From Booklist:
Most Americans, including members of the current Bush administration, lack firsthand knowledge of the domestic situation within contemporary Iraq. If the American commitment to "regime change" results in war and occupation, that ignorance may come back to haunt us. Hiro, a native of India, is a journalist specializing in Middle Eastern affairs and has written for the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal, and many weekly and monthly publications. In describing daily life in Iraq, Hiro convincingly portrays the devastating effect of sanctions upon ordinary Iraqis. His examination of earlier U.N. inspection efforts reveals both the duplicity of Saddam Hussein's henchmen as well as American efforts to manipulate inspections to gather military intelligence. Although he clearly regards Hussein and his Baath party with contempt, Hiro asserts that a military campaign against Iraq could prove disastrous for both the West and Islamic societies. Hiro is perhaps too cynical regarding the motives of hawks within the Bush administration. Still, most of his ideas seem credible. Those who blithely approach war with Iraq and see only positive effects would do well to read this book. Jay Freeman
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Review:
"...highly readable and provocative book... [Hiro] writes within an easy-to-understand and nonideological framework. Highly recommended for informed citizenry." -- Nader Entessar, Library Journal, March 1, 2003
"Comes out in time to take a look at why "victory" [will] likely be messily Pyrrhic for the seeming winners." -- Ian Williams, In These Times, May 9, 2003
"Those who blithely approach war with Iraq and see only positive effects would do well to read this book." -- Jay Freeman, Booklist, February 15, 2003
A scrupulous and discerning vest-pocket contemporary history of Iraq from a writer with a well-earned reputation for evenhandedness. -- Kirkus Reviews, December 15, 2002
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