Iraq (History of Nations)

From School Library Journal Grade 10 Up--Through a collection of scholarly essays and excerpts from longer works, this book endeavors to show readers how the ancient roots and long history of Iraq continue to affect what is going on there today. From the early culture of Mesopotamia to the rise of Islam to the Ottoman Empire to the emergence of modern Iraq, the groundwork is laid for the reign of Saddam Hussein. The last section of entries includes George W. Bush's October 2002 speech in which he provides a rationale for taking military action against the regime, an essay in opposition to military intervention, a February 2003 interview with Hussein himself, and an essay on achieving lasting stability in Iraq. The pieces are academic and well annotated. The writing varies but on the whole is rather dry. This is not a book for casual reading. However, for students doing in-depth research on current events, it will be invaluable.--Laura Younkin, Ballard High School, Louisville, KY Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.