Faiz Al-Khafaji's profound historical examination delves into the dark chapter of Iraq's 1963 political landscape, specifically focusing on the National Guard. This book meticulously chronicles the brutal and bloody role played by this first Ba'athist militia in contemporary Iraqi history. Al-Khafaji unearths the myriad crimes and atrocities committed during their brief but devastating period of power following the February 8th coup. It offers a critical analysis of the ideological underpinnings and the practical execution of their violent agenda, providing invaluable insights into a pivotal moment that shaped Iraq's trajectory. This work is essential for understanding the roots of political violence and authoritarianism in modern Iraq.