Customer Reviews

Iraq in Pictures

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When I read this book, it stirred a range of thoughts and emotions in me. A retired service member myself, many of my colleagues and friends deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan (among other areas where we have pursued military campaigns, conflicts and wars). I have heard many of their personal accounts of events, verses what the various news media chose to show and tell us. Looking at the photos and reading the captions that Phil has shared with us puts these accounts into even greater context and perspective. SEEING is knowing, believing, understanding. This book will give pause to anyone who reads it and will open their mind and heart to consider several themes: a day in the life of a deployed service member; that pursuit of the war in Iraq truly was a coalition effort; that the local men, women and children of Iraq welcomed and cooperated with the troops; and evidence of the ancient and religious history of such places as the city of Ur and the descendants of people such as the prophet Abraham who still live there. The simple format makes this book easy to read, and doable for even those who have little time to read. I highly recommend it.

Phil Kiver's "Iraq In Pictures" tells a story that only photo's can capture and share. It shows the basics of camp life on a FOB, the team work of the troops to accomplish their missions. It shares some of the many historical and educational sites of Iraq that alot of non-military Americans would never see. It allows us to peek into the lives of the local Iraqi culture, and to see that our troops are really appreciated for the service they are giving to make Iraq a better place for the future. It also shows some of the devastation of what war is really about, and the loss of a fellow soldiers.

I am glad that Phil has shared his photos of Iraq, so that we have a documented view point to share with our children. Preserving history is an important task, and someday this war will be history that future generations will study and read about.

I look forward to Phil's next adventure.

Iraq In Pictures is a phenomenal depiction of what is really going on overseas. Phil Kiver showcases how our troops are treating the country's inhabitants and how they are being treated. One would expect to open a book with "Iraq" in the title and be subjected to gruesome photographs of explosions and destruction, but when opening up this work, you see pictures of children playing, people poolside, and Iraqi women making groundbreaking gestures-demonstrating how what we are doing there is truly modernizing their culture in a positive sense.

While this book is primarily photography, the text that is there really helps you to understand the situation. Kiver gives the reader a solid foundation to build on, as far as interpretation of the war and troops go. This book was an excellent buy and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to see the "inside" of Iraq and the war in general.

This book correctly shows without bias all that has happned in Iraq. The photos have children playing soccer, as well as bodies without heads. The interaction of American soldiers on the streets with average Iraqis is uplifting and encouraging. Kiver also shows that soldiers from other countries have and are playing a large role respective to their size in Iraq.

The forward is written by a retired Army General who does a good job of framing the content of the book for the reader.

Be warned some of the photos will warm your heart while other's with make you gasp in horror.

This book is the only one I have seen in the Iraq genre that is non partisan. It is a history book. The photos are what they are, no back drop of editorials to cloud the readers judgement.

This is history in pictures and nicely done. Perfect for families of soldiers or returning soldiers. The writer, Phil Kiver is a former Army soldier and since his service has been a lot like Forest Gump---if there is anything going on in politics or about the war, he has been there--front and center. He was at the Bush ranch confronting Cindy Sheehan, he shows up at political rallys and dinners, on national television, radio shows and in print because of his uncanny ability to be in the middle of the action. He is outspoken, has experienced the war first hand and isn't afraid to mix his impeccable knowledge of history with his analysis of our current situation. You will see him at ball games, floating down the river in an inner tube, talking to veteran's groups, taking his daughter Hero to the park, books in hand ready for a signing. He throws himself into the limelight because of his convictions and overwhelming desire to make a difference. He is an author (182 Days in Iraq and Iraq in Pictures) and has become a well known, outspoken Republican personality.

Phil Kiver recently spoke at the Ronald Reagan Library, at several Tea Party Rallies, and was the featured 9-11 speaker at Library of Congress in recent years. He just came back from his last trip to Iraq and has been traveling the country giving speeches and raising caine. Look for him, he is everywhere. he will get you thinking, make you mad and make you laugh all during the same 10 minute conversation.