Authors Efraim Karsh and Inari Rautsi, experts on Middle East history and politics, have combined their expertise to write what is largely considered the definitive work of one of the world's most reviled and notorious figures. Drawing on a wealth of Iraqi, Arab, Western and Israeli sources, including interviews with people who have had close contact with Saddam Hussein throughout his career, the authors trace the meteoric transformation of an ardent nationalist and obscure Ba'th party member into an absolute dictator. Skillfully interweaving a realistic analysis of Gulf politics and history, and now including a new introduction and epilogue, this authoritative biography is essential for understanding the mind of a modern tyrant.

CONTENTS

Foreword

Introduction

1. A Rebel against the Family: A Revolutionary against the Regime

2. Two Leaders, One Command

3. The International Mentor

4. A Difficult Coexistence...and a Certain War

5. The Style of the Abbasids in an Age of Technology

6. The Pledge of Allegiance

7. Abu Adi

8. An Interview with Saddam Hussein