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This volume deals with the religious practices of the family in the ancientBabylonian, Syrian, and Israelite civilizations. On the basis of a wealth ofdocuments from both the private and the literary realm, the book gives anexhaustive description and analysis of the rites of the ancestor cult and thedevotion to local gods. The author demonstrates the role of these two aspectsof family religion in the identity construction of its followers. The sectiondealing with Israel pays particular attention to the relationship betweenfamily religion and state religion. The emergence of the state religion underKing Saul marked the beginning of a competition between civil and privatereligion. Though the two had great influence upon each other, the tensionbetween them was never resolved. A study of their interaction proves to be akey for the understanding of the development of Israelite religion during themonarchic period.The book is of particular importance to biblical scholars, Assyriologists,and all those interested in the history of ancient Near Eastern religion. ... Read more

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Contains a new trilingual (Sumerian, Akkadian, Hurrian) tablet from Ugarit, contributions to the Hurrian lexicon and personal names, observations on the Mittani letter, and extensive studies in Hurrian grammar and Nuzi society. This volume also contains 109 new Harvard Semitic Museum texts and fragments in copies, as well as editions to previously published copies of JEN texts and many new joins. ... Read more

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Asa Lundgren explores Turkish policy towards northern Iraq from the beginning of the 1990s to the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 and draws important conclusions about the relation between nation-building and foreign policy. The author argues that there is a crucial interplay between the protection of state borders, foreign policy practice and the construction of national identity. Turkey's policy towards northern Iraq during the last decade can be described as a balancing act where the integrity of the Turkish-Iraqi border was firmly defended by Ankara, while at the same time it was consistently violated through Turkish military incursions against a perceived Kurdish threat and by the permanent military presence of the Turkish army on Iraqi territory. The paradoxes of Turkey's policy can only be understood in the light of an ongoing struggle over the definition of Turkish national identity. The author's highly original proposition is that Ankara's policy opposition to all attempts to break up Iraq along ethnic lines was a mirror image of a concern with the unity of the Turkish nation state.
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Enemies of Civilization is a work of comparative history and cultural consciousness that discusses how "others" were perceived in three ancient civilizations: Mesopotamia, Egypt, and China. Each civilization was the dominant culture in its part of the world, and each developed a mind-set that regarded itself as culturally superior to its neighbors. Mu-chou Poo compares these societies' attitudes toward other cultures and finds differences and similarities that reveal the self-perceptions of each society.

Notably, this work shows that in contrast to modern racism based on biophysical features, such prejudice did not exist in these ancient societies. It was culture rather than biophysical nature that was the most important criterion for distinguishing us from them. By examining how societies conceive their prejudices, this book breaks new ground in the study of ancient history and opens new ways to look at human society, both ancient and modern. ... Read more

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Caught up in a terrifying war, facing choices of life and death, two Iraqi sisters take us into the hidden world of women’s lives under U.S. occupation. Through their powerful story of love and betrayal, interwoven with the stories of a Palestinian American women’s rights activist and a U.S. soldier, journalist Christina Asquith explores one of the great untold sagas of the Iraq war: the attempt to bring women’s rights to Iraq, and the consequences for all those involved.

On the heels of the invasion, twenty-two-year-old Zia accepts a job inside the U.S. headquarters in Baghdad, trusting that democracy will shield her burgeoning romance with an American contractor from the disapproval of her fellow Iraqis. But as resistance to the U.S. occupation intensifies, Zia and her sister, Nunu, a university student, are targeted by Islamic insurgents and find themselves trapped between their hopes for a new country and the violent reality of a misguided war.

Asquith sets their struggle against the broader U.S. efforts to bring women’s rights to Iraq, weaving the sisters’ story with those of Manal, a Palestinian American women’s rights activist, and Heather, a U.S. army reservist, who work together to found Iraq’s first women’s center. After one of their female colleagues is gunned down on a highway, Manal and Heather must decide whether they can keep fighting for Iraqi women if it means risking their own lives.

