Sunrise Over Fallujah

By the end of the novel, can the army really say that the first three phases of Operation Iraqi Freedom have been completed and that the fourth is well underway? Giving examples, show why you agree or disagree that the first phases have been achieved.

Marla Kennedy posits that the Civil Affairs unit is really just the army’s guinea pig. The unit has gone from cleaning up the army’s messes to being sent in to see who shoots at them in an effort to reveal the enemy. Given Birdy and his unit’s experiences, would you agree?

Birdy has a love/hate relationship with Major Sessions throughout the novel. She represents the privileged officers who are tough on the soldiers, and yet, as evidenced in several instances, she’s only human. Do you agree with Birdy’s assessment of Sessions? Use examples from the text to explain why.

Jonesy dies protecting a blind Iraqi child. Though grief-stricken, Birdy understands Jonesy’s attempt to protect the child. Explain the significance in Jonesy attempting to save the blind child. What does this act represent?

Can there truly be a human face placed on war? Can enemies show humanity? If so, give examples from the novel.

Are the operations conducted by the Civil Affairs unit effective in winning the hearts of the Iraqi noncombatants? Can one rebuild and ensure democracy even when one doesn’t truly know who the enemy is? Explain.

How does Birdy’s perception of war change over the course of the novel?

Why does Birdy join the army and what does he think he can accomplish while enlisted? Why is Birdy’s father opposed to his joining and what alternative plans does he have for Birdy?