Book Review

TITLE Defending Friends and Family Name AUTHOR L.Okinbak PUBLISHER (tbd) REVIEW SUMMARY This is book discusses the obsession which appears to have driven the United States President during the years 2001-2008.    The book also talks about preceding events and activities which provided the foundation for this obsession and the subsequent actions, events, and consequences.   The book describes the failure of his father, George H.W. Bush, to "finish the job" against Saddam Hussein in the Desert Storm response to the Persian Gulf War, 1990-1991.  This failure particularly haunted George W.   Only by going to war again against Iraq, could George W. Bush ever hope to clear this dark cloud hanging over the family name.  The eventual capture, conviction, and execution of Saddam Hussein finally brought some degree of closure for the President.  However, this did not come until long after George W. Bush repeated his father's mistake by prematurely declaring victory -- and long before the deaths of thousands of American solders whom he had sent to Iraq.   In addition to Americans and other coalition forces killed subsequent to President Bush declaring war on Irag, many more thousands of Iraqi civilians, women and children have died -- many times more than were dying under the regime of Saddam Hussein.   Like any small puppet on a large stage, G.W.Bush was often manipulated by his close friends and associates.    Many of Bush's key business friends and colleagues, especially those in his home state of Texas, were dependent upon ready access to foreign oil fields, such as those in Iraq.  Halliburton, Inc., for example, was a major behind the scenes player - both benefactor and beneficiary of the Bush presidency.     This book is a good "Lessons to be Learned" for everyone.    The complete review will be available in the University Library.