Enlightened minds sink in marshland

Great listen, with the author's narration bringing additional colour to his anecdotes. The story presents a tragic example of what happens when grand theories don't correspond with local realities

Was also highly amused by the tales of the Italian military behaving as one might expect.

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2 people found this helpful

Excellent book. The reality behind the hype.

For a writer who sees T E Lawrence (of Arabia ) as his hero, reality must be such a let down.
The book, to me, is a cross between Evelyn Waugh's novel Scoop, and the Second World War reminiscences of Spike Milligan.
To come to a situation, with the best of intentions, only to have your hopes be dashed on the comedy of reality.
Tremendous, historical things may be going on, but I cant get the water tap to work!
Perhaps the best we can hope for is to be remembered, as the guy who helped construct the irrigation canals. A good guy, who left a physical legacy, and retains the fond memories of the locals.

Overall, I still ask the question, "What the hell are we (The West) doing here?"

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5 people found this helpful

A fascinating read

What a fantastically informative, interesting, and yet somewhat inevitable read. Guides you through the intricacies and idiocies of a futile invasion backed by people with great heart whom ended up targets for all the ills of a nation.

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2 people found this helpful

Compelling, educational, sad and yet uplifting.

An incredible insight into such a complex state of affairs that despite potentially noble intentions is of our own making.

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1 person found this helpful

Compelling insight on the occupation of Iraq

Rory Stewart is a subtle’ insightful deep writer who conveys if ony as easily as passion in his descriptions of places and people. It’s a wonderful listen.

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2 people found this helpful

Fantastic insight and humane perspective on iraq

Well written (and well read) account of the chaos in iraq post occupation and a cautionary tale of the west’s overconfidence of its ability to establish western-style states in cultures it does not understand, and cannot change by force alone

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1 person found this helpful

Why occupations do not work

The book gives an excellent picture about how difficult it was to rule Iraq as an occupying power - an impossible and misguided task as it emerged. Understanding the history and culture is the basis for working in a foreign country - I’m glad to get my own approach to diplomacy confirmed. Attaching an interview made with the author a few years later was also a good idea.

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Compelling, important and humbling

An amazing account of post invasion Iraq. Thank you Rory for explaining where hubris leads us.

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1 person found this helpful

Well worth a listen

Interesting throughout and delivered in a very agreeable manner. Not normally the kindest thing I’ve listened to, but I’m glad I did and can understand why it’s got such good reviews.

If not sure then just give it a girls. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

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Great insights

Glad I listened to this book - so interesting and humbling- but it could have really benefited from more thorough editing!

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