Includes bibliographical references (p. [461]-493) and index.

The great divides -- The rise of the opposition -- The build-up to war -- The invasion -- Occupation authorities -- A collapsed state : a ruined economy : a damaged society -- Deepening rifts in a brittle society -- Dismantling the Ba'athist state -- The formation of the governing council and the rise of the insurgency -- The shadow of real power -- The enigma of Ayatollah Sistani -- A constitution in waiting -- The fires of sectarian hatreds -- A Marshall Plan for Iraq? -- April 2004 : the turning point -- The interim Iraqi government -- Arabs and Persians -- Showdown at the shrine -- To hold or abort an election -- Corruption and the Potemkin state -- Iraqi society on the eve of free elections -- The vote -- Negotiating a constitution -- Crises and the Jaafari government -- Into uncharted waters.