"A compelling picture of the administrative turmoil after Saddam Hussein was ousted. Hilary Synnott was one of a number of resourceful, determined individuals trying to make order out of chaos in the country, and this book gives an illuminating insight into the role of the British contingent in the South-East and its tussles with the centre in Baghdad. Whether you want to enjoy the tragi-comedy of the story or learn the telling lessons from the mistakes, you can have confidence in this shrewd, balanced and authentic account."- Sir Jeremy Greenstock, former Prime Ministerial Envoy to Iraq
"Unusual, powerful: combining Synnott's experience on the ground with an unusual grasp of what was happening in Washington, London and Baghdad.Clear-eyed, comprehensive, informed by long experience, sensitive to the serious limitations of state-building in the modern age. His voice is at once bold, pragmatic and often very funny" - Rory Stewart, author of Occupational Hazards
"Hilary Synnott was one of the most important players in post 2003 Iraq. He has always chosen to keep a low profile - it is of immense benefit to everyone who cares about Iraq, and the truth about the occupation, that he has finally decided to offer up his testimony, which will be authoritative, and devastating" - Toby Dodge, Queen Mary's College, University of London
''Synnott’s unique insider account is the most important primary source we yet have on how the South was lost…it provides an entertaining and witty portrait of the absurdities of life inside the occupying coalition, a devastating critique of CPA policies and controversial revelations about the real relationship between the two occupying powers, Britain and America.''Abrar
"Hilary Synnott's ambassadorial account of Bad Days in Basra makes a compelling read." Glasgow Herald
"Hilary Synnott's very readable book explains what went wrong in the areas of reconstruction and governance in the immediate aftermath of the fall of Saddam and provides useful lessons for how to do it better next … Highly recommended." The Navel Review