The Achilles Trap: Saddam Hussein, the C.I.A., and the Origins of America's Invasion of Iraq By Steve Coll

"The Achilles Trap" by Steve Coll offers a deeply researched investigation into the decades-long relationship between the United States and Saddam Hussein, shedding light on the geopolitical conflicts that led to the Iraq War. Coll masterfully untangles the complexities of power, human error, and cultural miscommunication that culminated in one of the costliest conflicts in modern history.

Beginning with Saddam's rise to power in 1979 and Iraq's secret nuclear weapons program, Coll traces the motives and actions of Saddam and his inner circle. He delves into the political and intelligence failures that led to the invasion of Iraq in 2003, challenging the narrative of weapons of mass destruction and examining the fundamental miscalculations made by successive U.S. administrations.

Using unpublished sources, interviews, and Saddam's own transcripts, Coll paints a comprehensive portrait of a dictator convinced of global conspiracies against him. He highlights the inability of the CIA and U.S. administrations to understand Saddam's motivations, resulting in grave consequences for Iraq and the wider region.

"The Achilles Trap" offers a nuanced exploration of the complexities of statecraft, exposing the corruption of power, diplomatic failures, and vanity that shaped America's relationship with Saddam Hussein. Coll's meticulously researched account provides invaluable insights into the human suffering and political ramifications of the Iraq War, making it a work of great historical significance.