"The Modern History of Iraq places in historical perspective the crises and upheavals that continue to afflict the country. The book focuses on several important themes: the search for national identity in a multiethnic, multireligious state; the struggle to achieve economic development and modernity in a traditional society; and the political dynamics that have led to the current situation. Phebe Marr draws on published sources in Arabic and English, personal interviews, and frequent visits to the country to produce a remarkably lucid account of the emergence of contemporary Iraq."--from the back cover.

The land and people of modern Iraq -- The British mandate, 1920-1932 -- The erosion of the British legacy, 1932-1945 -- The end of the monarchy, 1946-1958 -- The Qasim era, 1958-1963 -- The Arab nationalists in power, 1963-1968 -- The era of Ba'th Party rule, 1968-1979 -- The Saddam Husain regime, 1979-1989 -- The Saddam Husain regime, 1990-2003 -- The US attempt at nation-building in Iraq, 2003-2006 -- The stabilization of Iraq, 2007-2011 -- Economic, social, and cultural change in Iraq, 2007-2011.