Iraq: From Sumer to Saddam

by Geoff L. Simons

This book presents a broad history of Iraq, from the earliest times to the present, with particular attention to the emergence of modern Iraq in the twentieth century, the power struggles that led to the rise of Saddam Hussein, and recent events such as the Iran-Iraq war, the 1990-91 Gulf crisis, and the continuing depiction of Iraq as a 'pariah' nation. Detailed information is included, much of it unsympathetic to western propaganda, to encourage a deeper understanding and a deeper ethical perception of the 'Iraq Question'.

Genres: History, Middle East

406 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1993

About the author

Geoffrey Leslie Simons was a British freelance writer. In the 1980s, he was chief editor at the National Computing Centre in Manchester. A prolific author of non-fiction, he wrote books about sex, computers and politics, particularly the history of the Middle East. [wikipedia]

Reviews

[Michael Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an excellent discussion of Western influence in Iraq, but gives little insight into the history that initiated the problems that made Iraq a difficult country to manage. The ancient history of the country details bloodshed and chaos as well as enlightenment and knowledge. The country went from the crown jewel of ancient times through a period of chaos and emerged as a country separated by religion, ethnic groups, and political division. It is the lack of knowledge on the country's historical foundation that made the US military venture into the country a forlorn hope.

[Joseph Tepperman]

not so unbiased, this one. paints the victims for us a little too colorfully. but a good overview.