In Sisters in War, Christina Asquith introduces the reader to four women who dare to stand up for their rights in the most desperate circumstances. With compassion and grace, she vividly reveals the plight of women living and serving in Iraq and offers us a vision of how women’s rights and Islam might be reconciled. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Engaging Story of Women in Iraq
Asquith follows the stories of 4 different women from different backgrounds in Baghdad: Shia sisters Zia and Nunu; Heather, the white US Army reservist; and Manal, a devoutly Muslim feminist Arab-American aid worker. We begin following the sisters' story before the invasion happens, and their hope for their future after Saddam is absolutely heart breaking.

I really don't want to say too much about what these women experience. Obviously it is no secret what has been happening with the Iraq War ("Sisters in War" spans from 2003 to 2006), but it is something completely different to experience it through the eyes of these four women.

I was so completely invested in these women's lives, I didn't want to stop reading until I found out what happened to them! Asquith completely made all of them real to me. Of course they are real, but sometimes nonfiction writers don't bring their subjects to life in the same way that authors of fiction do - not the case with "Sisters in War." I also appreciated that Asquith did not include herself in the story she was telling. That seems to be quite the fad in narrative nonfiction right now and it often works quite well, but I think this story packed a much greater emotional punch for not including her, it read somewhat like a documentary, I felt as if I was simply a fly on the wall with all of these women.

Not always emotionally easy read, but endlessly compelling storytelling, great writing, and a fascinating subject make me highly recommend this book.

new perspective
This was a great book, which gives a new perspective on the Iraqi war.I really enjoyed the stories of the individual women and the way Asquith used the story to educate the reader on the greater issues in Iraq, especially the treatment of women and the incompetence of the US rebuilding operation.

Excellent
I learned about this book after hearing a recent interview with the author on NPR. I've read several books on the Iraqi conflict, most of them falling under the "what went wrong" category, and I'd have to say that this is probably the most heartfelt and emotionally wrenching one I've read. The author basically relates the experiences of four women who lived in Iraq during the post-invasion period and throughout the insurgency.

Two of these women, Zia and Nunu, are Iraqi sisters of Shiite background. The other two women are Americans who went to Iraq to aid in the reconstruction process. Heather joins the army and goes to Iraq out of a conviction that, whatever the merits of the invasion, the U.S. can and should play a positive role in spreading democracy. Manal is an American Muslim who staunchly opposed the U.S. invasion but nevertheless goes to Iraq to run a women's rights center. Manal and Heather eventually come to collaborate together on the construction and operation of a women's center, and the book recounts their struggles in overcoming bureaucratic inertia, interference by the Bremer's Coalition Provisional Authority, cultural resistance, and the constant threat to their security.

Zia, the older of the two Iraqi sisters, is the undisputed "star" of this story. She is fluent in English, independent-minded, and confident, characteristics which help her land a job with the CPA in the Green Zone. The book traces her initial naïve optimism in the capacity of the U.S. administration to fundamentally reshape Iraqi society and build democracy, to her eventual disillusionment with many of the policies pursued by the CPA. Her job working with the Americans also makes her a special target of the insurgents, who made a special point of targeting Iraqis who collaborated with the Americans.

Nunu, the younger sister, lacks her sister's confidence and self-assertiveness, and for much of the first part of the book she remains in the background. In many ways, however, her story is much easier for many of us to relate to. As the insurgency spirals out of control and her neighbors and friends are threatened and murdered, she withdraws into a shell. The author deserves credit for portraying these women so candidly that the reader is drawn into their universe. The narrative almost feels like a novel, as the reader is compelled to keep turning the pages to find out how these women's stories were turned out.

