Korean Job Discussion Forums

[On the other hand]

I am aware that several posters here have read one or more of the numerous books that have come out about the current Iraq War, and/or the planning that led up to it. I would be interested to know which of these books you would recommend, and why.

I have not read any of them myself.

[Gopher]

Cobra II.

Has an excellent "insider" perspective that exceeds the gossipy style Woodward presents. Cobra II draws on briefing papers and intel dox -- including captured Iraqi briefings and papers.

It is not the story of the invasion and occupation by any means. But well worth your time in any case.

Also, Bulsajo and Bucheon seemed pretty keen on Assassin's Gate a while back. I have not read it, however.

[bucheon bum]

both Cobra II and The Assasin's Gate are both very good. Cobra II is nearly all about the invasion and military side of things. Assasin's Gate is more broad and covers a variety of sides.

Jon Lee Anderson's book, "The Fall of Baghdad" is worth reading too, but not quite up to the level of the other two.

Thomas Ricks' new book, Fiasco, is supposed to be excellent. I'm hoping to read that soon.

[Ya-ta Boy]

Someone spoke highly of Hersh's Chain of Command.

[bucheon bum]

bulsajo did. i started it but i found it to be a little cumbersome. it covers more the prison scandals in iraq and afghanistan than anything else I think.

[Panic Button]

Although its not actually a book, www.riverbend.blogspot.com was shortlisted for some prize or other for non fiction, and is well worth a read.

[Octavius Hite]

Start with The Prize and the Saddam Hussein Reader as some good background to the middle east and oil and the evildoer.

Then State of Denial, Hubris, Imperial Life in the Emerald City, Ambush Alley.

These are a few good ones on the war and the politics and life in Iraq.

[Bulsajo]