Once Upon a Time in Iraq

by James Bluemel, Renad Mansour

In war, there is no easy victory.

When troops invaded Iraq in 2003 to topple Saddam Hussein’s regime, most people expected an easy victory. Instead, the gamble we took was a grave mistake, and its ramifications continue to reverberate through the lives of millions, in Iraq and the West. As we gain more distance from those events, it can be argued that many of the issues facing us today – the rise of the Islamic State, increased Islamic terrorism, intensified violence in the Middle East, mass migration, and more – can be traced back to the decision to invade Iraq.

In The Iraq War, award-winning documentary maker James Bluemel collects first-hand testimony from those who lived through the horrors of the invasion and whose actions were dictated by such extreme circumstances. It takes in all sides of the conflict – working class Iraqi families watching their country erupt into civil war; soldiers and journalists on the ground; American families dealing with the grief of losing their son or daughter; parents of a suicide bomber coming to terms with unfathomable events – to create the most in-depth and multi-faceted portrait of the Iraq War to date. Accompanying a major BBC series, James Bluemel’s book is an essential account of a conflict that continues to shape our world, and a startling reminder of the consequences of our past decisions.

Genres: History, Middle East, Nonfiction, Politics, War, 21st Century, Biography

432 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[Elisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars is not enough to emphasise how important this book is.

The documentary series that accompanies this book is the best thing I’ve ever watched. It details the invasion of 2003 and the consequent insurgencies through the stories of politicians, soldiers and most importantly civilians. It’s a gripping and harrowing masterpiece. I know people often don’t gravitate towards non-fiction but this book/ series in particular is so important and so well-made. It puts into perspective that any ‘struggle’ we might feel we face in the first world means absolutely nothing compared to the things Iraqi civilians have had to endure. This book embodies the reason that I will always vehemently oppose any measure to restrict the entry of refugees into our country. People should never be victimised for trying to make a better life for themselves, especially when you see greed and consumerism so embedded in our own country. And even more so when you consider these people are oftentimes in these situations because of the thoughtlessness and egotism of countries like ours in the first place.

Lol rant over, if I could recommend any nonfic book/ TV series it would be this one! And don’t vote Tory :)

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accompanying the equally excellent 5-part documentary series of the same title, this book collects the voices of those on the ground during the US invasion of Iraq and its disastrous consequences. Between the stories of Iraqi civilians, US soldiers, families who lost loved ones, journalists documenting the war from up close, and more, a full, multilayered, bleak and brutal picture emerges of a pointless, horrendous, ill-conceived and ill-planned war that left a legacy of pain and destruction.

[Axel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Besta bók sem ég hef lesið í ár

[Nish G · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book, a series of intercut interviews varying from American/British military officers on the ground as well as, in a refreshing turn, Iraqi civilians, documents the failure that was the invasion of Iraq. The story is told in chronological fashion, masterfully painting the tragedy of Iraq through eye-witness accounts.

The first section of the book, “Decisive force” is a compilation of events that recount the original invasion of Iraq from the bad intelligence to invade in the first place to the joyous celebration of The toppling of Saddam’s statue. This section, with the books characteristic nuance, shows how Americans faced little to no resistance in capturing the country and toppling its regime. This was an early indicator that even the Iraqi Army was not ready to lay their lives for Saddam. It continues to explain that the hate most Iraqis had for Saddam compiled with the hate they had for the 1990s American sanctions led to a love-hate relationship with “Operation Iraqi Freedom”. Many Iraqis, especially the youth, welcome American forces as a liberatory force freeing them from the decades of Saddam tyranny they endured. They see the possible “Americanisation” of Iraq as a positive to break the chains that have for so long been used to brutalise them. However, the love and tolerance for American officers slowly dies down as Iraqis quickly realise American intentions aren’t about liberation, but securing geo strategic military bases in Iraq as well as securing oil profits. This, coupled with ignoring of needs of Iraqis to water, electricity and school (all blocked by the occupying force in attempts to “secure the area”) leads us to the second part of our story, the Iraqi insurgency.

