It is very rare to find a book in which the author not only superbly conveys his thoughts and observations but also conveys a spirit of authenticity and genuineness. John Agresto does both in Mugged By Reality--The Liberation of Iraq and the Failure of Good Intentions. Mr. Agresto served as the senior adviser to the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research from September, 2003 to June, 2004. This period was both a formative time and a transitional time. Formative in that during this time "we set out our plans for the pacification and democratization of Iraq, established governing structures, and slowly, slowly laid plans for reconstruction. ...Transitional because it was during this time that the insurgency picked up momentum and learned to destabilize the occupation by terrorizing Iraqis as much as attacking Americans."

Although the author reveals much about the nature and character of both the Iraqis and Americans, he focuses on our failure to understand basis human nature. We failed to recall that the need to be safe and secure is a far more important then the need to establish a particular form of government. It is precisely this failure that puts us in "danger of losing all we hoped to accomplish in Iraq because we haven't a clue as to how to be an effective occupying power." In addition, we were "blind to how fierce, bloody, and barbaric serious religious passions can be."

After laying out a formidable argument for what has lead us to the predicament we are now in, the author lays out two scenarios, "What's the best that will happen?" and "What would be the worst possible outcome?" He concludes that the likelihood of the "best" happening is nil. The worst, continuing chaos and corruption, renewed despotism, and fierce religious fanaticism is probable. His answer to the question "What should we Americans now do?" is sobering. "We cannot safely let Iraq go; we cannot simply disengage and come home." He concludes, "One thing is certain: our leaving does not 'give peace a chance,' but, rather, the very opposite."

I highly recommend this book to any one, whether you are for the war or against it, who desires to understand why there are no good choices available given the current circumstances in Iraq. It ranks as one of the best books I have read in years. It has increased my understanding of the Iraqis and why our effort to liberate them failed. More than that, it has changed my views on Iraq. This is the highest praise I can give a fellow author