Book Review: The Mother of All Battles: Saddam Hussein's Strategic Plan for the Persian Gulf War

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by Kevin M. Woods

Annapolis: Naval Institute Press, 2008. Pp. xxix, 352. Illus., maps, tables, append., notes, biblio., index . $28.00 paper . ISBN:1591149428

While the Coalition side of the 1990-1991 Gulf War has received extensive treatment in histories, memoirs, and analyses, the other side of the hill has been largely neglected, until now. 

Based on documents captured in Iraq since 2003, Kevin M. Woods, of the Institute for Defense Analysis, provides an very readable look at the conflict, from the Iraqi perspective.  He covers basic strategic assumptions, planning, organization, and operations in considerable detail, from preparations for the invasion of Kuwait through to the armistice that concluded the "100 Hour War."  This is particularly valuable when the Iraqi slant on some of the events and operations is compared to the American and Coalition perception of Saddam Hussein's intentions. 

An important read for anyone interested in the campaign or in modern military operations.

Reviewer: A. A. Nofi   


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