RaveLibrary JournalThis is a magnificent book that skillfully conveys the hope, disappointment, physical hardship, and human connections of Omar’s endeavor. Even more impressively, Aikins integrates knowledge of modern Afghan history, the failures of American policy, and the complexities of Afghan culture, religion, and family relations ... Aikins writes an absorbing record of an amazing adventure, framed by sympathy with Afghan lives shattered by the arrogance and ignorance of the United States and the other nations that invaded Afghanistan ... This is a beautifully written individual story made more meaningful by thoughtful and well-informed insights into a country ravaged by war and undermined by foreign powers. Highly recommended.
Sam Farris and Benjamin Bucholz
RaveLibrary JournalFarran, along with co-author Buchholz, writes clearly and vividly, contrasting helplessness in the hands of vicious and determined captors with his successful life from a stable immigrant community. Through his personal experience, he provides insights into U.S. military and political goals and frustrations in the Middle East. Farran juxtaposes his professional achievements (in the military, government service, and business) with the despair of his imprisonment, and conveys his pride in his identity as a loyal American who maintained his connection to Lebanese culture ... Highly recommended. A fast-paced and engaging life story that provides insights on life in rural Lebanon, Farrar’s Lebanese American community, and his challenging career in government and business. It also conveys his understanding of the cultural and political tensions in Yemen and other parts of the Middle East.
Leigh Patel
PanLibrary Journal... though this book cites a wide range of sources to introduce readers to multiple perspectives, Patel uses rhetoric, rather than analysis, to convince and inspire, and skips from subject to subject without making a coherent argument ... While Patel gives readers an understanding of the activist rhetoric in higher education, she does not provide any examples of universities effectively addressing racism or offer concrete steps that universities should take to improve the situation.
PositiveLibrary JournalThis clearly written, detailed study of post-World War I diplomacy sheds insight into the Syrian struggle for self-rule, and shows how the legacy of imperialism and colonialism continues to endure throughout the years ... Highly recommended for history buffs and readers concerned about the failure of democracy in the Middle East.
Rashid Khalidi
RaveLibrary Journal[Khalidi] skillfully balances his professional analysis of historical and diplomatic documents with insights of his own and his relatives who had leadership roles throughout the 20th century ... Highly recommended as a valuable and accurate presentation of a century of struggle between Jews and Palestinians seeking to build a nation on the same territory, vastly unequal in resources and efficacy. Khalidi weaves his personal and family perspective into his academic study.