“How to build an insurgency” shows how the American occupying force’s lack of care for the Iraqi people, coupled with the CPA’s (Coalition Provisional Authority’s) two orders, that of De-Ba’athification and disbanding the Iraqi army left millions unemployed in a society already rife with looting and lack of infrastructure. Firstly, the looting and destruction allowed and in many cases facilitated by the American forces slowly tore apart what remained of civil society in Iraq. Secondly, stripping all the trained killers in Iraq of a job and leaving them with nothing proved to be one of the largest mis-calculations. The capture of Saddam, painted as a victorious intelligence success by American sources made little impact on the situation in Iraq. Much of the growing insurgency was not linked to Saddam, and his capture did not change the material conditions which existed post-invasion. American Soldiers killing innocent civilians then saying “I’m sorry”, not allowing street vendors to operate, using mercenaries to carry out dirty jobs that violate international law. These all, angering the Iraqi civilians, played a role in building what would become one of the bloodiest insurgencies in modern history.

“The Killing Machine”, Chapter 3, focuses on how the invasion of Iraq and its subsequent destabilisation led to the violent group Al Qaeda In Iraq (AQI) from forming under the leadership of Al-Zarqawi, a Jordanian thug. This force would prove to be far more equipped than the grassroot Iraqi insurgents and would wreak havoc across Iraq. All of this culminated in the first battle of Fallujah. The sub-chapters “they were ghosts” and “the minaret” are more exhilarating than most Hollywood films on the subject, and is told exclusively from the perspective of those in the ground. Seeing the dire situation in which American working class men were ordered to fight by their leaders who sat back in bunkers was devastating. The final part of the chapter “The rest is up to allah” shows a side to the battle of Fallujah that is never covered in the western press. The story of a young boy Mustafa and his parents digs so deep into one’s heart, you feel it’s palpitations become irregular.

The forth chapter, the one I least expected, was a long exposition on Saddam, the man. The chapter “A false dawn” chronicled the interrogation, trial and execution of Saddam Hussein. As with the rest of the book, the eye-witness accounts give a no bullshit insight into Saddam and his views on Iraq. But most interestingly, it looks at how he his demeanour of always being in charge and commanding the situation was analogous to his rule of Iraq. It’s a unexpected but great chapter as it cuts through the surface level propaganda about this disgusting man and gives his character a human touch, one necessary to understanding the Iraq war.

Finally, the fifth chapter “Those who are wet aren’t scared of the rain” explains the origins of the Iraqi Civil War and eventually ISIS. It shows how Saddam’s prediction of sectarianism following his removal was true, and it exposed a deep flaw in the American understanding of Iraq. The original insurgency, which was largely made up of secular army men defending their country from foreign occupation slowly split into Shia and Sunni groups. This is largely due to the US administration allowing Maliki, a anti-Sunni leader to rule over Iraq. Maliki completely disenfranchised the Sunni political leaders and practiced sectarianism at its finest. One particular incident, where Maliki sent the “golden division” of the Iraqi army into Mosul arresting everyone Sunni, saying they were all insurgents. This, coupled with the brutal attacks of the US military and Iraqi military on civilians pushed many working men into the fold of AQI, other Sunni jihadist groups all of which eventually culminated into ISIS.

The chapter also comments in “The awakening” and “The surge”. The awakening refers to Sunni tribes realising that Al Qaeda did not fight in their interests (while also opposing American imperialism) and hence resisted them reducing violence. The surge referred to the Bush administration increasing troops/ re-invasion Iraq in a last ditch attempt to “save” it. Again it, is shown that this only played a minor role in reducing overall violence. The actual reduction was due to ceasefires by Shia militant groups and separation of Shia and Sunni communities in Baghdad.

In conclusion, the book not only masterfully outlines the Iraq War spanning 2003 to 2018, but also places it in a global perspective. Showing how the rise in Islamic terrorism can be traced to 2003 and the horrendous decision made thereafter by the perpetrators, the US administrations. This book is possibly the greatest text on the Iraq War ever compiled, and must be read.

