Customer Reviews

Saddam's Bombmaker: The Daring Escape of the Man Who Built Iraq's Secret Weapon

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

from PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, October 16, 2000*:

"[The authors] keen sense of pacing (balancing personal memoir with political history) and clear and vivid writing serve to indict Iraq under Saddam, painting a detailed and convincing portrait of what it's like to live in a country under a violent dictator where there is no viable opposition or independent judiciary. . .

Hamza recalls colleagues who were tortured and killed, and doctors weeping as they told him of being forced to watch the killings of Shiites, who Saddam feared politically, or the gassing of Kurds, designed both to eliminate this minority and to test biological weapons. . .

Forecast: Hamza was featured in an article in the New York Times Magazine on Oct. 2 and this book will get widely reviewed. Hamza's urgent message about how close Saddam is to completing a nuclear weapon makes the book not only newsworthy but of the broadest interest to a wide spectrum of readers concerned about the fate of the world in the nuclear age

Before going into my own thoughts on this book, I would like to respond to an earlier reviewer who found this an obviously fictional account because:

"Basically, in atomic research you need lots of industrial equipment, like the South African and Israeli governments bought or developed(from other advanced nations). Iraq has nothing close to this."

To this I say: North Korea, Pakistan, India (and coming soon, Iran) -- and ??? In this I do not mean to disparage the countries named, but they clearly do not fall within that reviewers idea of a highly developed industrialized "Big 5" nation. What Iraq was not able to develop on its own, it WAS able to buy.

And that last is really one of the main themes of this book. The ability of Iraq to buy, and the willingness of others to sell, everything that Iraq needs -- for a price. This brought to mind Bernard Lewis's accounts in "Islam and the West" in which the West was more than willing to sell modern arms to Islamic states in the distant past. But I digress.

Dr. Hamzah portrays/is portrayed as a man caught up in a combination of greed, ego, and fear. He was finally able to extricate himself and his family (and his accounts of his difficulties dealing with the CIA do not bode well for the future). His description of how easily he was ensnared in this gilded cage, one step at a time, is truly a cautionary tale.

At the same time, his detailed description of how a rogue state can go about obtaining the necessary ingredients for a nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction) weapon is dismaying to say the least. But at least it takes a LOT of money.

The one element that did not ring true (for me)was Dr. Hamza's description of his poker playing. He clearly knows very little about poker, and writing of his exploits as someone who does (even marginally) gave me pause. But it is more along the lines of grandiosity than outright fabrication. And that is perhaps the best way to approach this book. Accept that Dr. Hamza (for various reasons) puffs himself up a bit -- but that is also what made him more susceptible to Saddam's enticements

Well worth reading if you want to understand how Iraq could get a weapons program going, and maintain it in secrecy despite attempts to uncover it. Also a worthwhile study of how a man can slowly slip into a bad situation through greed, and hubris.

Convinced he had discovered that Iraq was only ` a few inches' away from finishing a successful production of the `Bomb', the author suddenly summoned undocumented story about 1) his contribution to the `bomb's project' from initial stages, and another 2) by alluding to IBM not able to sell Iraq up to date technology.
On page 141 he refers to IBM "couldn't sell us their new mainframe because of the export controls."
The truth of the matter is that the Arab Boycott Office had narrated a statement, called the `negative' (or Nasty) clause, to the effect that `carriers and ships carrying goods destined to and/or from the Arab Countries, should NOT pass through or deal with Israeli ports".
The Boycott Clause (stereotyped as is) was to be mentioned on the Bills of Lading and on all related shipping documents.
IBM had to comply with the USA anti Boycott regulations that did not accept such `negative' statements.

Dr. Hamza's book was downright amazing. I read this book over the summer in less than 2 days. This book has given me new insight into the conflict with Iraq, and how it should be handled. And, coming from a chief Iraqi nuclear scientist, it all seems to be the shocking truth, especially the part about testing an Iraqi nuclear device directly on Israel. I was amazed at every point of this book. His daring escape was truly awe inspiring. Needless to say, I loved this book.

This is a terrific book on several levels. First,it's a riveting account of life inside Saddam Hussein's Iraq, a country run on fear, and a chilling look at his campaign to develop nuclear weapons -- an arsenal that he intends to use someday.

But the book is also a deeply personal story of Dr. Hamza's journey out of madness. This is a fascinating tale, rich in detail, about his evolution from the dictator's most important scientist to a whistleblowing defector whose warnings about Saddam's plans are only now gaining the audience they deserve. But no dry academic tome or meditative memoir here -- this is a well-written, fast-paced thriller with a surprising twist or turn around every corner. The account of Hamza's flight to freedom, complete with dueling dissident groups, bumbling secret agents and dangerous border crossings, fairly crackles off the page and by itself is worth the price of admission.

