Emma Sky writes in a fluid way, linking her work and travels around the Middle East with the politics, and wars in the region. She also considers the knock on effects in Europe and the rest of the world. Revealed to the reader is the human side of the Arabs, Muslims, and folk who populate this far away landscape, coming across positively we see aspects of their daily lives and how they are connected to us. We are also informed about the environmental, social and humanity impacts of the conflicts and controlling powers within this diverse and rich region. An engaging, colourful and informative read.
There are many facets to this book, we learn about the work that Emma did in the area, which leads in to her travels, meeting people after the Coalition forces have withdrawn. Taking a trip to countries wrapped within the Arab Spring, then the spectral rise of Daesh/ISIS from the ashes of defeated foes. Emma then Follows the march of the refugees trying to escape their destruction by Assad and Daesh, while Europe has a mixed reaction of providing some support as well as total ignorance to their plight, as the over faced flimsy dinghies take their souls to the depths of the Mediterranean. The Russian support of Assad prolonging the civil war in Syria, their airstrikes against homes and hospitals then feeding the mass exodus to neighboring countries and Europe.
The drive of the right wing in Europe, massively inflating the fears of the Syrians moving to their countries and causing them harm, rising and bringing about Britain’s Exit of the European Union. The fracture of the European Union serving Russian ambitions to bring their nation back to the world stage, retaking former Soviet territory.
This book really highlights how the conflicts in the Middle East impact the Europeans and do not occur in isolation. As Europeans we are very similar to those in the Middle East, and have a vested interest in peace and freedom for those who live there. Despite some of the focus being on the negative sides, this book holds onto hope rather than fear. Emma has an authentic view as a European who has lived and travelled across the Middle East, uniquely having worked with both UK and US forces as well as the local populace. By the end of the book I have been brought closer to that far away place.
We have to brave enough to understand why there is suffering and oppression, remembering that despite a different nationality, these are still people who are not dissimilar to ourselves. This book brings a message of hope, but to bring about a better Europe, the Middle East must find peace. We have to consider the motivations of those who seek or wield political power and be cautious about how they want us to perceive others.
This book is an eye opener and everybody should read it.
There are many facets to this book, we learn about the work that Emma did in the area, which leads in to her travels, meeting people after the Coalition forces have withdrawn. Taking a trip to countries wrapped within the Arab Spring, then the spectral rise of Daesh/ISIS from the ashes of defeated foes. Emma then Follows the march of the refugees trying to escape their destruction by Assad and Daesh, while Europe has a mixed reaction of providing some support as well as total ignorance to their plight, as the over faced flimsy dinghies take their souls to the depths of the Mediterranean. The Russian support of Assad prolonging the civil war in Syria, their airstrikes against homes and hospitals then feeding the mass exodus to neighboring countries and Europe.
The drive of the right wing in Europe, massively inflating the fears of the Syrians moving to their countries and causing them harm, rising and bringing about Britain’s Exit of the European Union. The fracture of the European Union serving Russian ambitions to bring their nation back to the world stage, retaking former Soviet territory.
This book really highlights how the conflicts in the Middle East impact the Europeans and do not occur in isolation. As Europeans we are very similar to those in the Middle East, and have a vested interest in peace and freedom for those who live there. Despite some of the focus being on the negative sides, this book holds onto hope rather than fear. Emma has an authentic view as a European who has lived and travelled across the Middle East, uniquely having worked with both UK and US forces as well as the local populace. By the end of the book I have been brought closer to that far away place.
We have to brave enough to understand why there is suffering and oppression, remembering that despite a different nationality, these are still people who are not dissimilar to ourselves. This book brings a message of hope, but to bring about a better Europe, the Middle East must find peace. We have to consider the motivations of those who seek or wield political power and be cautious about how they want us to perceive others.
This book is an eye opener and everybody should read it.