The New Iraq

In the minds of many Americans, Iraq is synonymous with Saddam Hussein, an impression only reinforced by political leaders and the media over the last decade. But the debates over Saddam's regime have left out a vital piece of the story: the Iraqi people themselves. After three decades under Saddam's repressive rule, the question of "what comes next?" is an urgent one - and one that the American public needs to know more about. In The New Iraq, Middle East expert Joseph Braude tells the story of a country in flux, from memories of its distant past to the painful realities of life today, and explains how a global commitment to Iraq's renewal will benefit everyone who takes part in the emerging project of state-building.The New Iraq's riveting portrayal of Iraqi society-from its preachers and wealthy elites to its prostitutes and disaffected majorities-sheds light on a world unknown to Westerners due to the country's decade-long international isolation. Major wars, 13 years of sanctions, and the domestic legacy of a police state have all combined to preserve and reinforce an old culture with attitudes and skill sets that other traditional societies would be hard pressed to match.