"David Ghanim offers a refreshing rethink of post-2003 Iraq. Above all, he explains why many ideas that are seen by Westerners as the keys to a solution in Iraq are in fact highly problematic in the Iraqi context and at times counterproductive. This includes concepts like power-sharing, federalism and ethno-religious collective rights."

"In this sweeping overview of Iraq's post-2003 political landscape, David Ghanim delivers a passionate yet detailed assault on the edifice of the new Iraqi state. Highlighting every major state-building trope—democracy, elections, pluralism, justice—he exudes love for his native country even as he excoriates its new leaders for falling short on all these fronts. For those who want to understand why Iraq remains weak, internally divided, and thoroughly corrupt, Ghanim's book is an excellent place to start."