A soldier's story

by Jaʻfar ʻAskarī

"The Memoirs of Jafar Pasha Al-Askari shed a vivid light on the early days of Arab nationalism and on the creation of modern Iraq in the 1920s and 1930s, as experienced by one of the prime movers of Iraqi independence. They provide a timely reminder of the all but insuperable obstacles to be overcome in building an open Iraqi state, and add much fuel to the ongoing debate about the Arabs' quest to shape their own political destiny." "Born in Mosul in 1885, Jafar Al-Askari played a colourful part in the events that led to the collapse of the Ottoman Empire during the First World War.^ Physically large and courageous, with a sharp intellect, a talent for languages, and a jovial and commanding personality, he was sent for military training in Germany before the War, and was rapidly recognised by the Young Turks as a gifted military commander." "He was however also strongly drawn to the Arab nationalist ideas then current, and the consistent theme of his career was his intense Arab patriot