In war, there is no easy victory. When troops invaded Iraq in 2003 to topple Saddam Hussein’s regime, most people expected an easy victory. Instead, the gamble we took was a grave mistake, and its ramifications continue to reverberate through the lives of millions, in Iraq and the West. As we gain more distance from those events, it can be argued that many of the issues facing us today – the rise of the Islamic State, increased Islamic terrorism, intensified violence in the Middle East, mass migration, and more – can be traced back to the decision to invade Iraq. In The Iraq War, award-winning documentary maker James Bluemel collects first-hand testimony from those who lived through the horrors of the invasion and whose actions were dictated by such extreme circumstances. It takes in all sides of the conflict – working class Iraqi families watching their country erupt into civil war; soldiers and journalists on the ground; American families dealing with the grief of losing their son or daughter; parents of a suicide bomber coming to terms with unfathomable events – to create the most in-depth and multi-faceted portrait of the Iraq War to date. Accompanying a major BBC series, James Bluemel’s book is an essential account of a conflict that continues to shape our world, and a startling reminder of the consequences of our past decisions.

This volume provides analysis of the state of Iraqs security and of current Western policy toward the country in the wake of the Gulf War. It also examines the political, economic, and security impact of sanctions, Iraqs future role as an oil exporter, the U.S. policy of dual containment in relation to Iraq, and options for dealing with Iraq in the future. }This volume provides analysis of the state of Iraqs security and of current Western policy toward the country in the wake of the Gulf War. It also examines the political, economic, and security impact of sanctions, Iraqs future role as an oil exporter, the U.S. policy of dual containment in relation to Iraq, and options for dealing with Iraq in the future. }

With recent upheavals in the Middle East and North Africa, the eighth edition of The Government and Politics of the Middle East and North Africa has been thoroughly revised to provide a necessary, comprehensive and current examination of the domestic politics and foreign policies of this crucial region. A newly expanded introduction provides students with a comparative and thematic overview of the region, from its political regimes and electoral institutions to its economic and social concerns. Each chapter, written by an invited specialist, uses a common framework to explore the historical background, social and political environment, political structure and dynamics, and foreign policy of a country. Chapters are augmented by a country map, a box providing key facts, and an annotated bibliography summarizing the major literature. The eighth edition provides vital new considerations of the aftermath of the Arab Spring, the ongoing sectarian violence and rise of ISIS, and the growth of social forces like youth movements and women's rights groups. In addition, the inclusion of six new contributors brings fresh perspectives, ensuring that The Government and Politics of the Middle East and North Africa remains an essential guide to the region's political landscape.

The Modern History of Iraq is a remarkably readable account of contemporary Iraq, placing in historical perspective the crises and upheavals that continue to afflict the country. This text weaves together several important themes, including the search for a national identity, the struggle to achieve social and economic development, the changes in political dynamics, and the impact of foreign interventions, to provide readers with a holistic understanding of modern Iraq. Revised and updated throughout, the fourth edition features more discussion of cultural identity and media and society. In addition, this edition includes two new chapters on the events and shifts in the country of the early twenty-first century-the US intervention and withdrawal, the stabilization and subsequent unraveling of the Maliki government, the effects of the Arab uprisings, and the rise of ISIS-and their political, economic, and social consequences. Written by noted Iraq scholar Phebe Marr with new co-author Ibrahim al-Marashi, this text is essential reading for readers who seek to understand modern Iraq in the context of historical perspective.

" After I have finished my book, I cannot but thank my brother and dear friend Sheikh Nazem Hamza Alwan Al-Jubouri. He was a sincere and objective reference when I was discussing with him some issues in the research. I loaded him with reviewing the book when I finished it in its final form. I have all thanks and love for him.I would also like to express my thanks and appreciation to historian and great military expert Brig. Gen. Sobhi Nazim, as his testimony after a systematic scientific dialogue with him on the sources of Iraqi armament, has embellished my book with undoubtable facts, I greet him wherever he is.And thanks to my Syrian Arab thinker friend Samir Saifan, who reviewed the draft book for the first time.A greeting of appreciation for Dr. Musa Moussawi, son of grand scholar Ayatollah Abu l-Hasan, may Allah have mercy on him. His writings, his neutral scientific credentials and his personal and accurate knowledge of Ayatollah Khomeini and President Saddam Hussein were scientific support for me to complete the facts that I sought in my research, for a good neighborhood and peaceful future for coming generations, in which the spirit of tolerance and cooperation between the two Muslim countries will prevail in Iraq and Iran on the basis of good neighborliness, mutual respect, cooperation and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, exceeding the greediness, acquisition of the rights of others and imposition of beliefs on the other through returning to the spirit of Islam, which is common between the two neighboring countries."

Explores the people, history, culture, land, climate, and economy of Iraq, the "Cradle of Civilization."

From the dawn of Western civilization to the present day, events in Iraq have been at the center of world attention. Iraq lies in the heart of the Middle East and is central to this important region in countless ways. The domestication of plants and animals first began here. The world's first urban settlements and civilization were established along the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in what was then known as Mesopotamia. Modern Iraq remains and important Arab heartland, but it is also a troubled land. Religious and ethnic strife threaten the country's stability. Today, a fragile democracy is beginning to take root in Iraq. Take students beyond the headlines with this brand-new, in-depth profile of this country in transition. Combining timely, clearly presented information with an easy-on-the-eye, full-color design, Iraq is an excellent resource for current events classes and social studies curriculums.

Routledge Handbook on Middle East Security provides the first comprehensive look at Middle East security issues that includes both traditional and emerging security threats. Taking a broad perspective on security, the volume offers both analysis grounded in the ‘hard’ military and state security discourse but also delves into the ‘soft’ aspects of security employing a human security perspective. As such the volume addresses imminent challenges to security, such as the ones relating directly to the war in Syria, but also the long-term challenges. The traditional security problems, which are deep-seated, are at risk of being exacerbated also by a lack of focus on emerging vulnerabilities in the region. While taking as a point of departure the prevalent security discourse, the volume also goes beyond the traditional focus on military or state security and consider non-traditional security challenges. This book provides a state-of-the-art review of research on the key challenges for security in the Middle East; it will be a key resource for students and scholars interested in Security Studies, International Relations, Political Science and Middle Eastern Studies.