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Occupational Hazards

My Time Governing in Iraq

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Occupational Hazards

By: Rory Stewart
Narrated by: Rory Stewart
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About this listen

 At the age of 30, Rory Stewart was appointed coalition deputy governor of two provinces in the Marsh region of southern Iraq. He kept a journal of his experiences struggling to control assassinations and tribal conflict, rebuild the region's infrastructure, and establish a new Iraqi government before the hand over of power in June 2004. His time in the Marsh region culminated in a terrifying siege during which he and his team were under sustained attack by insurgents. Haunted by his previous work and travels in Asia, Rory brings a unique sensitivity and perspective to the daily interactions between Iraqis and the coalition and to the perils - and even comedy - of foreign occupation.©2007 Rory Stewart Entertainment & Celebrities Inspiring Thought-Provoking Witty Funny

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Critic reviews

"A travel book like no other." ( Independent on Sunday)
All stars
Most relevant  
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.

Enlightened minds sink in marshland

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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?"

Excellent book. The reality behind the hype.

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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.

A fascinating read

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

Compelling, educational, sad and yet uplifting.

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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.

Compelling insight on the occupation of Iraq

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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

Fantastic insight and humane perspective on iraq

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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.

Why occupations do not work

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Again an informative and interesting story of brave attempts to improve a near impossible situation with too many factions. By a good writer, can’t wait to read his next book.

Fascinating insights into the frustrations of good intentions.

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Amazing to hear how Rory viewed and dealt with the various situations during his time in Iraq, and at such a relatively young age. Thoroughly enjoyed.

Great insight into the highly damaging war

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fascinating insight into a world few of us will or could ever experience. conveyed a real sense of presence.

compelling

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