Customer Reviews

Instructions for American Servicemen in Iraq during World War II

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

John Nagl's foreword strikes a familiar chord, opening with a metaphorical twist on an ages old debate: "History doesn't repeat itself, but it often rhymes." As a fellow veteran of Iraq, I too saw the stark differences in those who possessed an inherent cultural understand and those who didn't. A basic understanding of a very complex culture can often earn significant dividends; this little book offers barely more than a broad brushstroke across the "birthplace of mankind," but that alone would have been sufficient enough to possibly alter the course of events.

The true value of this tome isn't just the simplistic discussions of culture, religion, or society. It isn't the well-written and conceived forward by a recognized expert on counterinsurgency. The greatest utility of this book comes with the quiet reminder that opens the book -- while history may not repeat itself, circumstances, situations, and even human nature tend to recur or remain fairly consistent. It rhymes.

This book is a reminder that while we may not have fielded a large force in Iraq in World War II, we still recognized the unique challenges presented by a culture so foreign from our own. Sixty years later, as we stood on the verge of war, we were looking beyond those simple lessons of the past to a future many believed was predetermined by our advanced weaponry and technological advantages. If those people had only listened closely for the echoes of our greatest generation, they might have avoided some of the mistakes that marked the first years of the war in Iraq.

"Instruction" is a quick, easy read and well worth the minimal expense. Readers will enjoy it as much for its "fireside chat" value as for its common sense approach to cultural understanding.

This little book is both a historical curiosity and of current relevance. I really wish I had seen it -- or something like it! -- before I went over to Iraq. It is exactly what the description says it is (thus the 5 stars). It's simply a reprint of an old Army pamphlet, though, so of course you can't expect too much.

A great reminder about cultural differences in Iraq. If you're stationed in Iraq this could really help you understand local population better. Great phrase section in the back.

Though over 60 years old, much of the general advice this small book puts forth still rings true. I have not had the opportunity to use many of the arabic phrases in the book, but the advice on etiquette is spot on. Also, the illustrations are a joy to behold... obviously produced by the same military that designed the chrome fueselaged B-29. You can almost imagine it being narrated by a character actor in a khaki uniform smoking a pipe and calling you 'son'.

This book was meant for WWII but it could have been written for the Troops in Iraq today, and it is a must read for all those who support our Troops in Iraq right now!!!

I heard about this little book in a radio review, what a revelation. Highly recommended for it's historical irony.

Why didn't the very first U.S. soldier to step foot in Iraq four years ago carry one of these in his or her gear and read it? Why isn't every soldier sent to the Middle East today issued one? Imagine the possibilities.

The book really is a lesson in respecting an entirely different -- and unique -- culture. For instance: Page 18: "No Preaching" seems essential; we all need reminding that "Manners are Important"(page 15); "the "List of Most Useful Words and Phrases" on p. 35 is critical in communication, a key to diplomacy before sabre rattling. Be sure to read Lt. Col. John Nagl's "Short Guide" as well.

I'm gifting everyone in my family, no matter which side of the fence they lean, one of these little gems poste haste.

"American success or failure in Iraq may well depend on whether the Iraqis like American soldiers or not." - from this book

If the road to Hell is paved with good intentions, the signposts along the route are well-secured in foundations of what might have been.

If only...if only our President and his Vice President and Secretary of Defense had bothered to read this little book...doubtless a copy was tucked in the Library of Congress, the National Archives, somewhere on a shelf in the US Army History Center.

I first read this on-line when it was brought to the public's attention a few weeks ago. The wisdom is pertinent today because what is contains is true. The basic situation in Iraq hasn't changed since the British tried to take control of the country after WWI with some 150,000 troops. Sound familiar? Sadly it is - if one bothers to read a little history. Read what T.E. Lawrence wrote about getting out of that terrible situation. It will have a very familiar ring to it.

If you know someone serving in Iraq I suggest you do them a real favor by sending them a copy of this book.

If you are a voter in the United States, I suggest you read this before the next election.

If you are a citizen of the World, I suggest you read this now.

"Dated" is the word that comes to mind when I look at this book. Oh, as a cultural study it's OK: the bare minimum that a Soldier should know when deployed in Iraq. But it has no depth... no discussion as to what the difference is between a Sunni and Shi'ite. LTC Nagl's unit undoubtably received far more in the way of "cultural awareness training" prior to deployment than what is in this book.

As far as this book being helpful in today's situation... in 1943 there was no death-worshipping Jihadist movement roaming the Middle East, killing fellow Muslims and foreign unbelievers (in that order). In 1943 the main danger was from pro-Nazi Arab nationalists.

The drawings are pretty good in this book (many prominent cartoonists, such as Chas. Addams worked for the War Department in WWII) and there is an illustration in the book showing a culturally-ignorant GI slapping the back of a Muslim with the word "Don't!" that I thought particularly interesting.

Very appropo today but for a different reason. If the guy is wearing a suicide vest you might make him go off prematurely.