The Miracle of the Kurds: A Remarkable Story of Hope Reborn in Northern Iraq

After hearing about the bravery of the Kurds fighting ISIS, I wanted to learn more about them. When I saw this book recommended on Amazon, I decided to give it a try. I have to say that I'm extremely glad I did.The book itself is a mixture between the author's experiences with the Kurds and their remarkable, often tragic, history. It starts off with the author returning to the Kurdish region of Iraq and comparing it with the first time he visited. The improvements are remarkable as is the poignant reminder that this was a land that didn't even have jam available to them. The personal story components are interesting as the author speaks to the Kurdish about their history after they escaped from Saddam Hussein's regime. These sad tales are set alongside a brief history of the Kurds and Kurdistan as the people continue to try to live and grow in a turbulent region.If you're looking for a book where the author's love for his subject matter is clear, then this is it. It was a remarkably easy read as well, as the author's writing style is easy to understand. I read through the whole book once, then read it all over again just because I enjoyed it so much. I can't think of many other books that I have done that with. Also, I felt like I learned a lot about a group of people who have been handed the short end of the stick too many times and deserve to be treated better.In short, I would highly recommend this book if you are at all interested in learning about the Kurdish and what they've been through. The brave people fighting ISIS deserve more recognition than they're currently getting.

The Kurds, perhaps best known for the magnificent Kurdish warrior, Saladin, are one of the largest populations in the world that does not have a homeland. It is not for lack of trying. Mansfield provides a concise review of their struggles to achieve a secure homeland where they can work, rebuild their homes, educate their children, and maintain their identity. At the end of WWI, when the defeated Ottoman Empire was carved up by the victors, U.S. President Wilson held out the promise of self-determination for the Kurds, and they trusted him. It was an empty promise. But he was not the only U.S.President to create hope and then abandon the Kurds. Despite all, throughout the years, the Kurds have remained firm in their belief that some day they will have a safe haven. It seems as though the promise of a safe haven for a valiant people, who barely managed to escape the genocide of Saddam Hussein, may be achieved, in Kurdistan.

THE KURDS ARE THE MEDES OF PERSIA IN THE BIBLE.THEY HAVE BEEN ROBBED OF THEIR NATION BY TURKEY, IRAN & THE FAKE COUNTRY OF IRAQ,thanks to former "Great" Britain and France in 1920 when they divided up lines in the sand by creating fake nations of ARABSand called them "kingdoms"Iraq is made up of THREE Nations, 2 ARAB & the KURDS, who were forced into Islam by the sword, but who are really CHRISTIANS.That is why Saddam Insane tried to destroy them, and so do Sunnis (the mental disease of Islam) and IRAN (PERSIA)AMERICA MUST STAND UP WITH AND DEFEND THE KURDS & RESIST THE FANATICAL TURKS WHO HATE THEM.

This book is really magnificent, Mansfield has inspired himself with the Kurdish soul,He knows Kurdistan and the history of Kurds almost more than Kurds themselves, He traveled to kurdistan and lived with the people, as he feels the desire of living from people's story,I had a great time reading the book,I read whole the book in 2 days and i want to read it one more time,Im from kurdistan-erbil, i live in U.S as im student here,I recommended my friends at school to read the book if they want to know everything about Kurdistan,Because i can't tell the story like Mansfield,Although i wanted to see his way of criticising Kurdistan, the people and government, as its important for time indeed.Thank You Great Mansfield

Exceptionally well written and a fast read. I downloaded it on my iPad for a recent flight from Atlanta to San Antonio. Read the first half of the book on the way there and finished it on the way back. Stephen Mansfield simplified a complex history of the Kurds yet kept it accurate. His personal experiences added an enriching layer to the layers of history, politics, internal struggles, and atrocities inflicted upon the Kurds. I knew I liked and respected the Kurds. After reading this account, I love the Kurds and will continue pressing the US Government to support a free and independent Kurdistan. Now is the time. Yes, they have jam! (You will have to read the book to appreciate the jam.)

I really wish I could give this book five stars. Stephen Mansfield, the author, seems an excellent humanitarian, having generously given his time to their cause, advocating for the Kurds everywhere from Congress to the Vatican. For this I admire him very much.But his short book, while readable and moving at times, is little more than a gushing fan letter to the Kurds. It focuses excessively on their personalities at the cost of serious history and discussion of the "Kurdish miracle." His economic analysis is no more than praise for a law that gave equal treatment to foreign and domestic investors. He barely discusses the Kurdish security forces, which have kept the region so safe. There's little mention of the politics that helped make this happen, or the effects of the Iraq War. He doesn't explore oil or religion much either.This book may be for you if you have never heard of the Kurds and are interested solely in their social characteristics. If you want a more serious account of the Kurds, look elsewhere.

Great book! The Kurds are an ancient and noble people, who have for so long been denied an identity and a homeland. Many times they have been betrayed by allies, given broken promises, fought among themselves, and struggled to maintain their distinct identity. They say that their only friends are the mountains. I hope that you enjoy this introduction the world of Kurdistan, and that it encourages you make friends among the Kurdish people.

Hreat book ! The author tried to dige into the cultural and political aspect of Kurdish life in Southern Kurdistan. However, there was not sufficient info regarding the other parts of the Kurdistan.Overall, it is a great book and will give the reader great amount of true info about Kurdish people and their land, Kurdistan.

Written by a true friend of the Kurds. You can feel the pain and happiness in every page you turn

Worth reading book about an ancient nation in the Middle East surrounded by enemies.Mansfield gives interesting insights into the world of Kurds from a western view-point with many amusing anecdotes.

Amazing book ! Its sad to see how the kurdish are treated !This book does a good job explains details and history of the kurdish people

Such a great book , as a Kurd I have enjoyed reading it and makes me so proud how people think about the Kurds . Thanks mr Mansfield for the book .