These women's stories occur, of course, in a context of carnage and an overall diminution of women's freedom. Many women's rights activists and female politicians, including people that these women know personally, were murdered during this period. If I had to think of one shortcoming, the author might have followed a second family, perhaps from a Sunni background, or from a less privileged economic background, to provide a fuller account of women's experiences during this time. Nevertheless, I really can't recommend this book enough for those interested in how the insurgency was experienced by everyday Iraqis and U.S. aid workers, or for those interested in a more gender-focused account of the Iraqi conflict.

Terrific Book
I've read a fair (not a huge) amount on Middle Eastern society, sometimes in book form, sometimes in other media.Like most Americans, I've followed our Iraqi endeavor through news reports and blogs, but this was the first account I'd read in book form.(I usually prefer to read my history a little bit further after the fact.Why?It takes time to effectively sort out historical events; documents need to be un-earthed, perspective gets better with time as more sources come forward, and, frankly, it helps to know how it's going to end.We're obviously not there yet with Iraq.)

All that said, I learned a great deal from Sisters in War - about American operations, about Islamic society, about Iraqi history and current events, about nation building, and of course, about women's experiences. Just as importantly, though, I enjoyed it!Dark as the realities of Iraq were from 2003 to 2007, the characters' strength, passion, courage, and devotion to their various causes were inspiring. To bring all this together into a compelling narrative is quite an achievement.For the most part, this book flows like a novel.

The American experience in Iraq is, of course, a sensitive, politically-charged topic.It should be noted that, while the book's four main characters represent a spectrum of political points of view, the book itself manages not to be too political.

So, I'm thankful to Ms. Asquith for writing it and for bringing such strong and beautiful characters as Zia, Nunu, Heather, and Manal to our bookshelves.It gives one comfort and faith in humanity to know that these women are very much real and out there making the world a better place.

Great book
I won this book on Goodreads.
My favorite story in this book was Zia's story. It made me feel so many emotions while reading it. Happiness, sadness, fright and even anger. All the womens stories did. I loved hearing about what it was like being from Iraq or being inside the warzone by women. I recommend this book to absolutely everyone. You will not regret it. The story is well written also, not boring in any way. ... Read more

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This is an interdisciplinary collection of essays which studies the complex relationship between the historical Gulf war of 1990-1991, and those myths, narratives and images commonly drawn on to explain it. A linking theme through the volume is the shadow of Vietnam, how the Gulf war was perhaps the culminating event in what has come to be known as "the Vietnam syndrome". As well as focusing upon the central role of mass media the contributors address issues and events that are not usually treated in the same political and historical context, for example, popular music, comic books, was memorials, anti-war expression, literature, and the effects of war upon language. The essays should be of interest to students of history, politics, war studies, American studies, cultural studies, oriental and Middle East studies, the social sciences, media studies, literature and art history. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

I refused to read this dung based on the title alone.
The concept that the Gulf War never occured is preposterous.I was an Attlerry Scout with F/2/2 USMC and can personally vouch for the following facts: A) the conflict happened and was contested. B)There were instagatorsimported from less Arabic countries to punish the local citizens.Myservice in SouthWestAsia was one of the most fulfilling experiences in mylife. ... Read more

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These 11 articles in French examine the "Renaissance" of Greek culture in Islam in the 10th century, as well as the life and work of Elie, bishop of Nisibe (975-1046), one of the great figures of the 10th and 11th centuries. ... Read more

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In The Real Axis of Evil, author Stephen Kaposi has utilised extensive research to provide a tough and uncompromising indictment of the US invasion of Iraq, Western imperialism, globalisation, the Israeli treatment of the Palestinians and the Police State being created in the name of "security". He reveals clearly how the mainstream media has provided a pro-establishment coverage to convince people of the need for war and increased security measures that are intended to control their populations. He demolishes the facades of George W. Bush and Tony Blair to reveal dangerous war makers intent on controlling the world and destroying opposition to their new Empires. He shows why Iraq has descended into chaos by revealing the extraordinary level of opposition to America, not just in Iraq, but around the world. The Real Axis of Evil is the necessary perspective to the sanitised, pro-American image the mainstream media has built to deceive people of the real world situation. The Real Axis of Evil provides the truths that the government and their media allies don't want you to know, and do their best to cover up. ... Read more

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An engaging collection that uncovers injustices in history and overturns misconceptions about the role of women in war

When you think of war, you think of men, right? Not so fast. In Hell Hath No Fury, Rosalind Miles and Robin Cross prove that although many of their stories have been erased or forgotten, women have played an integral role in wars throughout history.

