The Iraq Lie: How the White House Sold the War - Softcover

"Congressman Hoeffel offers a candid, unsparing insider's account of one of the most consequential Congressional votes in modern history - the fateful decision to authorize war with Iraq. This wrenching and detailed assessment of the misleading case presented to the American people provides an important new perspective on the rush to invade Iraq." -- House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, (D-CA) "Correspondence"

"This very important book will make readers understand that dedicated and intelligent Members of Congress - like author Hoeffel - thought their vote on the Iraq War was right but with hindsight are willing to admit the vote was wrong and analyze why it was wrong. If we can't learn from history - we are doomed to repeat it." -- Former House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt, (D-MO) "Correspondence"

"Centered on the fundamental illness of Washington: the absence of accountability by our leaders. Hoeffel calls for both the political courage and transparency needed for Congress to focus on facts, not political expediencies. He leaves us with an awareness that even in a decision to take our nation to war, Diogenes continues to carry his lantern." -- Former Congressman and retired Admiral Joe Sestak, (D-PA) "Correspondence"

How deceptive can Washington be? And how damaging is this deceit for our foreign policy? Former Congressman Joseph Hoeffel reveals how the Bush White House twisted arms and distorted intelligence to get support for the war. In The Iraq Lie: How the White House Sold the War, Hoeffel recalls how Congress struggled and failed to resist the war drums - and calls for intelligence reforms to prevent it from happening again. This first-person account of one Congressman's vote to defend his country, and his regret at believing the lies, comes as Iraq descends into civil war. Hoeffel brings us the real story of how the war and occupation ruined Iraq, and what the US should do now, as the debate flares up anew. * First account by any Congressman to divulge the truth about what really happened in briefings with key Bush Administration figures. * Praise from Minority Leader and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and many other distinguished members of Congress. * The full story of how war hawks deceived the public, media and Congress; same people still pushing for US troops in Iraq again. * Tells how war and occupation destroyed Iraqi institutions, replacing them with an inept, corrupt, sectarian, pro-Iran regime. * Most Americans want to leave Iraq alone. US intervention helped enemies and extremists, weakened allies and moderates. * Proposes reforms to require full public disclosure of intelligence, and a clear mandate from Congress before any major military action. * Will appeal to fans of authors like Rachel Maddow (Drift), Isikoff and Corn (Hubris), Scahill (Blackwater), and Woodward (Bush at War).