"Britain's participation in the invasion of Iraq in 2003 marked a dramatic shift in the direction and focus of British relations with the Middle East. This book provides the first extensive examination of the impact of 9/11 on the UK's policy towards this critical region. It places Britain's involvement firmly within the rich historical context which is essential for understanding the legacy of empire and demonstrates how the New Labour leadership wilfully ignored the lessons to be learned from past experience. The book also argues that Britain not only set the scene for US engagement in the Middle East, but also became tainted by association with a US project for reforming the region that has foundered." --Book Jacket.