Join us at
unbossed on Friday, June 2 at 9pm EDT for our first online book club discussion featuring A Glimpse of Iraq--a compilation of first-hand, war zone posts by Iraqi blogger Abu Khaleel.
I have the impression from reading the writings of Abu Khaleel, an Iraqui blogger, that life in Baghdad is very different from what even the best reporting tells us. Maybe you do as well.
Unbossed is trying an experiment tonight. We are hosting a discussion of Abu Khaleel's book on life in Baghdad.
Haven't read the book, you say?
Not a problem. Come on over. Ask questions. Abu Khaleel will try to check in when electricity and internet connectivity permits.
Also, I have been posting excerpts this week here and at unbossed.
The book is based primarily on a number of short essays Abu Khaleel wrote on a blog named "A Glimpse of Iraq" (http://glimpseofiraq.blogspot.com/}. Abu Khaleel started it in May 2004 because he was appalled by the lack of basic knowledge Americans and others around the world had regarding the country and it people.
More about Abu Khaleel and a Glimpse of Iraq below
Abu Khaleel will most likely not be on-line then or most of the time given electricity rationing and internet connections. He will respond when he can.
From the Preface to A Glimpse of Iraq [typos are mine - i.e. Shirah]
This book is an attempt - by an Iraqui - to give a concise picture of Iraq to those not familiar with it.
It gives little glimpses of Iraq and its people: some facts, some of their customs and nature through little true stories and anecdotes to give a "feel" of the diversity and complexity of the country. A few widely-spread myths, oversimplifications and inaccuracies are also tackled. But it cannot claim to be exhaustive or even comprehensive. On the contrary; only little glances of each aspect addressed are given to cover the widest possible spectrum to the non-expert reader.
The book also offers an inside look into what has become known as the Triangle of Death - one fo the most volatile regions in the country - where a chaotic array of forces reigned and turned the place into living hell. However almost unseen by the outside world, the forces of decency, reconciliation and common sense were also there . . . combating decay.
But above all, this book is about people, Iraqui people . . . and an attempt to make these people comprehensible.
One of the major mistakes of the American campaign in Iraq that started in March 2003 was their policy makers' failure to understand the complexities of Iraq. That led to much unnecessary loss of life and suffering. It ultimately led to the collapse of that adventure.
You cannot "fix" something that you don't understand.
The book is based primarily on a number of short essays I wrote on a blog I named "A Glimpse of Iraq" (http://glimpseofiraq.blogspot.com/) which I started in May 2004 when I was appalled by the lack of basic knowledge Americans and others around the world had regarding the country and tis people. I would like to express my gratitude to readers of that blog who, through their questions and remarks, helped shape this work.
Join us at unbossed on Friday, June 2 at 9pm EDT for our first online book club discussion featuring A Glimpse of Iraq--a compilation of first-hand, war zone posts by Iraqi blogger Abu Khaleel.
The book is available via LULU.