The Achilles Trap: Saddam Hussein, the United States and the Middle East, 1979-2003

The Achilles Trap is a book by Steve Coll that untangles the people, power plays, and geopolitics that led to America's disastrous war with Iraq, revealing the miscalculations made in the decades-long relationship with Saddam Hussein. It uses unpublished and underreported sources, interviews with surviving participants, and Saddam's own transcripts and audio files to paint a remarkable picture of a dictator who was convinced the world was out to get him.

Format: Hardback
Length: 576 pages
Publication date: 27 February 2024
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

From the Pulitzer Prize-winning and best-selling author of Ghost Wars, comes a groundbreaking exploration of America's tumultuous and devastating relationship with Saddam Hussein. In his meticulously researched and compelling book, The Achilles Trap, Steve Coll delves into the intricate web of people, power plays, and geopolitical strategies that culminated in the United States' disastrous war with Iraq.

Beginning with Saddam's ascent to power in 1979 and the emergence of Iraq's clandestine nuclear weapons program, Coll meticulously unravels the motives and actions of the enigmatic leader. He paints a vivid portrait of the diplomats, scientists, family members, and generals who were forced to defer to Saddam's authority, despite the devastating consequences of his rule.

Through extensive research, unpublished sources, and interviews with surviving participants, Coll sheds light on the complex and often misunderstood nature of Saddam's psyche. He reveals the deep-seated paranoia, resentments, and inconsistencies that shaped his decisions and led to the suffering of countless Iraqis.

The Achilles Trap is a remarkable work of historical significance, providing a definitive account of how power corrupts, diplomacy lies, and vanity on both sides led to avoidable errors of statecraft. It is a sobering reminder of the human cost of political decisions and the lasting impact they have on our world.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the Middle East, the history of American foreign policy, and the devastating consequences of unchecked power. It is a testament to Steve Coll's exceptional storytelling and his ability to shed light on the darkest corners of human history.

Weight: 980g
Dimension: 240 x 163 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241686652