Description
Book SynopsisTrade Review‘Frank Gunter has written an outstanding book covering the full spectrum of Iraq’s political economy with sufficiently detailed descriptions and analysis to allow for sound policy recommendations. Much has changed, and not all for the best, since the first edition, but Frank continues to provide the same unique perspective, that of an expert who combines theory with actual on-the-ground in Iraq experience, that is sorely needed for understanding Iraq’s political economy.’ -- Ahmed Tabaqchali, AFC Iraq Fund and The American University of Iraq-Sulaimani, Iraq
‘Frank Gunter provides an excellent guide to the fundamentals of Iraqi political economy, assessing the principal barriers to political and economic progress, and offering solid recommendations for overcoming those obstacles. It is both comprehensive and comprehensible and, in those two regards, probably has no rival in the field.’ -- Alan Luxenberg, Former President of the Foreign Policy Research Institute, US
'This most thoughtful treatise is another example of Frank Gunter's intellectual discipline and fine analytical mind, writing on Iraq, a country he has studied for many years. He combines objective and informed narrative with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing the country, but underlying the whole work is a care and concern for the future wellbeing of the country, one which he and I both respect and honour.' -- Baroness Nicholson of Winterbourne, President, The Iraq Britain Business Council, UK
'Frank Gunter has written the definitive account in English of the contemporary Iraqi economy... Following a brief history and overview, chapters cover social indicators, corruption, macroeconomic policy, state-owned enterprises, entrepreneurship, oil agriculture, banks, infrastructure, and international trade. The scope of overage and degree of detail is matched by clear exposition and thoughtful analysis... While his optimism about and affection for Iraq is obvious, he is refreshingly blunt about the systemic problems often downplayed in reports from international organizations…Essential.' -- Review of first edition in Choice Magazine
Table of ContentsContents: Preface 1. Iraq’s lost decades 2. Population and key macroeconomic variables 3. Health, poverty, education, and gender issues 4. Corruption 5. Preventing al Qaeda 3.0 6. Domestic and international politics 7. Oil and gas 8. Agriculture and the environment 9. Financial intermediation 10. Large industrial enterprises 11. Entrepreneurship in post-conflict Iraq 12. Infrastructure and essential services 13. International trade and finance 14. Fiscal, monetary, and exchange rate policies 15. Iraq in 2035 Bibliography Index
