Remembering a War and Speaking Truth to Power

Pulitzer-winning journalist Spencer Ackerman is an expert on one of the ugliest chapters of U.S. history: the Iraq War, which began 20 years ago. In this issue (“Generation Shill,” page 26), he looks at some of that era’s lasting echoes in American society. “When we talk about such an agonizing period in history, we should speak about it as plainly as we possibly can,” Ackerman says. “In doing so, we pierce through the lies that were told about any war.” Ackerman’s other recent works include his acclaimed 2021 book Reign of Terror and the DC Comics miniseries Waller vs. Wildstorm (out March 21).