq? Are his arguments convincing to you?

6. Rumsfeld distances himself from the neo-conservatives whose goal was to export democracy and engage in nation-building secure democratic societies. Why doesn't he agree with the neo-cons? What about you?

7. What accomplishments is Rumsfeld most proud of—and why? What are some of the things he regrets having said, done or not done—and why?

8. In writing of then-Vice President Dick Cheney, Rumsfeld says that Cheney could have served George W. Bush as defense secretary and vice president. Why does qualities does Rumsfeld admire in Cheney?

9. What does Rumsfeld think of the former president George H.W. Bush (the then-president's father)? Why was the relationship between the two older men so chilly?

10. Who else in George W's administration does Rumsfeld criticize...and why? What does he say about, for example, Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice?

11. Why does he dispute Powell's charge that he, Powell, had been misled about the existence of WMD in Iraq, particularly in his presentation of evidence to the United Nations?

12. Discuss Rumsfeld's observations regarding the pernicious in-fighting between the Pentagon and the State Department. How does he say the bad relations underminded the war effort?

13. According to Rumsfeld, what was L. Paul Bremer's role, as head of the provisional government, in stabilizing or destabilizing Iraq? What about the decision to disband the Iraqi army and ban Ba'ath party members from public life? Why were those decisions made, who made them, and what were the consequences?

14. Rumsfeld admires then-President George W. Bush. What presidential qualities ad actions does he praise?

15. Overall, what impressions do you take away from having read Known and Unknown? Do you find yourself agreeing with Rumsfeld? Do you find him honorable, likeable, fair-minded? Do you find him arrogant and defensive? Do you believe he is willing...or unwilling...to accept responsibility for what went wrong in Iraq?

16. What have you learned from reading this memoir? What surprised you? What impressed you? What angered you? Does the book confirm or alter your basic views of former Secretary Rumsfeld and the prosecution of the War in Iraq?

17. Have you read other accounts of the war, and lead-up to the war, in Iraq—Assassin's Gate (Packer), Bush at War and State of Denial (Woodward), Fiasco (Ricks), The Forever War (Filkins), or others. If so, how does this memoir compare?

(Questions by LitLovers. Please feel free to use them, online or off, with attribution. Thanks.)

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