Dictatorship, Imperialism and Chaos: Iraq Since 1989 (Global History of the Present)

Since 1989 the history of Iraq has been one of the world’s most traumatic. In this book, Thabit Abdullah places the Iraqi people at the centre of changes which began with the invasion of Kuwait in 1990, and ended with the current American-led occupation. Battles for control of oil, the vacuum created by Saddam Hussein’s dictatorship and the devastating impact of sanctions have wreaked havoc on Iraqi society over the past two decades. Abdullah argues that current ethnic tensions and religious divisions are a response to this destruction of civil society, rather than a consequence of having ‘artificial’ borders, inherent in Iraq’s very existence. This powerful and often moving account provides a uniquely measured insight into the recent political and social history of Iraq. It is an ideal introduction for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of this important and controversial nation. "Since 1989 the history of Iraq has been one of the world's most traumatic. In this book, Thabit Abdullah places the Iraqi people at the center of changes which began with the invasion of Kuwait in 1990, and ended with the current American-led occupation." "Battles for control of oil, the vacuum created by Saddam Hussein's dictatorship and the devastating impact of sanctions have wreaked havoc on Iraqi society over the past two decades. Abdullah argues that current ethnic tensions and religious divisions are a response to this destruction of civil society, rather than a consequence of having "artificial" borders, inherent in Iraq's very existence." "This account provides a uniquely measured insight into the recent political and social history of Iraq. It is an ideal introduction for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of this important and controversial nation."--Jacket This book is a concise, readable, yet rigorous narrative of the recent history of Iraq. It focuses on the transformations within the country, placing the people of Iraq at the centre of the changes which began with the invasion of Kuwait in 1990, and ended with the current American occupation. The book tells the story of the country in order, but detours to explore themes such as the role of oil, the nature of Saddam Hussain's state, the social impact of sanctions, the roots of sectarian divisions, and the question of the 'artificiality' of Iraq's borders. Concluding with a critical look at simplistic notions of Iraqi social divisions it argues that there is a basis for national unity which might yet bring the country out of its current crisis.

This is a concise, readable, yet rigorous history of Iraq since the end of the Iran-Iraq War and the Cold War to the present day by a well-regarded and serious Iraqi intellectual. Abdullah takes the reader through a chronological journey, exploring how Hussein came to power, the consequences of the Iran-Iraq war; how Hussein's regime developed; the war in Kuwait; the devastation of Iraqi society under international sanctions; the US and allies' invasion; the future implications for Iraqi society. Abdullah undercuts the widespread view that Iraq as a nation state is an artificial construct. Finally, the book also explores the relationship between Iraq's economy and the 'globalized' economy of the post-1989 period.

With a critical look at simplistic notions of Iraqi social divisions, this work argues that there is a basis for national unity which might bring the country out of its crisis. It tells the story of the country in chronological order, with detours to explore themes such as the role of oil and the nature of Saddam Husayn's state. Acknowledgments -- Introduction -- The Rise Of The Modern State -- Dictatorship And War -- Imperialism And The Crisis Of Kuwait -- The Sanctions Regime -- Occupation And Chaos -- Epilogue -- Notes -- Index. Thabit A.j. Abdullah. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [122]-130) And Index. Acknowledgments Introduction Rise of the modern state Dictatorship and war Imperialism and the crisis of Kuwait The sanctions regime Occupation and chaos Epilogue Suggestions for further reading Notes Index.