Unlike other publications since the downfall of Saddam's regime, "Iraq: Then & Now" traces the history of the country from ancient times until the present. Supplementary boxes, many written by Iraqis themselves, reflect on life today as compared with life in Saddam's Iraq and even earlier, describing their experiences, hopes, fears, ambitions and visions for the future. The book self-consciously avoids making any judgement on the political debate surrounding the 2003 war and subsequent occupation; instead it presents the varying views, and offers a rounded, balanced picture.
Published to coincide with the fifth anniversary of the change, this guide to the country and its people, provides information on Iraq's culture and archaeology, the south, Baghdad and the Sunni Triangle. The northern region of Iraqi Kurdistan stands apart as a success story and the travel appendix provides essential information for the increasing numbers of visitors to this region.
(1) Preface(2) Chapter 1 Introduction(3) Chapter 2 The Ancient Kingdoms(4) Chapter 3 The Umayyads to the Ottomans(5) Chapter 5 Saddam's Iraq(6) Chapter 6 Life Under Sanctions(7) Chapter 7 The 2003 War 1(8) Chapter 8 Post-Saddam Iraq(9) Chapter 9 The North (Iraqi Kurdistan)(10) Chapter 10 Baghdad and the Sunni Triangle(11) Chapter 11 The South(12) Chapter 12 Culture(13) Chapter 13 Archaeological Sites(14) Chapter 14 Iraqis in Exile(15) Chapter 15 Postscript(16) Appendix 1 Travelling in Iraq(17) Appendix 2 Further Information(18) Bibliography(19) Index
Karen Dabrowska, author of Iraq: The Bradt Travel Guide, completed an MA in International Journalism at City University, London. She is a correspondent of Jana News Agency and Assistant Editor of Islamic Tourism Magazine. In 2004 she set up a website: www.anotherIraq.com. Veteran overland and adventure tour operator, Geoff Hann proprietor Hinterland Travel, has led two trips to Iraqi Kurdistan in 2007 and the first and only trip for foreigners to Iraq after the toppling of Saddam's regime. He also leads trips to Afghanistan, Kashmir and other challenging destinations.