[Koby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obligatory had to read this book for a class. I was actually excited to read this one because the author won an Emmy for the tv show that he directed based on this book AND he was coming to speak to our class. Most of this book is telling the stories and perspectives of a few Iraqis who all had different experiences with Saddam Hussein, the US invasion, and the aftermath. The most interesting takeaway for me was how widely welcomed the US invasion was. Their immersion in western culture meant they welcomed the US troops as more of a savior than an invader. Once Saddam went a little trigger-happy on the executions and strict governance, he became quite unpopular. Whisperings of a US invasion excited many of the Iraqis because it meant their tyrant leader would be gone and Iraq would be on an immediate path to the prosperity they perceived the west to have. Then you can see how the choices made by the Bush and Obama administrations slowly eroded their hope for "fixing" Iraq. Rather, they came in and smashed a bunch of shit then left and said job well done. They also created isis so that happened. Go Zarkowi! really we just fucked a bunch of shit up, which everybody knows. But I didn't know that people didn't think we would just fuck a bunch of shit up and had higher expectations for the US meddling in foreign countries domestic issues.

Anyways, James Bluemel is a cool dude and a very ideologically driven journalist. The same cannot be said for my professor, so it was really cool to get to talk to him. He deserves the Emmy and I can't wait to see his next film which is apparently about Northern Ireland (he was staying in the house of one of his sources for his next project when he zoomed us and it was so cool because he was talking about how he makes his sources feel comfortable and willing to talk about their potentially traumatic experiences– while in front of one of those sources). It says a lot about him that he's honest enough with the people giving his stories to talk about his process to a class of college students in front of them.

8/10

[James Sutcliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love oral history. I think it might be my favourite type of history. that said, the events in this book are brutal and relentless and for that, all the more important.

[Mark Butterworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally impossible to rate this anything other than 5*. A definitive and heartbreaking account of an utterly pointless war told by the people who were there.

[Bagus · Rating 3 out of 5]

In his State of the Union address on January 29, 2002, US President George W. Bush first employed the phrase ‘axis of evil’ to describe Iran, Iraq, and North Korea. Through that speech, he called North Korea “A regime arming with missiles and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) while starving its citizens.” On Iran, he stated it “aggressively pursues these weapons and exports terror, while an unelected few repress the Iranian people's hope for freedom." But his criticism goes mostly to Iraq about which he says “Iraq continues to flaunt its hostility toward America and to support terror. The Iraqi regime has plotted to develop anthrax and nerve gas and nuclear weapons for over a decade. This is a regime that has already used poison gas to murder thousands of its own citizens, leaving the bodies of mothers huddled over their dead children. This is a regime that agreed to international inspections, then kicked out the inspectors. This is a regime that has something to hide from the civilized world." The context of this speech combating terrorism threatens the peace of the world, especially after 9/11 which happened the previous year. It escapes the fact the none of the terrorists involved in the 9/11 debacle were citizens of the three countries which Bush cited as ‘axis of evil’.

Saddam Hussein had been ruling Iraq with an iron grip ever since he assumed leadership in 1979 as the prominent leader of the Ba’ath Party, the secular political party aiming at a unified Arab state, as the second Ba’athist President ever since the Ba’athist took power in Iraq in 1968. His leadership was characterised by stability, amidst a country whose history had been split along sectarianism in the social, ethnic, religious, and economic fault lines. When the Bush administration decided to invade Iraq in 2003 in view of its assumed possession of weapons of mass destruction, it fails to recognise these dividing lines as an obstacle to building the country post-invasion. Militarily, it could be said that the mission was accomplished with the May 2003 declaration of ‘end of major combat operations, which then paved way for the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) to become the new governing body that leads the transition for the new Iraqi government. The problem was, it failed to address the most basic needs of the people who got dispossessed by the invasion such as clean water and electricity, then it got worsened by the power vacuum that the removal of Saddam from power has created.

