As the lead author of Hard Lessons: The Iraq Reconstruction Experience, Victoria Butler spent three years working with a team of auditors, inspectors, researchers, and writers at the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction documenting what was (before Afghanistan overtook it) the largest U.S. relief and reconstruction effort for one country in American history.

Hard Lessons covers the period from 2002 to 2008. During this time the U.S. Congress appropriated more than $50 billion to create the Iraqi Security Forces; rebuild oil, water, electricity, and transportation infrastructure; promote economic development; and support democracy-building programs. This history illuminates key challenges—poor planning, lack of security, and inadequate understanding of Iraqi history and culture—that plagued the U.S. reconstruction effort. It serves as a cautionary tail of missteps that not only led to significant waste of taxpayer dollars but also resulted in missed opportunities to help Iraqis rebuild their country.

“It is a ‘must read’ for those seeking to understand what transpired in Iraq since its liberation in 2003…” — General David Petraeus, Commander, U.S. Central Command (2008-2010)

“The book represents an extraordinary effort and provides a broad review of reconstruction, integrating many aspects of the fundamental challenges facing the U.S. in Iraq today.”— Ambassador Ryan Crocker, former U.S. Ambassador to Iraq (2007-2009)