Iraq Under Siege: The Deadly Impact of Sanctions and War, by Anthony Arnove, is a book that gives us a vivid description of the war situation in Iraq. The Iraq war is a fight between two giants that are only concerned about their personal interests rather than that of the people. Apart from subjecting the people of Iraq to a lifetime of war, the author reveals of how the sanctions placed against the people continue to affect them socially and economically. Reading the book, one is more drawn to the suffering of children and women who have no idea of why the war is being fought. Anthony is driving at making people realise that the war is doing more harm to the United States than its intended purpose. Many years since the war began; United States has achieved little in making Iraq leaders agree to their terms and hence making it even more complicated to the innocent people.
Each section of the book addresses a specific issue on war and sanctions that have adversely affected the people of Iraq. Anthony has done an extensive research not only on the people but also on the economy of Iraq. He also mentions about the environmental implication of the war considering the deadly weapons that are used for war. Uranium deposits have serious environmental effects that are not only affecting agricultural produce, but will also pose a threat to the upcoming generations. As Anthony mentions, United States in its fight against Iraq is basing on experiences and not considering the innocent people, both in the present and the future. It is more horrifying for the children, who are too young to understand what is happening, yet subjected to suffering and even death.
Women and children have been the central focus of the humanitarian suffering of the Iraqis as the author highlights on the struggles they have to through each day. Unlike the men who are not faced with a larger family responsibility, women have to be there for their children and salvage the little they can, to ensure their safety. A safety they are never sure of; each day has its own challenges, challenges that have been inflicted to them by leaders who cannot empathise with their issues. Iraq has now been turned to the people with no hope and no dreams. Iraqis do not get the opportunity to plan for their lives and are reduced to hoping that they stay alive to see the next day. As it is happening, United States, the perpetrators of the wars have denied them humanitarian aid that will give them hope for the day.
Efforts of other organizations to reach out to Iraqis and grant them support such as food and medical facilities. The book is a tale of people who are fugitives in their country. They have resources they cannot fully enjoy or utilize because of the instability that faces their country. The huge chunks of mineral deposits, they have and could help them improve their economy and lifestyles remain a curse as they form the central areas of contention. I would recommend this book to anybody who is curious to know the dark side of the Iraq war and why it is not helping solve the US problem. The book is good not only for history students but also for unites states citizens and anyone passionate about humanitarian support.
