Saving Babylon: The Heart of an Army Interrogator in Iraq

Paul Holton
Perihelion Press (2005)
ISBN 1933434007
Reviewed by William Phenn for Reader Views (11/06)

Paul Holton, more commonly known as Chief Wiggles, has set up many humanitarian assistance and help organizations.  He offers an insider view and humanistic portrayal of life in Iraq. He is adamant in his quest to inform the general public of the good in the people of Iraq. While serving the US Army as an Interrogator, he discovers the similarities among men and their families, rather than the brutal terrorists our media has reported them to be. Paul expands his mission to bring joy and goodwill to this impoverished country through Operation Give. Through his choice of giving he says he has received so much more in return. Through the sight of a small girl's tears, an idea to bring smiles to a people who have known few was born.

As an officer and Interrogator during the Iraqi War, this guardsman also wishes to educate the public of the American's humane treatment of their prisoners of war. He further expresses the goodness within the Iraqi military leaders he had the opportunity to extract information from. They parted as friends from the unlikely place of a prisoner of war camp with plans to reunite and maintain contact. After their release from camp, their word was honored with dinner at their homes with their families.

Mr. Holton has, through his kindness, befriended many individuals who will lead Iraq to a new order of government. The youth of Iraq have seen a different human soul than their previous leader has led them to believe. "Saving Babylon" describes how one soldier’s goodwill may give many, hope for a brighter future. The poverty and brainwashing they have received during their lifetime is slowly replaced with hope by a stranger. Beginning with a small gift of a toy to a child, and ending with an international gift program, the author expresses how one man can make a monumental difference in world peace and understanding. He has been overjoyed to discover his program has expanded and continues its quest.

This book is easily read, with the general public as its target audience. Although this book was written during war time, the military terminology and acronyms are described so that civilians will easily understand the terms. It would be an excellent book for students to read concerning the Iraqi war.

"Saving Babylon" is a book to be read by any American citizen. It dispels the sensationalism the media seeks and reports upon. Instead, it tells a story of how our Higher Power works in the hearts of mankind throughout our world. We are more similar than different. Whether through our beliefs in a higher power, or hope for a kinder world, one man's mission has brought together families across the globe in a common bond of friendship. This fast moving 240-page novel was a gem to read and enjoy. I give it my most outstanding rating of A+, well done Mr. Holton.

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