The “Other” Iraq

This article discusses aspects of monarchial Iraq's liberal political culture, as presented in Orit Bashkin's book, The Other Iraq. While Bashkin presents a compelling portrait of a democratic, humanistic, and pluralistic society, other features of Iraqi public life during this period, including fascist, pro-Nazi, and bigoted writings, are neglected. Accordingly, one wonders whether monarchial Iraq was indeed an “Other” Iraq, or one underpinned by racism, totalitarianism, and religious prejudice.