On Thursday, July 12, 2018, author Joseph Wyatt will present “The Iraq War: 1998-2018 Quagmire in Babylon” in the Archives and History Library at the Culture Center, State Capitol Complex in Charleston. The program will begin at 6:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
Many West Virginians served in the Iraq War, which began more than 15 years ago in March 2003. Questions remain as to why the war was fought, what was gained, and what was lost. Through a slide show and overview of the war, Wyatt will answer some of those questions. He will describe events leading to the invasion, the push to Baghdad, and many of the outcomes for both Iraq and the U.S., including Iraq’s descent into civil war despite the efforts of those who served. Wyatt’s son Daniel, who wrote the foreword to his father’s most recent book and is a Marine Corps veteran who completed two tours of duty in Iraq, will offer his insights on the war, as well.
Joseph Wyatt is emeritus professor at Marshall University and is a contributing columnist for the Charleston Gazette-Mail. He has authored several books, including The Breaking Point Killing and Other True Cases of Murder and Malice: A West Virginia Forensic Psychologist Remembers (2015). His new book, Quagmire in Babylon, 1998-2018: A History of the Iraq War, will be available for sale on July 12, and he will autograph copies at the end of the program.
Participants may park behind the Culture Center after 5:00 p.m. on July 12 and enter the building at the back loading dock area. There also is limited handicapped parking available in the new bus turnaround.
For additional information, contact the Archives and History Library at (304) 558-0230.
