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Occupational Hazards

My Time Governing in Iraq

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Occupational Hazards

By: Rory Stewart
Narrated by: Rory Stewart
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About this listen

 At the age of 30, Rory Stewart was appointed coalition deputy governor of two provinces in the Marsh region of southern Iraq. He kept a journal of his experiences struggling to control assassinations and tribal conflict, rebuild the region's infrastructure, and establish a new Iraqi government before the hand over of power in June 2004. His time in the Marsh region culminated in a terrifying siege during which he and his team were under sustained attack by insurgents. Haunted by his previous work and travels in Asia, Rory brings a unique sensitivity and perspective to the daily interactions between Iraqis and the coalition and to the perils - and even comedy - of foreign occupation.©2007 Rory Stewart Entertainment & Celebrities Inspiring Thought-Provoking Witty Funny

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Critic reviews

"A travel book like no other." ( Independent on Sunday)
All stars
Most relevant
The loss of people like Rory Stewart to from government says all you need to know about the idiots running current foreign policy. Here he is an intelligent, engaging, funny dedicated man dropped in at the deep end in post-war Iraq. Excellent read and for being read at. I’m enjoying the physical book with Rory reading it to me at the same time. He is a respectful leader who appreciates the culture of those he works with and his place. As mentioned elsewhere as something of an idealist, Stewart must find so much of politics a sad disappointment.

Fascinating, well read and intelligent. He should be the PM

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Well written (and well read) account of the chaos in iraq post occupation and a cautionary tale of the west’s overconfidence of its ability to establish western-style states in cultures it does not understand, and cannot change by force alone

Fantastic insight and humane perspective on iraq

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Having listened to Politics on the Edge, I decided to delve into the past of Rory Stewart. I’m so glad I did. Fascinating, funny, frustrating and shocking, his account of Iraq from inside the CPA is truly illuminating. I feel I have learned so much from this - I will be listening to his prior work next.

Gripping, Hilarious and Frustrating - A triumph

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As on his other audiobooks Rory Stewarts narration is top class. The story is gripping and completely fascinating. It is a compelling story and as his other audiobooks, a damned good listen.

a great listen

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Gritty, realistic and savvy writing in the self-possessed, British manner from this most unusual type of political animal, one who appears to be on reasonable terms with truth.

I’ve seen the author’s documentary on Afghanistan and the man comes across as self-aware, insightful & thoughtful.

I am glad that there are still a few labourers in the political arena around who still have backbone, character and smarts to describe the world as it is, without descending into cynicism.

It’s too bad the few in existence rarely seem to be in the seat of real power when you’re most need of them.

Well read by the author with an interesting interview at the end.

Smart, canny & insightful.

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