Through this book, James Bluemel gives voices to so many different people who got entangled by the conflict in Iraq from 2003 until now. Oral history is an effective method to understand the roots of the unending conflict in the Middle East, and also to the rise of Islamic fundamentalist terrorist movements such as Al-Qaeda and Islamic States (ISIS) after the execution of Saddam. The mentality of the Bush administration at that time was “we gotta behead the snake, which was Saddam, and then everything else will take care by itself”. In this sense, the US government could be said as making a not deep enough assessment by rendering the issues simply as between ‘good’ and ‘bad’, as though eliminating the ‘bad’ will ensure that the whole apple will not get rotten. This was a mistake as grave as the American involvement in Vietnam in which they failed to take into account that most Vietnamese people at that time viewed the war effort more as a nationalist movement against foreign invaders rather than a fight in support of communist ideology. And this kind of narrative could only be told through the viewpoint of the ordinary people that James Bluemel interviewed in the course of writing this book.

This book is based on a 2020 British documentary directed by James Bluemel himself that was released in five episodes through BBC Two, with interviewees ranging from Iraqi citizens to US military personnel and international journalists involved with the affairs. This is my first time reading a book adaptation of a documentary using the form of oral history. To be honest, I got a bit curious and decided to watch the documentary itself after reading the book. While comparing both, the documentary got me more emotional with the sound effect and looking at the expression of the interviewees while making the statement, whereas the book provides me with more objective and detailed accounts of the tragedies in Iraq.

Both media are equally good and capture the raw voices of the people affected by the conflict, but it was as though something is missing from this book. To be fair, the book does not have the benefit of capturing facial expressions which might lead readers to assume that the interviewees provided their statements in a matter-of-fact way, which was my assumption prior to watching the documentary. In this sense, it could be said that James Bluemel’s background which is a television documentary maker has something to do more with the differing qualities of both media he used. The documentary is his 11th documentary according to his filmography, whereas the book is his firstly published. So we might say, as an author, James Bluemel is still in the process of maturing compared to, for example, Svetlana Alexievich in his prowess to capture raw emotional voices inside his book. But I would say, this is one of the best available materials to really understand what has been happening in Iraq and what is the best course of actions to address the roots of the conflict.

Thanks NetGalley and BBC Books for providing the electronic Advance Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Karen Radford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to read this book which accompanied a recent BBC documentary. My reasons for wanting to read the book were because at the time of watching, I was feeling confused and overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information being imparted and wanted some clarity. What I particularly liked about this book was the informative backdrop and timeline to the Iraq War which started in 2003 - in the Preface and Introduction. Like most people my age I remember the attack on the Twin Towers and the demonising of Saddam Hussein by the US not long after (although even to the casual observer he was a murderous ruler). Along with many others I now feel I was manipulated into believing this war was unavoidable.
The first person recollections from Iraqi citizens, journalists, diplomats and US soldiers give a fascinating insight into the sheer horror of the war and the post war devastation on Iraq. Some of their stories are truly horrifying. I found these testimonies to be well balanced by the authors and even included an extremely pro Saddam supporter. Their voices are unanimous that this war should never have occurred and the ongoing consequences for both the people of Iraq and the rest of the world in terms of terrorist activity is hugely significant and long lasting. The fact that Iraqi people have lost faith in the electoral process is particularly sad bearing in mind what they’ve gone through to be part of a democratic voting system.
The only minor quibble I have is that I would have liked details of the contributors and their photos to be at the front of the book rather than the back, so I could visualise the person as I was reading.
This book covers an important part of recent history and is an absorbing though to be honest due to the subject matter difficult read. I highly recommend it.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Penguin/BBC Books for the arc in return for an honest review.

