Covering 6,000 years of history—from the ancient Mesopotamian civilizations to the fall of Saddam Hussein and the current war in Iraq—A Brief History of Iraq is a comprehensive look at the changing landscape of this interesting country. Because of its porous frontiers, its accommodating soil and climate, its diverse inhabitants, and its many cultures, Iraq's history over the millennia has been one of interaction, adaptation, acculturation, and modification. Even though a history of Iraq would have to include the rulers and tyrants that have made their mark on the country over the ages, this new volume focuses primarily on the societies, peoples, and cultures of Iraq, as well as the regional influences that helped shape the destiny of the ethnicities, religions, sects, and national groups in this country. These influences have played a major role in shaping the modern nation, and they provide the context needed to understand the current conflict and efforts to build a stable society and government.Basic facts, a chronology, a bibliography, and a list of suggested reading make up the appendixes in this invaluable book.