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Night Draws Near
Iraq's People in the Shadow of America's War

by Anthony Shadid

      Night Draws Near is Anthony Shadid's account of the war in Iraq, its prologue and its aftermath. The author is an Arab-speaking American of Lebanese descent whose professional life has been spent as an ex-pat reporter covering the Arab Middle East, leaving him unusually able to understand both the American and Arab perspectives. His version of events is based in the too rarely heard words and stories of the common Iraqi people. Among other things, this provides connections that make it easier to grasp the points being made. There's a huge difference between seeing generalities about post-war disruption and listening to someone bemoaning months in a hot climate without enough electricity to just get a cool drink. While it becomes easier to understand that resentment of the American occupation is not just about radical ideology when someone else wonders why a superpower can't fly in a few generators along with all those tanks. With all of the voices reflecting Iraq's unique culture, based not just in the Moslem religion, but also in a long history that includes memories of true glory and echoes of broken promises from others claiming to be liberators. Whether or not you agree with the U.S. invasion and occupation, it's hard not to believe while reading how much difference even slightly better understanding between Iraqis and Americans might have made. Much of the story is grim, but Mr. Shadid closes on a positive note with the January 2005 elections. Iraq has multiple possible futures, none of them sure, but the elections celebrate Iraqi people for once taking charge for themselves rather than having their fate imposed by others.

This is the best book I've read this year. America's actions in Iraq will define her role in world affairs for years to come and this gives a needed sense of what they mean to Iraqis. The writing and stories are as compelling as they are informative. And hearing it as an audio book -literally in the author's own voice- made it even more compelling and personal, more like a discussion than pages of dry reading. Anthony Shadid never dramatizes for cheap effect, but there is clear passion behind every word. He cares about what he is telling you, forcing you to care along with him. Very highly recommended, as all the people I've been urging to read it can attest to.

The Book

Audio Renaissance
September 7, 2005
Audio CD - Abridged edition (6 CDs 7hrs)
1593977883
Non-Fiction History/Current events
More at Amazon.com
Excerpt
NOTE: ( Some violence) Anthony Shadid won a 2004 Pulitzer Prize for his reporting on Iraq. There is an interesting short interview with the author on the Amazon page.

The Reviewer

Kim Malo
Reviewed 2005
NOTE:
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