Breaking Iraq: The Ten Mistakes That Broke Iraq

The U.S. government's biggest mistake in Iraq, author Spain writes, is that we "broke Iraq and caused the war to be prolonged endlessly." Spain wrote the book because "it is important to speak the truth to power," and, presumably, because he has a reputation for being a troublemaker. While it's not always clear exactly what the 10 mistakes were that broke Iraq, it is clear who Spain believes is to blame as he discusses actions that "never make it into the history books." There's no love lost between Spain and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, whom he compares to a "%E2%80%98bully on the playground,'"and though he praises President George W. Bush for his Thanksgiving visit%E2%80%94 an "awe-inspiring display of leadership and courage"%E2%80%94he blames his support of Rumsfeld and Ambassador Bremer for a poor outcome in Baghdad. Spain includes halfhearted attempts to keep things objective and throws in "humanizing" moments like boyish pranks alongside a few sentimental reminiscences. Unfortunately, the book, written following Spain's retirement in 2004, feels like little more than an exercise in covering his behind. (Mar.)