Iraq: People of Promise, Land of Despair

This is the second book I have read this month that has taught profound principles through a `story'. The first book was sent to me by Thomas Nelson Publishers for review of a book published this month - and I will post that review in 10 days time. Both books read like a short novel. In this book Tom Callum has only been at Zargrum for a month. He is a senior manager. All of a sudden he is called into his bosses office, Bud Jefferson, for a meeting - a meeting which lasts a day and a half, and is undertaken by all new mangers. It is a meeting which transforms Tom Callum - a meeting where he is told that he is in the box, as is everyone - and being in the box was a problem - and he needed to learn to be out of the box. What is the box? How do we get in it and how do we get out of it? That is what this whole book, 171 pages, unpacks. Briefly and extremely simply, the box is us when we look at others as objects - people who can be used, or abused, shouted at or blamed for failures. When we are in the box we focus on ourselves - and we blame others; we betray and deceive ourselves. Being out of the box is when we look at others as people - when we try and help them - support them, view them as collegues in a company all working towards the same goal. Interestingly, the book argues that we cannot get out of the box by `doing anything' - but only when we stop trying and start acting differently towards others. We are too often in the box and we need to be aware that we are. This sounds very simplistic but believe me - its not. The book is EXTREMELY profound - and it is not a Christian book - it is a business leadership book. And yet it teaches Christian principles - it teaches about sin - being in the box - (although the book would never use that term - in fact it uses the term self betrayal and self deception) and I speaks of a Christ centered, self sacrificial love which cannot be manufactured (again, the book never uses this term). Bud Jefferson takes Tom Callum on a journey of self discovery - it is a challenging journey for the reader - and for the Christian reader / leader, it will challenge how we do leadership training. This book lays out the issues of working in an organization better than almost all (notice the word almost, not all, but close) the Christian leadership books I have read.

Mr. White's book is both insightful, charming, and refreshingly candid. He has a front row seat as the conflict unfolds and I am so glad to finally read a report by someone who knows what he's talking about! Because he is personally involved in the conflict, Mr. White gives not only an accurate description of the tragedy in Iraq, but also a compassionate and empathetic response. He offers wonderful firsthand descriptions as well as thoughtful consideration regarding the justification for war. Bravo!

Anglican priest Canon Andrew White belongs at the top of any person's list of heroes, and this book on Iraq should be a primary source for anyone's perspective on Iraq. Canon White has been involved in reconciliation and peacemaking in Iraq since before the war when he pursued alleviation for Iraq's suffering multitudes and religious dialogue with its various religous leaders. Since the war, he has been tirelessly active in the struggle to bring about peace in Iraq. His account illustrates the activity of peacemaking, one that experiences joy and suffering, glory and grief. He paints an extraordinary picture of Iraq that I don't think has been conveyed through any other means. He is unique in his relationships with all parties involved in Iraq, so his perspective is comprehensive. Also unlike any other account of Iraq I have seen or read, his account incorporates the spiritual insights regarding the region and its history. Canon White tells the story of horrible suffering during Saddam's reign of terror and during the chaotic violence in recent years. He gives the big picture of horror and some individual stories. He also tells of the big hope he has for the country and how he has witnessed God's glorious miracles in the country and in individual stories amidst the suffering. His writing is clearly an attempt to be honest while conveying his hope and love for Iraq. One thing is for sure from reading this book. You will see Iraq and its people differently, and it is likely you will develop an earnest prayer for their peace. Shakespeare On Spirituality: Life-Changing Wisdom from Shakespeare's Plays

He is truely an amazing person and a wonderful human being. I wish that I could have half the dedication of Canon White.

Andrew White is a dedicated, passionate man, with a true heart of God for the people of Iraq, and this book is written only as an "insider" who has lived there can. I had the priveledge to cross paths with him, ever so briefly in Baghdad and I can tell you he has a burden and love for the good people of Iraq as no one else has or can.