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The Miracle of the Kurds: A Remarkable Story of Hope Reborn in Northern Iraq
Kurdistan is what America wanted Iraq to be.
It's America's reward.
Hundreds of thousands of Kurds were murdered under the tyrannical regime of Saddam Hussein. Some four thousand Kurdish villages were destroyed. Betrayed again and again by the nations of the world, the Kurds were as decimated as any people in history.
Then came the Kurdish Miracle, that combination of ancient wisdom and modern economic genius that is now making the Kurdish homeland one of the most prosperous places on earth. Many experts predict that this homeland will soon be the world's newest nation.
Stephen Mansfield witnessed much of this history. In these pages he has turned the skills that have made him a New York Times best-selling author upon the Kurdish story. He has captured the agony and the determination, the horror and the genius of one of the most remarkable stories of our time.
It's America's reward.
Hundreds of thousands of Kurds were murdered under the tyrannical regime of Saddam Hussein. Some four thousand Kurdish villages were destroyed. Betrayed again and again by the nations of the world, the Kurds were as decimated as any people in history.
Then came the Kurdish Miracle, that combination of ancient wisdom and modern economic genius that is now making the Kurdish homeland one of the most prosperous places on earth. Many experts predict that this homeland will soon be the world's newest nation.
Stephen Mansfield witnessed much of this history. In these pages he has turned the skills that have made him a New York Times best-selling author upon the Kurdish story. He has captured the agony and the determination, the horror and the genius of one of the most remarkable stories of our time.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
19 people are currently reading
643 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Mansfield
96 books158 followersStephen Mansfield is a New York Times bestselling author and a popular speaker who is becoming one of the nation’s most respected voices on religion and American culture. He is also an activist in a variety of social causes.
Stephen was born in Georgia but grew up largely in Europe due to his father’s career as an officer in the United States Army. After a youth filled with sports, travel, and mischief, he was recruited to play college football but turned down the opportunity when a Christian conversion moved him to attend a leading Christian college.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in history and philosophy and then moved to Texas where he pastored a church, completed two Master’s degrees, hosted a radio show and began acquiring a reputation as a popular speaker of both depth and humor. He moved to Tennessee in 1991 where he again pastored a church, did relief work among the Kurds in Northern Iraq, served as a political consultant, and completed a doctorate.
It was during this time that he also launched the writing career for which he has become internationally known. His first book on Winston Churchill was a Gold Medallion Award Finalist. He also wrote widely-acclaimed biographies of Booker T. Washington and George Whitefield as well as a number of other books on history and leadership. In 1997, the Governor of Tennessee commissioned Mansfield to write the official history of religion in Tennessee for that state’s bicentennial.
In 2002, Stephen left the pastorate after twenty fruitful years to write and lecture full-time. Not long afterward he wrote The Faith of George W. Bush, which spent many weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and won numerous national awards. The book also became a source for Oliver Stone’s internationally acclaimed film W, which chronicled Bush’s rise to the presidency.
This international bestseller led to a string of influential books over the following eight years. Stephen wrote The Faith of the American Soldier after being embedded with U.S. troops in Iraq. He also wrote about the new Pope in Benedict XVI: His Life and Mission. His book The Faith of Barack Obama was another international bestseller and was often a topic in major media during the presidential campaign of 2008. To answer the crumbling values of portions of corporate America, he wrote The Search for God and Guinness and soon found himself speaking to corporate gatherings around the world.
Stephen continues to write books about faith and culture—recently on topics like Sarah Palin, Oprah Winfrey and America’s generals—but beyond his writing career he has founded The Mansfield Group, a successful consulting and communications firm, as well as Chartwell Literary Group, a firm that creates and manages literary projects. Together with his wife, Beverly, Mansfield has created The Global Leadership Development Fund, a foundation that sponsors leadership training and networking around the world.
In recent years, Stephen’s popularity as a speaker has nearly eclipsed his reputation as a bestselling author. He is often to be found addressing a university gathering, a corporate retreat or a fundraising banquet and stirring his audience with the humor and storytelling that have become his trademark.
Mansfield lives primarily in Nashville, Tennessee, with his beloved wife, Beverly, who is an award-winning songwriter and producer. For more information, log onto MansfieldGroup.com.
Stephen was born in Georgia but grew up largely in Europe due to his father’s career as an officer in the United States Army. After a youth filled with sports, travel, and mischief, he was recruited to play college football but turned down the opportunity when a Christian conversion moved him to attend a leading Christian college.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in history and philosophy and then moved to Texas where he pastored a church, completed two Master’s degrees, hosted a radio show and began acquiring a reputation as a popular speaker of both depth and humor. He moved to Tennessee in 1991 where he again pastored a church, did relief work among the Kurds in Northern Iraq, served as a political consultant, and completed a doctorate.
It was during this time that he also launched the writing career for which he has become internationally known. His first book on Winston Churchill was a Gold Medallion Award Finalist. He also wrote widely-acclaimed biographies of Booker T. Washington and George Whitefield as well as a number of other books on history and leadership. In 1997, the Governor of Tennessee commissioned Mansfield to write the official history of religion in Tennessee for that state’s bicentennial.
In 2002, Stephen left the pastorate after twenty fruitful years to write and lecture full-time. Not long afterward he wrote The Faith of George W. Bush, which spent many weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and won numerous national awards. The book also became a source for Oliver Stone’s internationally acclaimed film W, which chronicled Bush’s rise to the presidency.
