The Iraq War examines the multifaceted factors leading to the 2003 invasion, emphasizing the long-lasting global consequences and the reshaping of the Middle East. It argues that the war went beyond just eliminating weapons of mass destruction, highlighting the roles of neoconservative ambitions and deep-seated animosity towards Saddam Hussein’s Ba'athist regime. The book questions the accuracy of pre-war intelligence and explores how initial misunderstandings of Iraqi society fueled unintended consequences, contributing to regional instability and sectarian violence.
The book progresses chronologically, starting with the historical context of US-Iraq relations and US foreign policy in the Middle East. It then analyzes the buildup to the war, the military campaign, the occupation, and the descent into civil war. A significant part of the analysis is dedicated to ISIS's rise as a direct result of the power vacuum created by the conflict. The work draws from declassified documents, firsthand accounts, and international reports, aiming to offer a balanced and nuanced perspective on the political decisions and intelligence failures.
