This Perceptive and Stimulating Investigation of Iraq's history and politics is vital reading to gain increased understanding of the challenges America faces in its difficult mission of bringing democracy to the Middle East. Order is unlikely in this crucial country divided among antagonistic ethnic and religious groups, where fear has eroded social bonds and reinforced tribal allegiances. The Future of Iraq is a trenchant analysis of why stability in Iraq is uncertain and suggests that of the various alternative futures for Iraq, managed partition may be the best. Book jacket.