Britain's Informal Empire in the Middle East: A Case Study of Iraq 1929-1941

This is a penetrating account of Anglo-Iraqi relations from 1929, when Britain decided to grant independence to Iraq, to 1941, when hostilities between the two nations came to an end. Showing how Britain tried--and failed--to maintain its political influence, economic ascendancy, and strategic position in Iraq after independence, Silverfarb presents a suggestive analysis of the possibilities and limitations of indirect rule by imperial powers in the Third World. The book also tells of the rapid disintegration of Britain's dominance in the Middle East after World War I and portrays the struggle of a recently independent Arab nation to free itself from the lingering grip of a major European power.

"The book, drawn from meticulous research in the British archives and using newly opened documents, will be useful for European historians interested in a good case study of informal empire."--American Historical Review

"[An] extremely well documented analysis of Britain's role in Iraqi affairs."--CHOICE

"A masterful exposure of British colonial designs in Iraq....This detailed, scholarly work enables one also to appreciate the Iraqi resistance to the British manoeuvres."--Muslim World

"A valuable, fully-documented study of the imperial dilemma in inter-war Iraq."--Albion