The occupation of Iraq : winning the war, losing the peace

Involved for over thirty years in the politics of Iraq, Ali A. Allawi was a long-time opposition leader against the Baathist regime. In the post-Saddam years he has held important government positions and participated in crucial national decisions and events. In this book, the former Minister of Defense and Finance draws on his unique personal experience, extensive relationships with members of the main political groups and parties in Iraq, and deep understanding of the history and society of his country to answer the baffling questions that persist about its current crises. What really led the United States to invade Iraq, and why have events failed to unfold as planned? __The Occupation of Iraq__ examines what the United States did and didn’t know at the time of the invasion, the reasons for the confused and contradictory policies that were enacted, and the emergence of the Iraqi political class during the difficult transition process. The book tracks the growth of the insurgency and illuminates the complex relationships among Sunnis, Shias, and Kurds. Bringing the discussion forward to the reconfiguration of political forces in 2006, Allawi provides in these pages the clearest view to date of the modern history of Iraq and the invasion that changed its course in unpredicted ways.

A comprehensive account of the occupation of Iraq and the crises that have followed in its wake, told for the first time by an Iraqi insider.

Involved for over thirty years in the politics of Iraq, Ali A. Allawi was a long-time opposition leader against the Baathist regime. In the post-Saddam years he has held important government positions and participated in crucial national decisions and events. In this book, the former Minister of Defense and Finance draws on his unique personal experience, extensive relationships with members of the main political groups and parties in Iraq, and deep understanding of the history and society of his country to answer the baffling questions that persist about its current crises. What really led the United States to invade Iraq, and why have events failed to unfold as planned?

The Occupation of Iraq examines what the United States did and didn't know at the time of the invasion, the reasons for the confused and contradictory policies that were enacted, and the emergence of the Iraqi political class during the difficult transition process. The book tracks the growth of the insurgency and illuminates the complex relationships among Sunnis, Shias, and Kurds. Bringing the discussion forward to the reconfiguration of political forces in 2006, Allawi provides in these pages the clearest view to date of the modern history of Iraq and the invasion that changed its course in unpredicted ways.

Contents 5 Illustrations 7 Preface 9 Acknowledgements 14 People Who Appear In This Book 15 Abbreviations 19 Glossary Of Arabic Terms 22 Prologue 27 Chapter 1. The Great Divides 43 Chapter 2. The Rise Of The Opposition 65 Chapter 3. The Build-Up To War 88 Chapter 4. The Invasion 103 Chapter 5. Occupation Authorities 122 Chapter 6. A Collapsed State – A Ruined Economy – A Damaged Society 140 Chapter 7. Deepening Rifts In A Brittle Society 158 Chapter 8. Dismantling The Ba’Athist State 173 Chapter 9. The Formation Of The Governing Council And The Rise Of The Insurgency 189 Chapter 10. The Shadow Of Real Power 216 Chapter 11. The Enigma Of Ayatollah Sistani 230 Chapter 12. A Constitution In Waiting 245 Chapter 13. The Fires Of Sectarian Hatreds 259 Chapter 14. A Marshall Plan For Iraq? 275 Chapter 15. April 2004 – The Turning Point 292 Chapter 16. The Interim Iraqi Government 306 Chapter 17. Arabs And Persians 320 Chapter 18. Showdown At The Shrine 342 Chapter 19. To Hold Or Abort An Election 360 Chapter 20. Corruption And The Potemkin State 374 Chapter 21. Iraqi Society On The Eve Of Free Elections 396 Chapter 22. The Vote 414 Chapter 23. Negotiating A Constitution 429 Chapter 24. Crises And The Jaafari Government 444 Chapter 25. Into Uncharted Waters 462 Epilogue 479 Notes 487 Index 520 Involved for over thirty years in the politics of Iraq, Ali A. Allawi was a long-time opposition leader against the Baathist regime. In the post-Saddam years, he has held important government positions and participated in crucial national decisions and events. In this book, the former Minister of Defence and Finance draws on his unique personal experience, extensive relationships with members of the main political groups and parties in Iraq, and deep understanding of the history and society of his country to answer the baffling questions that persist about its current crises. What really led the United States to invade Iraq, and why have events failed to unfold as planned? "The Occupation of Iraq" examines what the U.S. did and didn't know at the time of the invasion, the reasons for the confused and contradictory policies that were enacted, and the emergence of the Iraqi political class during the difficult transition process. The book tracks the growth of the insurgency and illuminates the complex relationships among Sunnis, Shia, and Kurds. Bringing the discussion forward to the reconfiguration of political forces in 2006, Allawi provides in these pages the clearest view to date of the modern history of Iraq and the invasion that changed its course in unpredicted ways