In the Red Zone: A Journey Into the Soul of Iraq

I just finished reading Steven Vincent's "In the Red Zone", and I must say this is a great book on Iraq that I couldn't find another one these days. I was deeply moved and enthralled by the author's journalistic dedication, his great moral courage, his noble idealism, humanitarian perspectives on today's Iraqi society, all along with his amazing writing skills. Sadly, we lost a hero, a real American hero! As a real journalist, Steven Vincent sacrificed his valuable life in Iraq. And if that will waken more of our people's consciences and firm our resolves on war to terrorism, his death is not in vain!

Today we lost the author of this excellent book and some remarkable pieces of journalism in the Christian Science Monitor and the New York Times. So my review to this book will be marked (and dated) by the event of his killing. Marked by 9/11 in NY, Steven Vincent decided to try to understand why so many people hate us to the point to attack and kill completely innocent people. By writing, he wanted to share with all of us what he was seeing and learning so more people could understand. He had the courage to go to Iraq and live in no "greenzones" or armored protection so he could better understand what the Iraqis think, feel and have to go through everyday. This book recounts his personal experiences and his thoughts ("understandings") while on his first two journeys there. I can assure you that by reading this book, you'll change your views, whatever they are, about the War on Terror, the War in Iraq and the Middle East conflict(s). On a final note: it's my belief that Steven was killed by the Shiite extremists, followers of the infamous cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, the ones that are changing southern Iraq into an islamic republic similar to the one in neighboring Iran, under the watchful (?) but ineffective eye of the British Armed Forces. He payed the ultimate price while trying to inform us. This a lesson on Freedom, Liberty and Democracy. Sadly, one (more) where someone lost his/her life. (Thank you Steven for sharing your experiences with us.) May the Lord rest his soul in eternal peace.

Rebeccasreads highly, highly recommends IN THE RED ZONE as a vital read for our time, offering clues to the utterly incomprehensible, to Western minds, dichotomy existing in the Middle Eastern mindset. No matter your politics or world view, IN THE RED ZONE offers real-life (as opposed to objective journalistic reportage) glimpses of how everyday Iraqis view America & the Coalition soldiers -- "It wasn't OUR fault this madman[Saddam Hussein] got in here. Thanks for getting rid of him -- now, how soon are you going to repair our house?" (p. 73) & at the same time highlights the tragic conflicts (Sunni vs Shia; Arab vs Jew) within their own world view. IN THE RED ZONE is a riveting personal account that grips you from start to finish. You will be amazed, alarmed, angered, & moved to tears. Steven Vincent's writing is fluent & thoughtful, evocative & funny -- "We have to laugh about our lives, or we'll go mad." Qasim said."(p. 38). Steven Vincent went to Iraq on his own dime, beholden to no one, because he'd witnessed the 9/11 attacks: he had to know why & how we liberated Iraq. His adventures IN THE RED ZONE tells you what he learnt, & what he & the people he talked to think about terrorism, insurgents & resistance fighters, tribal loyalty & fanaticism, & the changing times. Man though he is, he manages to meet the women: the quiet & courageous heroines determined to gain suffrage from under the veil with which the other half of the world has smothered them. Here you'll learn about legal killings & family "honor". Steven Vincent gets around via taxis, & often winds up in the heart of the action: Imagine a celebration where death images are the decorations & flagellation the merriment! Oustanding!

I'm halfway through this book and I'm blown away. Mr. Vincent writes in a style that is engrossing and well done. I have had a hard time putting this book down (I started it yesterday!) I read both of Karl Zinmeister's excellent books on the Iraq war and post-war from the inbedded side, along with the troops. Mr Vincent gives us the Iraqi civilian side of things AND adds his perspective as he goes along and bears witness to all encounters. I couldn't recommend a better and more timely book for what is going on in Iraq. I already look forward to his next installment. Thank you Mr. Vincent for an excellent effort.

I met Steven Vincent days after In the Red Zone had been submitted to the publisher. His personal reflections from 9/11, when he stood atop his apartment building and watch the second plane hit, brought tears to my eyes. But that was nothing compared to his remarkable insight into Iraq from his journeys there. Fresh from returning and putting his thoughts into written form, he regaled me for hours with what he learned and what all Americans must know about Iraq. I cannot recommend In the Red Zone more highly.