The Iranian Labyrinth

Dilip Hiro
December 2002     ISBN: 1560257164

George H.W. Bush described Saddam Hussein as the "new Hitler." His son, George W., accused Iraq of being part of an "axis of evil." Since 1990 few nations have inspired such obsession in US political circles, a country easily demonized, simplified and obscured by the formidable Saddam Hussein.

Combining case histories and searching political analysis, Dilip Hiro explores everyday life in Iraq now. He paints a picture that is both nuanced and vivid, emphasizing the dual importance of the Gulf War of 1991, the Iran-Iraq war of 1980-88 and the role of the United States, first friend and then foe to the Baathist regime. He examines the brutal role of Saddam, his cult of personality and lethal security apparatus, as well as attempts by the internal and external opposition to overthrow him. Hiro weighs the achievements and failures of the sanctions, emphasizing how the United States has used UN sanctions as a way to advance its own unilateral policy toward Iraq.

Hiro concludes by warning that Bush's plans to attack Iraq and overthrow Saddam could have a catastrophic outcome for regional stability, the world economy and the lives of many innocent Iraqis.

Dilip Hiro writes regularly for the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Observer, Sunday Telegraph, Guardian, and The Nation. His 28 books include The Iranian Labyrinth, Secrets and Lies: Operation "Iraqi Freedom" and After, and The Essential Middle East: A Comprehensive Guide.