[Stephen Bacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once Upon a Time in Iraq by James Bluemel is a literary companion to the critically acclaimed BBC series from 2020. The book is comprised of transcripts of interviews from various people involved (in different capacities) on all sides of the invasion of Iraq. This covers actual soldiers, journalists tasked with documenting the military campaign, Iraqi civilians caught up in the fighting and CIA agents involved in decision-making of the highest level. It does a decent job of showing viewpoints from both sides - both good and bad - and is wonderfully nuanced and compelling.
Beginning at 2003, it takes us through the geopolitical situation that was apparent in the fallout of the September 11th attacks, through the invasion of Iraq, the search and eventual capture of Saddam Hussain, his trial, and then the rise of Islamic extremists that filled the void when Saddam Hussain was executed. The level of detail is startling. It almost feels like you have witnessed these events yourself, or at least watched them on film, because the testimonies are so vivid.
Of course, because this is a documentation of war, there are many scenes that are powerful and disturbing. The book does not shy away from showing the true horrors of battle, but there are also depictions of torture and brutal murder, and these are necessary to illustrate what happened and (hopefully) how we can learn from this unstable and bloody chapter in history. Once Upon a Time in Iraq is an essential read, giving us a wonderful insight into a complex and catastrophic series of events, of which today we are still feeling the after-effects. Highly recommended.

[Senioreuge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone already knows that the WMD excuse for invading, and ultimately destroying Iraq, was just that an excuse. Its difficult to see any other reason for the interference by the new and old colonialists in the internal affairs of countries thousands of miles from their home place. It was clear that rather than impose a moral code compatible with human rights we all take for granted, the invaders just allowed the country to fall into chaos and ultimately sectarian conflict on a massive scale. I found it interesting that the US Marines were being trained by the Royal Marine Commandoes, in Kuwait, prior to their deployment in order to learn how the later had defeated the IRA when it was at its zenith. Of course I read this in the same week when a new inquiry into the killing of 6 civilians in the New Lodge area of Belfast, by the commandoes some 50 years ago. I suppose for me the real parallel was British interference in other countries on a lie such as WMD. The damage inflicted on Iraqi people by Colonialists from both sides of the Atlantic for a lot longer than 20 years, after all Britain has been interfering in the region for over a millennia. This is an excellent oral history of the resilience of an oppressed people, clearly its time for foreign forces to cease doing damage and set in place measures that will assist reconstruction.

[Alistaire King · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will make you angry and weep

This is a companion piece to the documentary series of the same title. This gives us the story of the Iraq war and occupation not from generals or politicians. This gives us the story from soldiers, journalists and that little heard side of the story , the civilians. What is clear is that this was a pointless war, not only that it created a world much more dangerous. It has lead to the near destruction of a nation that the U.S. and the UK were supposed to bring freedom. The reader should cry over the senseless deaths and the destruction of a society. The totally avoidable deaths of thousands and thousands of Iraqi citizens. This is what should make you angry. An uncalled for war, fought on lies and falsehoods. The total lack of a plan for a post war Iraq, the lack of knowledge about the country or its people. Blame should not attach to soldiers or even the generals, blame lies with US presidents from Clinton to Trump. The most guilty are of course the obvious suspects, Bush, Rumsfeld, Cheney and Blair the people who wanted and approved the war. Apart from the colossal waste of money, destruction of property, the greatest crime is the loss of live. Lives that would not have been lost if the invasion had no happened.

[LilyRose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once Upon A Time in Iraq by Jason Bluemel and Renad Mansour is a compelling nonfiction book written in multi faceted first hand testimonies by those who lived and experienced the horrors of the Iraqi war. It is an insightful, complex and intricate look at the conflict that began with the invasion of Iraq in 2003 in order to overthrow Saddam Hussein’s regime. The reverberations of this decision and the void of power and restructuring would gravely impact the lives of millions in Iraq and the West. The book examines the multiple events and issues that many still face today - violence, mass migration, the rise of the Islamic State - which can be linked to the political, social and economic choices made in the period following the invasion. This is an essential, gripping book that illuminates all sides of the conflict from the working class Iraqi families, the soldiers, journalists, and politicians to create an in-depth, intricate and informative narrative. This is a book about the past and how it continues to shape the world today.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this book in exchange for honest feedback.

