Rating: 
Summary: Coughlin reveals how Hussein tops even Hitler and Stalin
Review: In a very well-written and researched book, Con Coughlin (no relation to this reviewer) spins a marvelous web of fact and evidence presented in a flowing, non-professorial style, often placing the reader in the midst of the action he describes so well. The characters in his Saddam saga are about as close to fiction as one could weave, given the outrageous brutality most of them displayed all the time. But sadly, this work is not fiction. Describing the pervasive murder, plotting, and intrigue that are Saddam's hallmarks, Coughlin leaves no stone unturned in describing bestial brutality not seen since the days of Hitler and Stalin. The difference in the three is the almost medieval style in which Saddam administers his particular brand of horror, while most of the world, as in all history, sat and watched. We can only hope that Coughlin can pen a sequel to this well-written work, to begin with the UNSCOM failures and George Bush's U. N. speech, carrying through to whatever the ultimate result will be. This riveting work will leave the reader chomping at the bit in serious anticipation for the next one to come.
Rating: 
Summary: EXTREMELY INTERESTING AND WELL RESEARCHED
Review: It is clear from the text that Con Coughlin did his research on Saddam Hussein. If you can imagine a nation run by thugs and Mafia-types you understand what Saddam is all about. Saddam is Hitler without morals. At least Hitler decided NOT to use his chemical weapons. Coughlin details the life of a boy brought up on the knee of his Nazi-loving uncle. What a shock he turned out the way he did.Very timely information. Many of the questions asked in the media today were answered by Coughlin in this 2002 book. You can't finish this book without thinking President Bush did the right thing going into Iraq. The only thing keeping this from 5 stars is the writing itself. Coughlin skips around, throws a lot of names and history at you, and not always in chronological order. A heavy book, but extremely informative. Anyone who wants to comment on the war with Iraq should read this first.
Rating: 
Summary: This book is a sham
Review: This is the book that has explained the images on CNN to me as a teenager and then as an adult, during the two invasions of Iraq. It has also been a source of my support for the war against the leadership of Iraq and not the Iraqi's, despite the questionable weapons of mass destruction. Through Con Coughlin's excellent text, I have realized that this person, who cannot be reached through diplomacy, everyday common-sense reason, the threat of extermination or even basic human sentiment, might quite well be mentally deranged and in denial. Here the origins of Saddam is summarily written, amazingly without judgement and with impartiality by Con. If any text seems slanderous to the reader, it's probably because it's the truth and you wish not to accept it. Thanks Con!
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