To Start a War

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Even after more than fifteen years, viewing the invasion of Iraq through history's lens remains challenging. The damage is still palpable for many, and the key decision-makers are often haunted by their roles. This context likely explains why numerous protagonists revealed so much to Robert Draper for the first time. His extensive reporting uncovers a wealth of new revelations, ranging from significant insights to the absurd. The narrative vividly illustrates a decision-making process compromised by post-9/11 fear, paranoia, naiveté, and groupthink, where actors with fixed ideas manipulated the process. Beliefs prevailed over truths, resulting in a comprehensive intelligence failure. Draper's fair-minded approach and deep understanding of the main figures enhance his account, complemented by a storytelling prowess that captivates. No one is unfairly criticized, making the ultimate conclusion even more damning. In the tradition of Barbara Tuchman's and Marc Bloch's works, this account stands as a definitive exploration of a collective process that produced dubious and false evidence, driven by imagination rather than a genuine pursuit of truth—evidence that led to hundreds of thousands of deaths and ongoing chaos in the Middle East.