Barbara P. (gotchagal) -
A beautifully written and extremely moving book about two men from different cultures meeting during the 2nd Gulf war. This is Goldfarb's (a reporter) very moving tribute to Ahmad Shawkat, the Iraqi Kurd who served as his translator during "Major Combat Operations," a man whose life's work under an oppressive regime was to promote freedom of expression, a man who was ultimately murdered during the American occupation for his criticism of Islamic intolerance and violence.
Eighteen years old when the Ba'ath Party seized control in Iraq. Ahmad shared with Goldfarb in his intimate and always poetic English how he was imprisoned and tortured twice by Saddam Hussein's regime. ("They practiced every kind of violation on me.")
Told with compassion and great respect, this story of one heroic man will forever change our perception of what all Iraqs have suffered and continue to endure.
This story will fill your heart, tear your eyes and bring anger to your feelings. I cannot recommend it more highly, but no matter how you feel, you will never forget Ahmad.
Eighteen years old when the Ba'ath Party seized control in Iraq. Ahmad shared with Goldfarb in his intimate and always poetic English how he was imprisoned and tortured twice by Saddam Hussein's regime. ("They practiced every kind of violation on me.")
Told with compassion and great respect, this story of one heroic man will forever change our perception of what all Iraqs have suffered and continue to endure.
This story will fill your heart, tear your eyes and bring anger to your feelings. I cannot recommend it more highly, but no matter how you feel, you will never forget Ahmad.
