Saddam Hussein: A Political Biography

Having nearly finished this book, I have to say that while the book is not perfect and certainly not the best book on Iraqi politics out there, I found it to be informative and easy to read. Maybe because I've had to read so many books for school that are largely theoretical and unreadable, this book doesn't seem as bad to me as it would to others. The subject matter is pretty straightforward. The book covers Hussein's political life up until the end of the first Gulf War in 1990. The authors do allow personal opinion to pop up from time to time, but compared to some of the other books on Iraq out there right now, I don't find it to be particularly troublesome in this instance. If you have only a passing interest in Iraq, this book probably isn't for you. I think that people with an active interest in Iraq or the Middle East should read the book along with many others.

This book is one of the greatest anyone can buy about Saddam Hussein. It exposes him for what he is, a ruthless, bloody man who will backstab people just as easily as he will make deals with them. All things and ideals are just pawns in his game to continue his reign. Sanctions, Palestine, Israel, Arab Unity, Iraqi people, each are just pawns that he uses when it favors him, and attacks them when it favors him. The book goes into detail about how to Hussein EVERYTHING is allowed as long it furthers his own goals. An informative book that I would recommend to anyone interested in the topic.

Rather than offer a lay psychoanalysis of the personality of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, the authors present a detailed account of his political career.The intricate maze of Middle Eastern politics in the late 20th century is made understandable, even to someone without a firm grounding in the history of the region (no mean feat). There are few major surprises in the book (unless you go into it thinking that Saddam Hussein attained and retains his position through lawful, humanitarian means...) but there is much that clarifies how the present world situation has reached the point that it has.

This is a fascinating read. The book does a very good job of outlining the background of Saddam Hussein and traces his rise to power with extraordinary insight. The authors have produced an essay that exposes the brutality and self-serving megalomania that is the Iraqi dictator. Anyone that seeks an in-depth look at the current problem with Iraq should certainly read this book.