This book places in historical perspective the crises and upheavals that continue to afflict Iraq. Phebe Marr, a noted scholar and leading consultant on Iraqi politics, draws on published sources in Arabic and English, personal interviews, and frequent visits to the country to produce a remarkably lucid account of the emergence of contemporary Iraq. Updated with events since the U. S. invasion, this edition offers an insightful overview of the current political scene, in addition to a uniquely penetrating analysis of Iraqs current social and economic affairs.