Routledge Presidential Policies and the Road to the Second Iraq War: From Forty One to Forty Three

By virtually any means of measurement, postwar Iraq has become a more bloodied and embattled settlement than ever envisaged. But were the seeds of these problems sown long before military force had been committed? This lucid and detailed examination of US foreign policy evaluates the continuity and divergence in the strategies of the Bush, Clinton and Bush Jr administrations and their efforts to respond to the Iraqi threat, and how those strategies have bequeathed a legacy of problems to those trying to rebuild a postwar Iraq. Offering the most comprehensive analysis of the dynamics that paved the way for renewed conflict in Iraq, the book provides a descriptive account of attempts to confront a host of political pressures, from the need for international cooperation in postwar Iraq, to dealing with the influx of foreign fighters and their quest to force American withdrawal. This essential volume provides analysts, observers and policy makers with guidelines and prescriptions about the future of postwar Iraq and detailed analysis of lessons learned both during and after the military and reconstruction phases. Review 'This book poignantly tells a story of political deception and incompetence...it is grounded in an understanding of American political and international relations theories and is informed by a deep sense of contemporary history.' Abdul Karim Bangura, American University, Washington, USA ’...provocative analysis of the influence of the neoconservatives...Recommended.’ Choice 'The multidimentional approach of the book provides useful insight into the different dynamics which finally, according to the authors, brought the US to impose regime change on Iraq.' The International Spectator 'Amongst the plethora of works devoted to the American war in Iraq, this one edited by John Davis...is one of the - relatively rare - studies to go back further than George W. Bush's accession to power...the work orchestrated by Davis...should be read by those who wish to understand better the true context of the Iraq war and the role this country played, and continues to play, in the elaboration of an American military strategy.' Etudes Internationales About the Author Dr John Davis is at the Trinity Washington University. His specialities include: International Terrorism, American Foreign Policy, International Law, and National Security.