To Start a War

More about the book

Even after more than fifteen years, viewing the invasion of Iraq through history's lens remains challenging. The damage is still palpable for many, and the key decision-makers are often haunted by their roles. This context likely explains why numerous protagonists revealed so much to Robert Draper for the first time. His extensive reporting uncovers a wealth of new revelations, ranging from significant insights to the absurd. The narrative vividly illustrates a decision-making process compromised by post-9/11 fear, paranoia, naiveté, and groupthink, where actors with fixed ideas manipulated the process. Beliefs prevailed over truths, resulting in a comprehensive intelligence failure. Draper's fair-minded approach and deep understanding of the main figures enhance his account, complemented by a storytelling prowess that captivates. No one is unfairly criticized, making the ultimate conclusion even more damning. In the tradition of Barbara Tuchman's and Marc Bloch's works, this account stands as a definitive exploration of a collective process that produced dubious and false evidence, driven by imagination rather than a genuine pursuit of truth—evidence that led to hundreds of thousands of deaths and ongoing chaos in the Middle East.