[Alec · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is fantastic and I really enjoyed the insight into the War, but I've got some minor (or major) problems with it as well. There are Iraqi narrators, but I felt like the dominant voices were American officers/soldiers and government officials telling their versions of the Iraq War. My problem lies with the variety of Iraqi voices compared to the American ones. It seemed that for every step of the way: the initial invasion of Iraq, life in Baghdad, the insurgency, the hunt for Saddam, the rise of ISIS, there were American voices pointing out the particulars of the time.

What I did appreciate about the book (maybe I'm biased), is the fact that almost every single voice agreed that the War was a complete and utter disaster. From American soldiers and diplomats to those Iraqis who lived more than a decade of destruction, most reasoned that the conflict in Iraq was hell. I was too young to realize the gravity of the conflict as it was happening, but Once Upon a Time in Iraq illuminates the many mistakes made and the carnage left in their wake.

[Carlene Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I admit to not having a lot of knowledge about Saddam Hussein and Iraq so this book was great in giving me more information about it although a lot of the writing was from Americans,I would have liked to have read more from Iraqi people, how the events affected them. Reading this made me angry and sad for many reasons mainly that there seemed to be no clear plan on what the Americans were going to do once they had achieved main objective of capturing Saddam Hussein. This definitely isn't a read it all in one sitting kind of book, there is so much information that I had to read it over a number of days but I am glad I got to read it,

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Covers recent Iraqi history from the topple of Saddam Hussein onwards. Retold through the combatants, civilians and US officials at the time, this book is one to make you sad and angry in equal measure.

You can see the US had no post-Saddam plan and it all quickly unravelled from there on. At times reads like a thriller, particularly when the US forces are hunting Saddam. A topical and very accessible piece of modern history.

We can only hope lessons have been learnt, although sadly I fear not.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This tome gives creedence that never ending wars are wrong and will destroy lives in so many ways. The book gives an accurate depiction of what Iraq was before it was falsely targeted for the war on terrorism. There are sections that go into greater detail regarding the controversial use of military contractors in the name of "justice". This book needs to be incorporated into classroom settings in schools around the world to help individuals gain a better understanding of the world around them.

[Maxwell Jambor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking and well compiled collection of interviews documenting the Iraq war. Wonder what the country and greater region would look like today had the US never invaded to topple Saddams regime. Or even if they had gone about it with an adequately sized occupational force. The US and UK are inherently responsible for the rise of ISIS / Islamic extremists and the mass destruction of an ancient country and culture. Will have to watch the accompanying BBC documentary next

[Louie Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not read as realised is a book to accompany the series on BBC. But the series is incredibly powerful, eye opening & moving. Some incredible insights & views on the war in Iraq from people on the inside. Not the propaganda bullshit we were force fed!

[Layse Do Amaral Farias · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was extremely insightful and provided first hand accounts of life in Iraq after the 2003 US-led invasion/occupation. There is no better way to understand these events than through the eyes of those who lived through them! One of the best books on Iraq I have read so far!!

[Mina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the best non fiction book I've ever read. I love, LOVE, how the authors provide all different versions and perspectives of what happens in each chapter, you can really see the cognitive dissonance from the US.

[Dan Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone who has any level of opinion on the Iraq war or the fight against Daesh. An essential collection of narratives from all angles and all walk of lives involved in the fight.

[Iman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every American should read this.

[Adrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

The définitive view of the conflict in Iraq.

[Petru Iuga · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book to have a first person view on the events and decision-making, that started in 2003, and are still continuing. It consists of a series of interviews with people involved in the Iraq War, from both sides: soldiers, civilians, and officials. Each chapter starts with a short timeline and introduction that will put you on the scene.
What was striking, was the optimism from the beginning, that this would be a good war. Then it switched to frustration, anger, and despair. As an irony, the war was started to end Islamic extremism, and it ended by creating it (ISIS).