Endgame
Solving the Iraq Problem--once and for All
By: Scott Ritter
About This Book
Scott Ritter was the longest-serving weapons inspector and head of the on-site team in Iraq when he resigned in protest over UN and US policy in August 1998. In ENDGAME Ritter has compiled an exciting, tense account of the cat-and-mouse game the inspection teams played with duplicitous Iraqi officials, set against the shifting sands of international diplomacy. He describes how, even as the inspectors were risking their lives to uncover Saddam's deadly weapons, the programme was being betrayed as the French, the Russians and finally the US lobbied to soften UN policy. He also reveals both how the US manipulated the inspections for their own ends and the shadowy role played by the CIA. He knows better than anyone what weapons Saddam has and he lists Iraq's destructive capacity in chilling detail. Combined with an insightful analysis of how Saddam came to power and how he retains a despotic grip on the country, Ritter clearly demonstrates that it is only a matter of time before Saddam unleashes his weapons of mass destruction again. Above all he uses his unique knowledge of Iraq to outline a plan for dealing with Saddam Hussein. The attempts to bomb Saddam into submission have clearly failed. France and Russia are prepared to turn a blind eye as Saddam rebuilds his arsenal. The US has no long-term solution. Scott Ritter's plan could be the only way forward.
AI Overview
Overview of "Endgame" by Scott Ritter
Plot Summary: "Endgame: Solving the Iraq Problem Once and for All" by Scott Ritter is a non-fiction book that delves into the complexities of the Iraq crisis, particularly focusing on the period following the Gulf War. Ritter, a former U.N. chief weapons inspector, draws on his seven years of experience in Iraq to provide a detailed account of Saddam Hussein's regime and the U.S. policy failures in the region.
The book begins by recounting the ceaseless quest by Saddam Hussein to build weapons of mass destruction, which was a constant theme since 1988. Ritter describes Saddam's rise to power, highlighting his ruthless tactics and strategic use of tribal and family connections to consolidate his rule. He also details Saddam's military strategies, including the use of chemical weapons and ballistic missiles during the Iran-Iraq War and his subsequent invasion of Kuwait, which led to the Gulf War.
Ritter then shifts focus to the U.N. inspections following the Gulf War, where he recounts the dramatic face-offs between U.N. inspectors and hostile Iraqi guards and officials. He critiques the U.S. for squandering an international consensus on Iraq and for using the inspections process for uniquely American goals. Ritter argues against a proposed American military strike against Iraq, instead suggesting a bold and innovative solution to the long-standing crisis.
Key Themes:
- Saddam Hussein's Regime: The book provides a damning portrait of Saddam Hussein, detailing his rise to power, his ruthless elimination of rivals, and his strategic use of tribal and family connections to consolidate power.
- U.N. Inspections: Ritter takes readers inside some of Iraq's most carefully guarded sites, describing the concealment mechanisms Saddam put in place to preserve his weapons capabilities and the challenges faced by U.N. inspectors.
- U.S. Policy Critique: Ritter criticizes U.S. policy for failing to address the Iraq crisis effectively, arguing that the U.S. squandered an international consensus on Iraq and used the inspections process for its own goals.
- Alternative Solutions: The book proposes a bold and innovative solution to the Iraq crisis, suggesting an alternative to military intervention.
Critical Reception:
- Professional Reviews: The book has received professional reviews that highlight its well-researched and insightful analysis of the Iraq crisis. Critics have praised Ritter for his detailed account of Saddam's regime and the U.N. inspections process.
- Customer Reviews: On platforms like ThriftBooks, readers have praised the book for its engaging and informative content, comparing it to an intriguing spy novel. Some reviewers have noted that the book provides essential insights into the Middle East conflict and the justification for sustained economic sanctions in Iraq during the 1990s.
Publication Details:
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster
- Release Date: November 1, 2002 (256 pages)
- ISBN13: 9780743247726
Overall, "Endgame" by Scott Ritter offers a comprehensive and critical analysis of the Iraq crisis, providing readers with a detailed understanding of the complexities involved in the region and the failures of U.S. policy.