Red Zone Baghdad provides fascinating insights into the conditions on the ground in a theatre of war that has seen more than 20,000 men and women of the Australian Defence Force serve between 2003 and 2009. Set against a backdrop of sectarian terror, Marcus describes his tour of service deployed as an 'embed' in the final days of the Australian presence. From his 'office' in Saddam's former al - Faw Palace, Marcus finds himself more involved with nation - building than with killing 'bad guys', dealing with the vital, strategic issues associated with the elections and the Coalition troop draw - down. Red Zone Baghdad paints a vivid picture of conditions for troops serving in this contentious Iraq War and is a rare glimpse into the reality of an officer's war in our time.