Now in paperback, "New York Times" bestselling author Galbraith s timely book describes the storm of unintended consequences President Barack Obama has inherited in the Middle East as a result of the war in Iraq.
Called by"New York Times"columnist David Brooks the smartest and most devastating critic of Bush s Iraq policies, Galbraith describes the catastrophic consequences. Intended to bring democracy to the Middle East, intimidate Iran and Syria, help win the war on terror, protect Israel, and consolidate American world leadership, the war has:
handed Iran its greatest strategic triumph in four centuries
committed U.S. troops to fight to support an Iraqi govern- ment intent on creating an Iranian-style Islamic republic
created a Sunni militia
given Iran and North Korea a free pass to advance their nuclear programs
plunged U.S. prestige around the world to an all-time low
undermined the security of Israel, made Syria s Assad regime more secure, and weakened ties with ally Turkey"