One other point: another reviewer in these pages expressed some skepticism about Dr. Hamza's story. This was more than a little puzzling. Dr. Hamza has been vetted by the CIA, the Pentagon and the State Department, all of which have attested to his bona fides. I wonder whether Dr. Hamza, having survived the terrors of Saddam's regime and lived to tell his story, will now face an assault on his credibility from sources whose own motives are open to question.

All in all, a great read that you'll think about -- and talk about -- long after the book is back on the shelf.

Wow, what a page-turner, and timely too. Even though this book came out in 2000, it's message is surely more important now with possible upcoming action against Iraq. If anyone is still on the fence about whether Saddam presents a global threat to freedom and safety, the info in this book should prove most enlightening. I was tentative about reading it, thinking it would be a dry and boring nuclear technology manual, but in reality it is so well and easily written I could not put it down. Hollywood's action pictures pale in comparison. And I will never watch the news the same again!

Khidir Hamza presents a truly unique view of two antipodal societies--neither fully appreciated by most Americans. His insider's view of Iraq shows the desperation and danger than entraps the innocent populace under Saddam Hussain's megalomaniac reign. Likewise, his eventually fulfilled lifetime longing for the bounties of America shows a patriotic appreciation for the freedoms most native born citizens spend theirs lives taking for granted.

His authentic story would stretch the boundaries of the most creative novelists. Visual imagery rivaling Dickens' "Bleak House" makes the hopelessness of daily life in Iraq vividly real, and his ultimate escape from Saddam's clutches challenges Tom Clancy's most intricate yarn. Making the adventure even more chilling is his longtime easy access to the highest levels of Saddam's government. As a player and eventual head of Iraqi's nuclear program, Dr. Hamza was privy to the palace's inner machinations. From the unrestrained use of torture for any perceived slight to Saddam's clintonian-caliber sexual conquests, Dr. Hamza shares it all from his close-up vantage point.

Among the book's most interesting features are several almost desultory anecdotes. Curiously, Iraq allows considerably more religious freedom than most predominantly Islamic countries; Christianity is largely ignored. After the Gulf War, Saddam's probably- not-irrational fear of revolt reassigned much of the nation's depleted resources to maintaining order--a catchall phrase often used to justify unprovoked massacres. Penury and entropy flooded the country as many industries folded, while Saddam also built himself three new palaces (to add to the dozens he already owned.) Dr. Hamza remarks that several Muslim charities misappropriated donations intended to help the poor--much of it was rerouted into corrupt imams' pockets. Conversely, Christian charities diligently distributed their sparse resources to those in the greatest need. He even sites one Christian minister who denied his own brother because his meager income was greater than the average pauper.

Discussing Saddam's lack of interest in world travel, Dr. Hamza mentions that his only two official visits to non-Arab states brought him to Moscow and Paris where a hero's welcome greeted him in both capitols. Major changes in Russia as well as clearly revealed picture of Saddam's evil nature would likely negate a repeat embrace in Moscow. Conversely, with recent developments betraying France's present descent from civilization's standards, it is easy to see loving throngs welcoming a return visit there in 2002.

Those who perceive a decline in intelligence activities starting under the Clinton administration will not be surprised to hear of the CIA's reluctance to cooperate when Dr. Hamza first contacted them with a request to defect. Over a year passed while the CIA dilly-dallied with the possibility of acquiring information that could save millions of lives in the free world, but fortunately even the dilatory interstice did not deter Dr. Hanna's quest for the American Dream and he was eventually accepted. The inspiring story of getting his family out is another beguiling facet that employed enough ingenuity to put James Bond to shame.

Among the autobiography's many uplifting messages is Dr, Hamza's devotion to his marriage. At the age of thirty he entered into an arranged marriage with a 15 year-old, but his unflinching commitment to her stands as testament to how seriously he viewed his husbandly obligations. In a telling revelation about Iraq, he describes once flying back from a international government mission to accompany his wife while she went into labor because Iraqi hospitals do not extend major efforts in caring for women--even the wife of a high-ranking government official--unless a man is around to hector the staff.

Both the tenacity and temerity of the Israeli military are displayed by two incidents in the book. First was the completely unanticipated bombing of Iraq's nascent nuclear reactor in the early 1980's. A move that despite snarling in the West must have been greatly appreciated by the allied forced during the Gulf War. The second ingenious maneuver occurred when Israeli troops landed in convincingly disguised Iraqi helicopters and planted an underground spy satellite. Many witnesses overheard the imposters speaking authentic Iraqi slang.

To eliminate any doubt about Saddam's evil nature, Dr. Hamza discussed the sustained, multi-faceted biological and chemical weapon experimentation on Iraqi solders and civilians which he rightly names "one of the most grisly episodes of these awful weapons in history." Atrocities ranging from transferring political prisoners to a "pesticide factory" to poisoning the water supply of unsuspecting rural dwellers bare bold witness to the Iraqi despot's insensate turpitude.

