This book focuses on national reconciliation in Iraq—a concept that may seem, on the surface, to simply imply a meeting of opposing parties to resolve their differences. However, Dr. Al-Hakim delves much deeper, exploring the foundational principles that underpin Iraqi society. The topic itself carries a long history and is entangled with regional, political, sectarian, authoritarian, and colonial dimensions.

Dr. Al-Hakim begins by defining reconciliation and clarifying what it truly entails. He then diagnoses the core issues and points of contention, identifying the elements involved—whether political parties and forces, or the distinguishing features of one social component over another.

The book also examines all external influences, both regional and international. As such, it is at once a political book of the highest order—revealing Iraq’s political maps across different eras, explaining the motivations, goals, and outcomes of various policies—and a sociological, anthropological, and historical study.