Description
Book SynopsisThe Iraq War of March 19, 2003 was an implausible war at the outset. We now understand that it could have been averted and never should have been waged. How and why did it begin? Who was responsible? This book offers a new perspective on the Iraq War and explains the dynamic relationships between the George W. Bush administration, the United States Congress, and the national news media. It is based on the multiple streams model of political change by John Kingdon, which says that if a unique combination of political, policy, and problem streams collide, under the right circumstances, they can create a window of opportunity for a shift in policy. It was the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, which set the stage for the emergence of three dynamic streams in the country. Fear, power, and a contentious political climate converged to produce not only a dramatic new foreign policy, but also a war with Iraq, a country which had not provoked or threatened the United States. Fear, power,
Trade ReviewBy focusing on the failures of journalism and the official fakery surrounding the U.S. invasion of Iraq, Mary Cardaras reminds us of an important truth: democracy cannot thrive without an informed electorate and an independent press. -- Peter Eisner, former editor at Washington Post and The Associated Press
Table of ContentsPrologue Introduction Chapter 1: The Fear Factor: How It Shaped Political Decisions and Policy Chapter 2: The George W. Bush Administration: The Case for War with Iraq Chapter 3: The United States Congress and Iraq: Checks, Balance and Oversight Chapter 4: The News Media: Reporting and the Run-Up to War Chapter 5: The Iraq War: Reflections, Repercussions & Resolution Bibliography
