Investigative reporter Bob Woodward had unusual access to the Bush White House in researching and writing this insider account of the George W. Bush administrations march to war against Saddam Hussein. While almost all of his many sources spoke off the record (an exception being the President), Woodwards narrative of events uncovers the key roles played by Cheney, Rumsfeld, Powell, Rice, Gen. Tommy Franks, and the people around them, in helping to carry out the Bush plan. He reveals Bushs decision to recruit Secretary Rumsfeld to secretly update the battle plan against Iraq, the attempt to build a case against Saddam based on his possession of weapons of mass destruction, and the efforts of Secretary of State Colin Powell to get the international community on board. Woodwards revelations include the privileged access that the Saudi prince had to the White House, and a secret CIA operation, coded DBROCKSTARS, that used highly placed Iraqi informers to reveal Saddams comings and goings and the intricacies of his defenses. While there are revelations of backbiting, power playing, and one-upmanship, PLAN OF ATTACK is never gossipy or sensationalistic. One does come away with the impression that there was a clear difference of views and camps, most notably Powell on one side advising caution and restraint, and Cheney, et. al, on the other, who were decidedly more hawkish and determined. Woodwards narrative portrays a decisive president with a confident, if secretive, staff. PLAN OF ATTACK follows closely after Woodwards BUSH AT WAR, which described the Bush administrations response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the war in Afghanistan. A New York Times Notable Book for 2004.