First published in 1989, just before the Gulf War broke out. Republic of Fear was the only book that explained the motives of the Saddam Hussein regime in invading and annexing Kuwait. Written under the pseudonym Samir al-Khalil, the book now appears for the first time under the author's real name. This updated edition relates how the Arab Bath Socialist party has transformed Iraq since 1968. A substantial new introduction focuses on the changes in Hussein's regime since the Gulf War.

With Hussein still in power, Republic of Fear remains an important and timely book.