Eric Davis
A new interpretation of one of the foundational events of modern Iraq. There have been relatively few studies of the 1920 Revolution and no comprehensive study in English. Abbas Kadhim's excellent analysis constitutes an important contribution to our understanding of modern Iraqi political history, as well as offering numerous insights into processes of contentious politics throughout the Middle East.
Eric Davis, Professor of Political Science, Rutgers University, and former Director, Rutgers Center for Middle Eastern Studies
Phebe Marr
This is an important and well-documented study that should be read by those seeking to understand Iraq's new Shi'a rulers and the formative historical narrative that underlies much of their political thinking. Kadhim focuses on a seminal event in Iraq's modern history, the 1920 'revolution' against the British, led mainly by Shi'a leaders of the mid-Euphrates--tribal, religious and urban--that helped create an independent Iraqi state and government. He shows how--and why--the Shi'a failed to benefit in its aftermath, outgunned by the British and outmaneuvered by Sunni notables, army officers, and politicians, who went on to dominate the state, creating continuing Shi'a resentment. This groundbreaking study is likely the opening chapter in a new interpretation of Iraqi history.
Phebe Marr, scholar and historian of the modern Middle East. The third edition of her major work, The Modern History of Iraq, was published in 2011.