PDF Reforging a Forgotten History: Iraq and the Assyrians in the Twentieth Century by Sargon Donabed in History

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five+ Stars! Excellent; Comprehensive Book about the Assyrian Minority in the 20th CenturyBy British5This book is an excellent and comprehensive volume on the history of the Assyrians in the 20th century; multidisciplinary accomplishment which encompasses elements of philosophy and psychology as well as basic information with regard to several genocides of this little-known minority. It emphasizes the lack of attention given to the people of this minority; the indigenous people of Iraq; as well as their many struggles. The information with regard to villages; families; and cultural institutions which are damaged or completely eliminated by deliberate attempts at genocide is extremely detailed; including numbers of victims as well as an appendix listing many villages; and helps delineate the reasons for the worldwide diaspora of the members of this group.This book is also important in that it illustrates the wide-ranging ways in which any fascist/nationalist government attempts to eliminate an ethnic group; particularly ones which are minorities; including physical (through genocide) and cultural means as well as by forcing assimilation into the dominant group through threats; both implicit and explicit. It underlines that some governments commit violence in a variety of ways; including approaches which may not typically be considered “violence” in the narrow sense of the word; for example; by utilizing propaganda (which creates “truth” out of lies--AKA; “alternative facts”) and by damaging meaning. By emphasizing the process of “otherisation” which creates the backdrop for imagining the “inferior” minority; Donabed points out that the plight of the Assyrians in the 20th century is similar in that regard to the offenses committed against other minorities; and that the repeated genocide episodes deserve; at the very least; attention to the issue which has been; by and large; sorely lacking.Far from being nationalistic---at least in the context of promoting a “superior;” homogenous; and exclusive group—this book proactively encourages inclusivity. The conclusion urges a new way of looking at the world and peoples such that inclusivity is promoted; in some areas of the book; even animals and the environment are considered in the context of belonging. As such; he proposes a new way of looking at the world and all peoples. True to the spirit of Roger Williams; the name of the university at which he teaches; Dr. Donabed promotes individual thought and inclusivity and applies it; in great and effective measure; specifically to the minority population of Assyrians and generally to all.Very highly recommended!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. The best book dealing with the Assyrian presence in IraqBy Agop AgopyanThis is a very good study of the Assyrian presence in Iraq; which is both well done and well researched. It came out at the right time as Assyrians; other Christians and religious minorities are suffering greatly in Iraq. It is important that the history and culture of the Assyrian people who have become a small minority in their native land is availabe to those who are interested in these noble and courageous people0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A great read; very informative on the often ignored plight ...By CustomerA great read; very informative on the often ignored plight of Assyrians in Iraq. The book has many eyewitness accounts on events like the Simele massacre in 1933 and the Anfal campaign that took place in the late 1980s; and other events in between.