Freedom: Stories Celebrating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

"Warriors of the Sky" appears in this compilation of short stories by famous writers, among them Juan Goytisolo and Paulo Coehlo. Each story represents one of the Articles of the Declaration of Human Rights. "Warriors of the Sky," by Mahmoud Saeed, pertains to the right to assembly. The story weaves a tight tale of deceit and villainy on a personal scale, reflected onto the backdrop of the struggle on a larger scale within Islam to define its own essence. With a few deft strokes of description Saeed places the reader in the midst of Iraq's landscape: "the vast, endless palm forests on both sides of the Euphrates;" the impending action: "there were other puffs of dust cloud on the horizon, which meant more cars were coming;" the house: "the breakfast table was set alongside the garden side of the kitchen;" the beautiful wife and children: "She got off her chair and held hands with the children and started to dance to Muhammad's beautiful voice reciting a dabka:...." and the villain: "He was stuck with an ugly mug, bulging eyes, a balding head and a body to go with all that." Upon finishing the story, the reader feels as if she has read a novel and not a short story, given the visual, cultural and emotional impact these few pages have on the imagination.

I just finished reading the story "Warriors of the Sky," by Mahmoud Saeed. It is very powerful. His storytelling is very intriguing. The ending, especially, provoked a strong emotional reaction. This story would be memorable for any reader, but I think it is even more dramatic and meaningful for Muslims, or anyone familiar with the culture of the Middle East and the current tensions and differences of opinion within the Islamic world. His story highlights the effects of these political and religious differences on people and family units through his portrayal of characters who are men, women and children drawn inevitably and ominously into conflict. His story challenges readers, both Muslim and non-Muslim, to ponder the question, What kind of future will we have, and who is entitled to participate in its creation? I plan to re-read and reflect further on "Warriors of the Sky." I am anxious to comment on some of the more controversial aspects of the story, such as the portrayal of gender roles and sexual relationships. I appreciate the thought and the literary technique that helped build this portrait. Sometimes these issues can only be approached through story.

I have followed the career of Author Mahmoud Saeed, a venerated Iraqi novelist, who is famously known for his book Saddam City written from his experience as a prisoner of consciousness. When I discovered he would be included among the authors chosen to write short stories for Amnesty International's Freedom I was wrought with anticipation to read his contribution and I was not disappointed. This compilation of celebrated authors includes many wonderful and intriguing works that not only inspire but entertain. I highly recommend this book; it is perfect read for a cold winter day!