In witty and compelling biographical essays categorized and alphabetized for easy reference, Miles and Cross introduce us to war leaders (Cleopatra, Elizabeth I, Margaret Thatcher); combatants (Molly Pitcher, Lily Litvak, Tammy Duckworth); spies (Belle Boyd, Virginia Hall, Noor Inayat Khan); reporters and propagandists (Martha Gellhorn, Tokyo Rose, Anna Politkov- skaya); and more. These are women who have taken action and who challenge our perceived notions of womanhood. Some will be familiar to readers, but most will not, though their deeds during wartime were every bit as important as their male contemporaries’ more heralded contributions. ... Read more

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A culturally balanced anthology of heroines and organizations
Gen Douglas MacArthur quoted a popular British song of World War I with "Old Soldiers Never Die; they only fade away" during his change of command speech in 1951.That quote very aptly describes any noble warrior.Rosalind Miles and Robin Cross do female warriors a great service by keeping their stories alive for a new generation in "Hell Hath no Fury: True Stories of Women at War from Antiquity to Iraq."

This book is an encyclopedic reference of famous stateswomen, and female leaders who stand out in the annals of history.The book is composed of short essays, each of which provides a footnoted reference to point readers to additional information for each major topic.

The book begins by highlighting female heads of state and generals.These chapters offer readers a very balanced look across diverse cultures, from Boudicca, who fought against the Romans;to Nusayba bint Ka'b, who fought at the side of the prophet Muhammad.It also includes glimpses of modern women such as Margaret Thatcher and Condoleezza Rice. The leaders in this chapter come from Africa, Russia, China, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas, and they range in time from B.C. through today.

The chapter "Creature Comforts" examines the culture of the "Camp Followers", who have existed since antiquity, serving as cooks and launders among other things.These willing women are starkly contrasted to the plight of "Comfort Women", who were forced into unspeakable acts. The chapter is balanced with positive organizations such as the United Services Organization and the Red Cross.

The authors continue balancing stories from across multiple cultures in subsequent chapters of famous care providers (Dorothea Dix, Clara Barton, Florence Nightingale), traitors (Mata Hari), war correspondents (Christiane Amanpour), and even women who are sources of national shame (Lynndie England of Abu Ghraib fame).

The chapter "At the Sharp End" is the one chapter skewed towards a single nation -- the United States.This chapter offers insight into the modern national policies on women in combat for many countries.These national differences are interesting, but it's the stories of the individuals that are truly captivating.Two Russians and one German woman grace these pages, but the chapter is very American heavy.

Interestingly, the detailed description of Pfc Jessica Lynch's "rescue" merited almost as much space as Joan of Arc.The space would have been better spent enhancing the fleeting reference to Maj Rhonda Cornum, a flight surgeon who was captured during the 1990 Gulf War.Her testimony before Congress led to the easing of restrictions on where US military women could serve.Colonel Cornum went on to command two major Army medical centers and still serves with pride today.

Compared to "Women at War" by James Wise, this book spans a larger timeline, more cultures, and offers a glimpse at organizations where women have served in combat. However, the broader focus of the book dilutes the richly detailed personal accounts Wise brought to life.Both books have a lot to offer the reader interested in women's sacrifices in war.

