Saddam's Iraq: Face-Off in the Gulf - Hardcover

An in-depth, unbiased, up-to-the-minute briefing on the Iraq crisis.

More than a decade after the Gulf War, the world faces the daunting specter of another war with Iraq.

In Saddam's Iraq, a team of seasoned Reuters correspondents provides an in-depth and objective account of how the high-stakes crisis exploded and gives up-to-the-minute assessments of scenarios that may unfold.

The book focuses on the U.S. goal of "regime change" in Baghdad and spells out why some nations so strongly oppose another Gulf War, which they fear could disrupt the region's fragile balance of power and ignite a wider conflict.

Drawing on a wealth of experience covering Iraq, the Middle East and the United States, the authors provide illuminating answers to tough questions such as: Does Saddam Hussein have a Doomsday weapon and will he use it? Will Saddam attack Israel? What is oil's role in the crisis? How did September 11 drive U.S. policy on Iraq from containment to the possibility of a preemptive strike?

The book clearly sets out arguments for and against war with Iraq, alongside possible outcomes and the risks involved.

In Saddam's Iraq, a team of Reuters correspondents presents an in-depth and compelling look at Iraq under Saddam Hussein, and the high-stakes confrontation with the United States and the West.

Drawing on decades of experience covering Iraq, Saddam and the Middle East, the authors place today's crisis in historical context and give a detailed and objective analysis of the U.S. arguments for "regime change" in Baghdad. The book outlines the positions of countries throughout the region, the risks and implications of changing the balance of power in the Gulf and the most likely outcomes of any military attack.

At the heart of the book is a vivid portrait of Saddam Hussein: his rise to power and his profound impact on the history of the past quarter century.

Complemented by powerful graphics, at-a-glance chronologies and dramatic photography, Saddam's Iraq brings compelling analysis and objective answers to the complex confrontation.

Reuters correspondents answer crucial questions about the crisis with Iraq:

• Washington's policy of ousting Saddam: What were the effects of the 9/11 attacks?
• Preemptive action: Are there alternatives? U.N. inspectors: Are they effective?
• What does America see as the risks of attacking Saddam against the risks of leaving him alone?
• Is Saddam ready to use a Doomsday weapon? Would he attack Israel?
• The role of oil in the showdown: How is the crisis viewed by the Arab world?
• What does Saddam stand to gain or lose? Who would take over after him?

Reuters operates the largest news agency network in the world and is recognized as one of the leading providers of news text, video, graphics and pictures. With some 2,500 journalists, photographers and TV professionals based in 230 bureaus all over the world, Reuters covers the news as it breaks. Relying on a 150-year-old reputation for accuracy, speed and freedom from bias, Reuters transmits over two million words daily in 23 languages. About the contributors

The authors of Saddam's Iraq are all seasoned Reuters foreign correspondents, steeped in Iraq, the Middle East, the 1991 Gulf War and U.S. and U.N. policy.

Paul Holmes was Bureau Chief in Jerusalem from 1997 to 2000. He has reported from some 40 countries, including from both sides during the Gulf War. He is Reuters Editor, Political and General News, and lives in New York.

Evelyn Leopold is Reuters United Nations Bureau Chief and has covered every twist and turn of U.N. weapons inspections and the resolutions on Iraq.

Alistair Lyon is Reuters Middle East Diplomatic Correspondent. After a recent trip to Tehran, he gives a unique insight into how Iraq's powerful neighbor, Iran, views the crisis.

David Storey is an expert in U.S. national security affairs and is based in Washington, D.C. He has worked as a foreign correspondent for Reuters in London, Bonn, Vienna, Warsaw, Bangkok, Ankara, Harare and Nairobi.

Mark Trevelyan has reported from five continents and 25 countries since 1986. Based in London, he is Deputy News Editor for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Patrick Worsnip has worked as the news agency's State Department Correspondent and is an expert in Middle East and foreign affairs. Worsnip wrote a series of striking eyewitness accounts after Saddam used chemical weapons on the inhabitants of the Kurdish town of Halabja in 1988.