The Modern History of Iraq

by Phebe Marr

Written for lay readers and students of the Middle East, The Modern History of Iraq , places in historical perspective the multiple crises and upheavals that afflict contemporary Iraq. The book focuses on several important the search for national identity in a multi-ethnic, multi-religious state; the struggle to achieve economic development and modernity in a traditional society; and the political dynamics that have led to the current dire situation in Iraq. While much remains opaque about contemporary Iraq because of its closed political system, Marr has used published sources in Arabic and English, personal interviews, and frequent visits to Iraq to produce a remarkably lucid and readable account of the emergence of contemporary Iraq and the forces that have shaped it.

Genres: History, Middle East, Nonfiction, Politics

416 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1985

Reviews

[Naeem · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read chapter 7: "The Era of Baath Party Rule.

Marr is one of those political scientists who is quick to point out other writer's political biases while thinking that she is writing from an objective point of view.

She writes cleanly but the book has a bit of text book prose style. Hard to know why she is writing the book.

I got more out of Republic of Fear (which has a definite point of view) than from this book.

Still, if you are looking for a middle of the road (right) book on Iraq, this will get you started.

[Sham Al-Ghazali · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am honestly so grateful to Phebe Marr for writing such an analytical, descriptive and accurate account of the beautiful land of Iraq's history. Never have I learnt so much on the history of my country, and as someone who constantly advocates knowing your own history, I recognised my hypocrisy when not knowing much pre-gulf war. This is a book I would recommend to ALL Iraqis. It's made me recognise why Kurdish liberation movements had failed and which Iraqi leaders had true socialist tendencies and why communism failed in Iraq. Would suggest it to ALL Iraqis without a shadow of a doubt.

[فلاح رحيم · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the distinguished academic attempts at writing a lively and insightful history of Iraq. It succeeds in bringing the drama of the last decades of the 20th century into life. The lessons for all humanity are deep and tragic. Strongly recommended.

[Caitlin Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did it. I read this 400 page book on the history of Iraq. I gave my summer reading to this book.

[Thomas Radigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book in the local library. The author was clear enough in her writing (Iraq up to 2016) and explained not only the history of the players but their motivations, and what they did right and wrong. What did Saddam Hussein expect to accomplish when he attacked Iran, a nation three times Iraq's size? And why did he invade and occupy Kuwait? And how did Iraqi society fare once Saddam was gone?

The author covers not only Iraq but its relations with other countries and how it fared over the years. How did it modernize? What about the Kurds in the north? What about the majority Shiites in the south? Surprisingly, the author never mentions why George W. Bush invaded and why he invaded at the time (which Bush himself covered in his book "Decision Points"). Though it covers a lot, the book still feels like half a loaf.

[Michael Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the few comprehensive histories of modern Iraq. The author covered all aspects of society in a comprehensive manner.

[Peter Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exactly as described, a laypersons guide to modern Iraq. Keeps it breezy and high level until the last 30 pages or so when we get bogged down in the minutia of 2010.

[Joseph Stieb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a readable, fairly concise history of Iraq in the 20th century. It compares favorably to Charles Tripp's volume, which is more densely written and theoretical (still worth reading, nevertheless). Marr does a great job guiding the through the complexities of Iraqi politics, especially all the coups and rebellions. I actually didn't find myself being confused very often, which is a testament to this book's clear writing and organization. Marr's book is less thesis driven than an overview of Iraqi history. She gives more room than Tripp for non-structural explanations of Iraq's troubles, especially the personality of its leaders and the ideas and organization of its parties. She also gives you a good sense of the development of Iraqi society and the economy, although the voices of ordinary Iraqis are largely still missing from this narrative. I'd recommend this book for scholars of Middle Eastern history and for scholars of US foreign policy in the Middle East who need a reasonably sized, clearly written primer on this crucial nation.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I Read the 3rd edition published in 2011. Good historical overview with analysis at the end of every chapter that covers a specific period of history. I haven't read Tripp's book yet, so I have nothing to compare it to.

[Andrew Daniels · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, but not the best. Not super well researched, and it could have been. Its not awful though, and you'll probably learn a lot

I laughed when the author wrote there was a draught in Iraq, instead of drought!

[Jinan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marr gives a thorough political and sociological history of Iraq from the Ottoman era until 2011. A highly recommended book for anyone doing research on Iraq or interested in its history.