The American engagement in Iraq has been looked at from many perspectives: the flawed intelligence that provided the war's rationale, the failed effort to secure an international mandate, the rapid success of the invasion, and the long ensuing counterinsurgency campaign. This book focuses on the activities of the Coalition Provisional Authority and its administrator, L. Paul Bremer, who governed Iraq from May 2003 to June of the following year.

"MG-847-CC"--P. [4] of cover. "The research described in this report was sponsored by the Carnegie Corporation of New York and conducted within the International Security and Defense Policy Center of the RAND National Security Research Division."

The origin of the CPA -- Building the CPA -- Creating the Governing Council -- Establishing security -- Governing Iraq -- Promoting the rule of law -- Growing the economy -- Running the CPA -- Promoting democracy -- Disarming militias and countering insurgents -- Exit and appraisal.