I completed my research for “WAR: The Afterparty” with a trip to Iraq in January. While I found most of my lodging for my round the world journey through Expedia, Airbnb and Lonely Planet, I came across generous Couchsurfing hosts in Afghanistan and Vietnam. And that’s where I encountered Samir Barznjy, a 31-year old surgeon and …
On The Road to Mosul: Iraqi Soldiers on The Origins of ISIS Read More »
Makhmour, briefly overrun by ISIS, is the staging ground for Iraqi Army, Kurdish Peshmerga and U.S. forces in advance of the retaking of Mosul. I spoke with a Peshmerga commander and the former mayor of Makhmour during my visit in January. From “WAR: The Afterparty,” available now on Amazon here. —- Samir takes me back …
As Troops Mass In Makhmour, Iraq, An Interview with Mayor Barzan Said Kaka Read More »
In my travels through the Greater Middle East for the Afterparty book project, I went out of my way to meet Muslims. I visited mosques in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, met with the leading Afghan Islamic scholar at his mosque in Kabul between afternoon prayers, discussed religion with secular, …
I was delighted to see one of my favorite interview subjects from Iraq, Professor Faris Nadhmi, post favorable comments about “WAR: The Afterparty” on his Facebook page. I’ve since been contacted and ‘friended’ by a number of his colleagues, sharing thoughts about the book. I have attached the interview with Farsi as a PDF on …
