Armies of the Iran–Iraq War 1980–88

Main Themes and Topics

Armies of the Iran–Iraq War 1980–88 by Chris McNab delves into the massive conflict that erupted between Iran and Iraq following the Iranian Revolution of 1979. The book primarily explores the military aspects of the war, focusing on the organization, armament, and strategies employed by both nations' ground forces. McNab gives special attention to key military groups, including Iraq's Republican Guards and Iran's Pasdaran or Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. A recurring theme is the comparison of this war to World War I due to its attritional nature, marked by trench warfare, long periods of deadlock, and the use of chemical weapons.

Writing Style and Tone

Chris McNab approaches the topic with a detailed and analytical style, providing readers with a comprehensive military history of the Iran–Iraq War. His tone is factual and objective, seeking to inform rather than to persuade. McNab employs specially commissioned artwork to complement his detailed descriptions, making complex military structures and engagements more accessible and visually comprehensible to readers.

Brief Summary (no spoilers)

The book examines the Iran–Iraq War, a lengthy and devastating conflict that took place from 1980 to 1988, primarily along the extensive border shared by the two nations. Despite both countries possessing modern military equipment, the war often resembled earlier conflicts in its brutality and stalemates. The study offers readers an in-depth look at the composition and strategies of the ground forces involved, shedding light on a pivotal yet curiously underexplored aspect of Middle-Eastern history. The eventual stalemate and the massive human and financial costs incurred set the stage for further regional instability, most notably Iraq's later invasion of Kuwait.