Overall, the book is a delightful read, it provides you with the references to find out more on every major topic in the book.The warriors in this book will be proud in the manner their stories are told to another generation. ... Read more

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Andrew Hoskins provides a fascinating critical account of the relationship between the Media and conflict, from perceptions of the televisual 'losing' of the Vietnam War, to satellite-driven footage from the Gulf in 1991, and finally to the continuous presence of journalists during the Iraq War. ... Read more

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Despite being securely entrenched in power and having suppressed all political opposition, the Ba'thist regime that ruled Iraq from 1968 to 2003 still felt the need to engage in a massive rewriting of the nation's history and cultural heritage--in both its high and popular forms. As this book makes clear, the regime's effort to restructure understandings of the past was an attempt to expunge a powerful tendency in the Iraqi nationalist movement that advocated cultural pluralism, political participation, and social justice. Based on interviews with Iraqi intellectuals under the regime of Saddam Husayn, and with Iraqi expatriates and on publications from Iraq both before and during Ba'thist rule, Memories of State is an eye-opening look at one of the most important and misunderstood countries in the Middle East. This timely study also asks what the possibilities are for promoting civil society and a transition to democratic rule in post-Ba'thist Iraq. ... Read more

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Memories of State
In a publishing atmosphere saturated by instant Iraq experts, Rutgers University political scientist Davis presents a rare work of careful scholarship. Memories of State examines the intellectual tyranny of the Baath in Iraq, tracing its efforts to undue the cultural pluralism which once characterized Iraqi society.
Davis begins by describing how Ottoman reform, Iranian constitutionalism, and nascent Arab nationalism combined to shape an Iraqi intelligentsia. With time--and especially after independence--the Arab nationalist trend gained strength. Intellectual Iraq was not homogenous, though. While Shi'ite intellectual life was vibrant, it oriented itself more around the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala and toward Iran than to the nascent state.
While it would be an exaggeration to call Iraqi political culture tolerant, its early years were marked by cultural pluralism. Not only Muslims but also Jews and Christians participated in state and society. This political culture began to fracture in the 1930s. By allying themselves with the military, which they saw as a force to impose reform, Iraqi progressives opened a Pandora's box of coups and instability. Pan-Arabists gained strength in the years prior to World War II, and cultural pluralism deteriorated. Nazi propaganda permeated society. The Jewish community never recovered after the 1940 farhud (pogrom) in Baghdad.
While minority communities became detached from the Iraqi mainstream, there was still dynamic political debate. Davis traces the development of the war of ideas between Arab nationalists and communists. Using a wide variety of Arabic sources drawn from field research in Iraqi archives and libraries, Davis traces the newspapers and books that influenced society and politics. He reaches into the roots of intellectual life at the time, even detailing specific coffeehouses where writers would discuss and debate their ideas.
While the 1958 revolution sparked political and civic activity, the 1968 Baathist coup curtailed it. The intellectual chill was not instantaneous, though. Davis examines how the Baathist regime moved to co-opt Iraq's intelligentsia and brainwash its youth. He surveys books, newspapers, literary journals, and even graphic art to show how the Iraqi regime sought to promote Sunni Arab nationalism. A wide array of photographs of everything from models at Iraqi fashion shows to Saddam's monumental architecture help illustrate Davis' arguments.
The chapter on "Memories of State and the Arts of Resistance," is particularly strong. In it, Davis details the subtle academic censorship exerted by the Ministry of Culture. Baathist bureaucrats okayed the publication of lackluster theses on esoteric topics but refused to print award-winning anthropological studies of Iraqi tribes, for these latter acknowledged a diversity that the Baath party did not wish to recognize. Iraq's once rich poetic tradition narrowed into a celebration of Arab nationalism. The survey of Iraqi newspaper content in the 1990s shows how stilted Iraq's once rich discourse had become.
While Memories of State will be of lasting value to academics and historians wishing to understand the evolution and deterioration of Iraq's intelligentsia, its dense academic prose undercuts its utility. Readers are saddled with long asides about contrasting theories of "historical memory," "Gramscian notions of hegemony," and other examples of unnecessary obfuscation.

Michael Rubin
Middle East Quarterly
Summer 2007 ... Read more