This book, the only serious study in any language of Franco-American relations during the 2002-3 Iraq crisis, is based on the most complete range of sources available on both sides of the Atlantic. It challenges a number of the stereotypes and elements of received wisdom about the crisis and situates the policies of the George W. Bush administration in their ... Read moretrue historical context.
Jolyon Howorth, Yale University, author of Security and Defence Policy in the European Union This book should be required reading for every serious observer of the Syria crisis. It is not about Syria, but about another country with a dictator who dominated international diplomacy for years and was the target of two western military interventions, one successful, the other disastrous: Saddam Hussein's Iraq.
Sylvie Kauffmann Le Monde This is an exquisitely written treatment of the decisions leading to the Iraq tragedy. Bozo shines light on events that can only come from the outside. France saw things America did not-in Baghdad and Washington. American readers will learn how we are seen from outside and witness the often unexpected reactions to decisions made in Washington. A vital history for both academics and practitioners in international security.
Charles A. Duelfer, former deputy chairman of the UN Iraq weapons inspectors (UNSCOM) and head of the Iraq Survey Group The main value of this excellent book, however, lies in the historical depth it gives to the 2003 crisis. It provides a detailed account of the policies of the coalition members towards Iraq from 1991 onwards, and of the divisions between them. Survival Show Less