Underlining the whole narrative is a version of the typical American immigrant's story. The circumstances may deviate greatly, but as for so many others, the beacon of liberty beckoned. For decades, it looked like Dr. Hamza and his family--financially sound in Iraq--would never be among those blessed tempest-tossed souls who would make it. Fortunately like so many other first generation Americans, perseverance and kismet intersected and he successful reached the Shining City on the Hill.

Amazing book!

Dr. Hamza's detailed account of his work inside Saddam's nuclear program -- and how he got there -- and got out -- makes for a remarkable story.

From student years in the USA, through his rise within the Iraqi nuclear establishment, to his central role in Saddam's bomb program, to his harrowing escape and the subsequent exfiltration of his family to the US, this is an incredible story, brilliantly told.

In recounting his journey with co-author Jeff Stein, Dr. Hamza profiles the powered elite in Iraq from a wholly unique persective: he became Saddam's personal nuclear bombmaker.

And what it tells us about Saddam's Iraq is frightening: this is a regime with both the will and nascent capability to unleash nuclear weapons. Saddam's personal, criminal disregard for human life is made very plain. The reader can get closer to the man than he might otherwise care to through this book.

It also gives us a remarkable story of personal courage. The plight of Dr. Hamza following a difficult decision to leave Iraq -- only to be rebuffed at first by a bungling CIA agent -- is heroic.

A true page-turner, clearly and finely written.

A 'must read' for any citizen of this planet.

I've always thought Saddam was a shady character. Forget what the "liberal" media says. If you want to get to know what Saddam is like, take it from a man who knows all too well.

The author was part of Saddam's secret team tasked with building nuclear weapons. He recounts with great detail how he rose in the ranks to become one of the top people in Saddam's secret nuclear program.. and lived to tell about it.

He details all that transpired and how he managed to get his family out of Iraq. Most chillingly, you'll find out just what Saddam was like as a person and as a boss.

For the skeptics and doves, you owe it to yourself to at least give this book a chance. If you had doubts about this man, take it from someone who knew what REALLY went on in Iraq. After reading this one, I'm pretty convinced that dispite his claims to the contrary, Saddam still has a secret nuclear program going today. It's goal: to build the first "arab bomb"

Well written and to-the-point, Saddam's Bombmaker is a solid piece of Non-Fiction and a must for anyone who is curious and/or uncertain about the current situation in Iraq.

Hamzah's book is a well written, insightful and intelligently observed account of the meglomania of Saddam Hussein. The account of Hamzah's involvement in Saddam's attempt to develop a nuclear weapon is fascinating, but even at that is not the most interesting part of this book. Much more engrossing are the insider accounts of Saddam's pyschotic rule and the appalling depredations he has unleashed on his people. Particularly terrifying is the account of Saddam using his own government officials to unleash a horrific purge where officials were forced to kill one another to prove their loyalty. Hamzah's makes clear that not only has Saddam ruined Iraq economically, he has made so many in Iraq amoral government stooges. Even as his people starve, Hamzah observes that billions continue to be poured into Saddam's nuclear program, to say nothing of the building of more and more palaces for Saddam. Hamzah makes clear that Iraq is a nation led by a psychopath.

More interesting even still is the utterly gripping tale of Hamzah's harrowing escape from Saddam's sick grasp. The chapters dealing with Hamzah's sojourn in Libya are both poignant and suspensful as the reader is left to guess how Hamzah can possibly escape the jeopardy he found himself in there as well as how he would extract his family from Iraq. This nightmarish dillema will have you on the edge of your seat.

At the same time, it is discouraging to see the way in which the CIA so cavilierly and insensitvely dealt with Hamzah and his family. The US nearly lost an invaluable intelligence asset, to say nothing of being rather careless with the man's life and that of his family. It is similarly discouraging to see how badly UN inspectors have been duped by Saddam and how mislead we all were about the extent of Saddam's weapons of mass destruction program. It is also disturbing to see the willingness with which some nations assisted Saddam in his weapons program, including some in this nation, and that many of these same governments are again rushing headlong into taking the pressure off Saddam, all for the sake of making a buck. Hopefully the new presidential administration in this country will deal more aggressively and perceptively to prevent Saddam from getting the bomb and re-arming himself.

I rated the book with four stars mainly because it bogs down a little towards the middle in describing the details of Hamzah's deal making on trips abroad to procure weapons components. I suppose this section is necessary to establish Hamzah's bona fides since we can see some are trying to mislead us into belieiving Hamzah was not extensively involved in Saddam's nuclear program. They likely are spreading such deception on Saddam's behalf as part of Saddam's craven disinformation campaign. Anyone with common sense can see that Hamzah's detailed account could only have been written by someone at the center of Saddam's nuclear program.

Otherwise Hamzah's book is a can't put down thriller that will keep you on edge and engrossed. It will also leave you with a thorough appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy and the ability to live free of terror as well as the need to be ever vigilante against meglomaniacs in our own country who would attempt to seize power not granted them (Remember, Saddam was also vice president of his country when he illegally seized his current office.)