Axelgard's answer to the question posed by his title is yes, there is a new Iraq, more stable in its leadership, stronger and more united, wiser and better balanced in foreign policy, than before the Gulf war. The book is in the nature of an intelligence report with data confirming those trends. If the author is overcritical of Washington's alleged failure to adjust to the new situation, as he is overenthusiastic in his estimate of the new Iraq, no matter. It is important that he has stated his case and spurred thinking about it.