Iraq: Providing Hope

Eric Holmes provides stories from Iraq that the media didn't want the public to hear before the presidential election. He's collected newsworthy events of what American servicemen are doing for the Iraqis, which wasn't possible under Saddam. Rather than how bad it is for Americans in Iraq, it's about the new schools, water flowing, electricity in buildings, and many of the comforts which Americans take for granted. It's also about the Iraqi citizens giving thanks to America for giving them a chance for a new life. Thanks, Eric for delivering the good news.

I am a retired military who has paid his dues to his country as best he could, and I'm proud of my investment in the United States now and in the future. I had little doubt that we would defeat Iraq in Desert Storm and in this latest confrontation; but I was worried about the aftermath...an American soldier on guard duty or check point duty at two o'clock AM in Baghdad was fraught with danger - and the situation has resulted in problems even worse than I imagined. - And 95% of current news reports add to my apprehensions. Timberwolfpress has recently published a new book, "Iraq: Providing Hope" by Eric Holmes with Michael Parkhouse that gives another side to that of the normal Iraq headlines. They want us chair-bound Americans to "discover what America is really doing in Iraq" They record the personal stories of 50 people activley engaged in freeing and rebuilding Iraq.. They recall the heart aches, hard work and physical difficulties in getting from here to there, but I personally was most interested in their day-to-day work with the people in Iraq. There is constant recognition of danger in their daily missions, but their real contribution is their successes in getting fresh water to the populace; in their restoration of electricity; in setting up hundreds of schools that were defunct; in helping kids restore soccer to communities. They record successes and failures in trying to demonstrate democracy. They place pur prison scandal in perspective. They try to explain the attitudes of the people that causes problems for us and them. All in all I recommend this book for the information it brings to the readers. At times, it is not easy reading, but for those who are willing to wade through it and who try to assimilate the recordings of a host of dependable witnesses, Iraq can become an education in the problems Americans face as they try to help this country devastated by a tyrant for more than 30 years. CH. (COL) Wallace Hale (US Army retired)

Enjoying reading this book with lots of personal accounts. Much more informative than some political expert going on and on with his opinion. These are just regular folks tellng it like it is. You can tell these are authentic by the style of each writer. These stories are wrapped around a historical account to keep it all in perspective. I wish the book would have come out before the US election. It would have added to the debate.

I was part of the team training the New Iraqi Army during Operation Iraqi Freedom. I am excited that the author took time to gather accounts of OIF and give readers insight into the endeavor! I strongly recommend this book to any individual interested in current Middle Eastern affairs or the Global war on terror.

This is an amazing account of what is really going on in Iraq. It is taken directly from the journals and everyday experiences of the men and women who are living it. This book digs behind the headlines and gets down to the basic truths of war and the hope for peace and a better life. It is a great read for military and civilian alike. Whether you have been there or are just interested in learning more, this book is the one to read.