By Nemir Kirdar

In his passionately argued book, Nemir Kirdar inspires hope that Iraq can be rebuilt and can start to generate peace and prosperity in a conflict-prone region.

Born in Iraq, he draws on recollections of his early life and shows how, in times past, the country was able to rise above the diverse composition of its population, achieve unity under the rule of law, ensure quality and meritocracy, and strive for economic prosperity. All that ended in 1958 when army conspirators staged a brutal coup d’état, seized power and drove the nation into a long, dark tunnel of dictatorship, terror and destruction.

During the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990 to the 2003 occupation and its aftermath, Kirdar held clear views as to what should be done – and was uniquely placed to propose solutions to those able to influence the course of events.

Now Nemir Kirdar calls for a new generation of Iraqis to rise up, unlock the potential of their rich nation and achieve world-class standards of health, housing and education for all citizens. If such a course is not taken, he warns, the cost will be severe. Iraq could break apart under the strains of tribal, ethnic and religious conflict and the resulting violence could spill over into neighbouring states.

His hope is that the country of his birth can become a beacon of democracy, stability and prosperity. To this end, he presents an entire blueprint for political, economic and social renewal. The Iraq of tomorrow, he believes, should be united and secular, able to offer freedom, justice and equal opportunity to all its citizens, irrespective of their ethnic, religious or tribal affiliations.

Saving Iraq is a book of global significance, offering rational steps towards a successful resolution in a nation that has suffered a tragic decline.