Under the Gun in Iraq: My Year Training the Iraqi Police

I used this book as a first hand account in a paper for my intermediate writing class. I though it was a great first hand account to offset the scholarly research papers I have been reading about the police training in Iraq - the book gave feeling and realism to a situation that is often misunderstood. I appreciate the work of our soldiers more now that I have read for myself a little of the situation across the world in Iraq.

I found nothing in the book that was slightest bit unbelievable. It takes a certain amount of courage to tell the truth regarding Iraq when there are so many powerful (and well-armed) people wedded to comfortable (and profitable) lies and delusions. Other reviewers claim that Robert Cole is lying or distorting. Well, fine, - but why? Where's his profit? Nothing he has to say is the slightest bit sensational or an expose likely to increase sales of his book.

Author Robert Cole is a retired police officer and international police trainer, who adds his technical insights to this story of training Iraquis in handling security challenges. His survey of the realities of life in Iraq and the challenges facing local police offers an unusual stark, realistic portrait of daily life in the country, plenty of insights into why traditional Western strategies won't work, and makes for excellent, involving reading suitable not just for military libraries but for any strong in Middle East culture.

Having spoke with an individual who went to Iraq in the same capacity as Robert Cole, the book paints an accurate window into the day-to-day survival and challenges in Iraq, not only of Americans and our allies but also of the Iraqi people. Even with the best intentions and efforts of the highy skilled trainers such as Robert Cole, the reader is left with the impression that because of Iraq's culture and history, the overall war-effort looks bleak and unsurmountable. Many of the events mentioned in the book were covered in newspapers as the events occurred, long before the book was published. This is a must-read for anyone seeking the truth about the situation in Iraq.

Finally, an objective account from a subjective angle. No, that is not as contradictory as it may seem -- Robert Cole has captured the reality of life and limb in Iraq, and delivered it with bold sensitivity at a time when faux-experts (politicians) seek to paint a picture far from the reality that Mr. Cole has lived and survived. This is not a matter of massaging egos and presenting rosy pictures to dupe the public.... and it is far from a save-face approach.... more like an in-your-face introduction to the hardships that plague both Iraqi and American in Iraq. This is a must-read for anyone who wants to be there, getting a sense of it all through Mr. Cole's eyes.