Overkill or Under-kill

Anthony Paice examines the underlying causes of the Iraqi takeover of Kuwait in 1990, revealing how London and Washington missed opportunities to prevent it and how Western miscalculations have led to further sorry situations in the Middle East, culminating in the precipitate withdrawal of forces from Kabul in 2021.

Format: Hardback
Length: 376 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2023
Publisher: The Book Guild Ltd

Middle East and Counter-Terrorism expert Anthony Paice delves into the intricate web of events that led to the Iraqi takeover of Kuwait in 1990, weaving together research, analysis, and his personal experiences. In his comprehensive account, he reveals how both London and Washington, in the months preceding the invasion, failed to grasp the imminent threat and missed crucial opportunities to prevent it.

The author argues that the successful liberation of Kuwait allowed American and British authorities to bury their mistakes and resort to bland denials, including the claim that a special operation had compromised British Airways flight 149, leading to the detention of hundreds of passengers. This book takes a deep dive into this controversial position, shedding light on how Western miscalculations have perpetuated further unfortunate situations in the Middle East. It culminates in the precipitate withdrawal of forces from Kabul in August 2021, resulting in the betrayal of the Afghan people and leaving a lasting impact on the region's geopolitical landscape.

Anthony Paice's expertise and firsthand insights make this book a valuable contribution to understanding the complex dynamics of the Middle East and the challenges posed by counter-terrorism. It serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the need for proactive measures and a more nuanced approach to foreign policy in order to prevent future conflicts and protect the interests of vulnerable populations.

Weight: 710g
Dimension: 164 x 242 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781915352439