Iraq in a Nutshell (Nutshell Notes)

A Los Angeles Times bestseller, "Iraq in a Nutshell" has helped readers understand how Saddam Hussein became so powerful in Iraq, why the Kurds and Shi ites have become such important players in the creation of a post-Saddam government, how Iraq s oil reserves have affected international politics and why the world was so divided in its support or criticism of U.S. involvement in the Middle East country.

The second edition of "Iraq in a Nutshell" also includes short, easy-to-read chapters explaining post-war insurgency; the controversy over Iraq s purported development of Weapons of Mass Destruction and the transfer of power from the U.S.-led Coalition Provisional Government to the interim government led by Prime Minister Iyad Allawi.