How to Build a New Iraq After Saddam [Paperback]

Washington Institute for Near East Policy (Author), Patrick Clawson (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 2002

Whether changing the regime in Iraq is a worthwhile US policy objective depends on what occurs in the aftermath of Saddam Hussein's departure. This volume explores the most urgent challenges for policymakers in a near-term scenario. In addressing the problem of how to overcome the 20-year legacy of brutality under Saddam's rule, the authors present ideas for limiting the chaos and revenge-taking that are likely to follow Saddam's overthrow, while examining the challenges that will arise for a new leadership attempting to ensure Iraqi social stability. This collection of analyses should be a useful resource for anyone interested in building a more hopeful future for the people of Iraq.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Patrick Clawson is deputy director of The Washington Institute. He is a frequent writer and commentator on U.S. Iraq policy.

Product Details

• Paperback: 93 pages
• Publisher: Washington Institute for Near East Policy (December 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0944029825
• ISBN-13: 978-0944029824
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.1 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,477,652 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars How to build a new Iraq...in only 93 pages!!, October 16, 2005

By 

Lee L. (Washington DC) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: How to Build a New Iraq After Saddam (Paperback)

To start, the organization that put this book out is the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Some of the more well-known members of this group include Paul Wolfowitz and Richard Perle, both of whom serve(d) on the Board of Advisors. Think about the logic that people like these two put out there before the war and you'll have a pretty good idea about this book.

This book was written before the invasion happened and looking back, I imagine it would be somewhat embarrassing to have written some of these pieces.

Some key exerpts:

"The country's ethnic groups are not necessarily the key social actors to watch." page 5

"Owing to the regime's propaganda and to the material conditions of their lives, many Iraqis do not appreciate the nuances of Western sanctions policies, and they may have formed political views that are based on supposed Western ill will toward their country." page 12

"...the physical repair of Iraq will be relatively easy. Iraq is a country of engineers and builders, people who quickly restored bridges and roads after the Iran-Iraq and Gulf Wars." page 12

The problem I have with this book is not that they argued for the war. I do on many different levels. I'm upset about the blind optimism and complete disregard for what should be very obvious for anyone that has read much about Iraq. Also troubling is the underlying theme that Iraq is a problem solely because of Saddam. To be sure, he is partly to blame, but these authors do nothing to acknowledge the fact that the U.S. has done more than its fair share to make Iraq into the mess it was when the U.S. invaded it. My conclusion is that the material presented in this book is done so with the spirit of ideology rather than the desire to contribute to a realistic, educational discussion about Iraq.