Customer Rating: 
Summary: Unrivalled
Comment: An absolutely wonderful book. It gives a close and detailed analysis of the political, social, economic, religious and military situation in Iraq prior to and during the occupation. The level of detail and insight is unrivalled, coming as it does from a former exciled opposition politician and now senior figure in the Iraqi government.
It's probably not the best book for an introduction to the subject: it might help if you have some knowledge of the politics of the occupation, for example. On the other hand it is very easy to read and consists mainly of short, precisely titled sections. There are thorough footnotes and cross-references.
An excellent resource book on the subject.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Accurate in depth assessment
Comment: I recommeend this book. I enjoyed reading it. Highly accurate, evidence based and balanced views.
Customer Rating:
Summary: The rise and fall of some ancient civilisation
Comment: The author of this book is an Iraqi who recently served as both Finance and Defence Minister in the Iraqi government.
His insight is extraordinary and his knowledge incredibly wide ranging. He is simply the insider. From the book you will learn everything about the war, the sectarian divisions of Iraq, the American shortcomings, bribery and corruption, about the key players and so on.
The book is a quick read...like a gripping story about the rise and fall of some ancient civilisation, witnessed by one of its players. Unfortunately it's happening now, and under our banners.
Allawi is the only current writer on Iraq of any stature who actually is Iraqi, speaks Arabic and yet is very West-familiar.
His revelations, especially concerning corruption and money mismanagement are blood curdling. (Americans sent billions of dollars in suitcases to war torn Bagdad faster than criminals in and out of government could steal it).
This book should be read and re-read for many years to come as the ultimate lesson in what happens when you start to `liberate' countries in the name of dubious ideologies (or even God, according to Bush).
It seems that the West has never learned the lessons of experimenting with ideologies on a grand scale. We tried it with communism and fascism and we now try with neoliberalism and `a rapid democracy export.'
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