The book delves into the complexities of post-Saddam Iraq, highlighting the challenges of occupation and state-building following the initial liberation. It examines the emergence of lawlessness and looting in Baghdad, which has transformed into a persistent cycle of violence and instability. The narrative focuses on the evolving insurgency faced by US troops, emphasizing the expanding geographical impact and escalating violence that threaten to undermine any progress toward stability in the region.
Toby Dodge Books



Middle Eastern Security, the US Pivot and the Rise of ISIS
- 256 pages
- 9 hours of reading
"An IISS (International Institute of Strategic Studies) publication."
Iraq - From War to a New Authoritarianism
- 220 pages
- 8 hours of reading
Focusing on the aftermath of the 2003 Iraq intervention, the book examines the complex legacy of U.S. involvement and the challenges of state-building. It delves into the evolution of the insurgency, the escalation into civil war, and the strategic implementation of the 'surge' as a counter-insurgency measure. Through this analysis, it highlights the multifaceted impact of foreign intervention on Iraq's political landscape.