In The Anatomy of Deception, Abele reconstructs the public dialogue that led to the United States collectively making the decision to invade and occupy the sovereign nation of Iraq. The book examines this public debate concerning the invasion and occupation of Iraq and focuses on thinking critically about the decision.

It will be argued here that the structure of the public case made for invading Iraq showed itself at that time to be a manipulation of evidence for a predetermined conclusion. This book is intended to challenge readers to debate such important issues more deeply, more reflectively, and with more ethical commitment than prior to the U.S. invasion of Iraq. If we do not commit ourselves to that, and set about righting the wrongs done in the public debate regarding Iraq, we will find ourselves in many more wars to come, for no other reason than the self-interests of those who seek to enhance their own profit and/or power.