This international bestseller led to a string of influential books over the following eight years. Stephen wrote The Faith of the American Soldier after being embedded with U.S. troops in Iraq. He also wrote about the new Pope in Benedict XVI: His Life and Mission. His book The Faith of Barack Obama was another international bestseller and was often a topic in major media during the presidential campaign of 2008. To answer the crumbling values of portions of corporate America, he wrote The Search for God and Guinness and soon found himself speaking to corporate gatherings around the world.
Stephen continues to write books about faith and culture—recently on topics like Sarah Palin, Oprah Winfrey and America’s generals—but beyond his writing career he has founded The Mansfield Group, a successful consulting and communications firm, as well as Chartwell Literary Group, a firm that creates and manages literary projects. Together with his wife, Beverly, Mansfield has created The Global Leadership Development Fund, a foundation that sponsors leadership training and networking around the world.
In recent years, Stephen’s popularity as a speaker has nearly eclipsed his reputation as a bestselling author. He is often to be found addressing a university gathering, a corporate retreat or a fundraising banquet and stirring his audience with the humor and storytelling that have become his trademark.
Mansfield lives primarily in Nashville, Tennessee, with his beloved wife, Beverly, who is an award-winning songwriter and producer. For more information, log onto MansfieldGroup.com.
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October 28, 2014
A people without a country. A people without a home. For most of the twentieth century, and even before, they were a ‘people without a friend” Alas, In the heated battle for control in the Middle East today, this hearty group of people, who date their very existence to the Medes of the ancient world, are again in battle for their homeland.
In his book, “The Miracle of the Kurds”,New York Times best-selling author Stephen Mansfield introduces us to a strong, proud intelligent people who have been largely ignored and used as pawns since World War I. Forced to become a part of a nation that despised them, the Kurds were tortured, murdered and almost destroyed under the iron hand of Saddam Hussein. He waged a war of genocide on these people, killing. mutilating and gassing hundreds of thousands of Kurds during his march to create the new Babylonia.
Mansfield visited Kurdistan, the land of the Kurds int the 1990’s, while traveling with our military and diplomatic forces during and after the Gulf War. He fell in love with these “mountain people”, and through the pages of “The Miracle”, the author shares his love of these strong, emotional, proud and loyal people.” The Miracle of The Kurds” puts a face on the victims of Saddam Hussein’s war. Mansfield takes the reader through the history of Kurdistan, from our earliest knowledge of a people more at home in the mountains than anywhere else, whose tenuous relations with the border nation of Turkey threatens their very existence today. We learn that the Kurds were forced after World War I to become a part of Iraq, whose dictator strove to wipe them off te face of the earth. Amazingly, the people of Kurdistan survived and have thrived since the dawn of te twenty-first century. By the last page of the book, the reader is cheering for these hearty people. Mansfield succeeds in showing us that a sense of history and purpose as well as determination enable the Kurds to build from the ashes and even create a nation where there seemed to be no hope in the possibility.
When I read this book, I began to see the Kurds through Stephens eyes. I was eager, as was the author, to learn all I could about these amazing people. I wanted to immerse myself in their culture and to see them through Kurdish eyes, not those of my western, American eyes. I was ready to board a plane and fly to Kurdistan to wander the streets and drink coffee in the cafes and spread jam on my flatbread.
A timely book., that celebrates a people who rose above adversity and history to build a lasting society and leave their mark for future generations. Who even today, are being threatened as a result of the wars and rumors of war that are a constant in this day and age.
I urge anyone and everyone to read “The Miracle of the Kurds” to be more informed on what is happening today in that part of the world to be encouraged by a strong people determined to leave their mark on history.Well written and documented, but never dry and always entertaining with stories that bring laughter and some that bring tears.
In his book, “The Miracle of the Kurds”,New York Times best-selling author Stephen Mansfield introduces us to a strong, proud intelligent people who have been largely ignored and used as pawns since World War I. Forced to become a part of a nation that despised them, the Kurds were tortured, murdered and almost destroyed under the iron hand of Saddam Hussein. He waged a war of genocide on these people, killing. mutilating and gassing hundreds of thousands of Kurds during his march to create the new Babylonia.
Mansfield visited Kurdistan, the land of the Kurds int the 1990’s, while traveling with our military and diplomatic forces during and after the Gulf War. He fell in love with these “mountain people”, and through the pages of “The Miracle”, the author shares his love of these strong, emotional, proud and loyal people.” The Miracle of The Kurds” puts a face on the victims of Saddam Hussein’s war. Mansfield takes the reader through the history of Kurdistan, from our earliest knowledge of a people more at home in the mountains than anywhere else, whose tenuous relations with the border nation of Turkey threatens their very existence today. We learn that the Kurds were forced after World War I to become a part of Iraq, whose dictator strove to wipe them off te face of the earth. Amazingly, the people of Kurdistan survived and have thrived since the dawn of te twenty-first century. By the last page of the book, the reader is cheering for these hearty people. Mansfield succeeds in showing us that a sense of history and purpose as well as determination enable the Kurds to build from the ashes and even create a nation where there seemed to be no hope in the possibility.
When I read this book, I began to see the Kurds through Stephens eyes. I was eager, as was the author, to learn all I could about these amazing people. I wanted to immerse myself in their culture and to see them through Kurdish eyes, not those of my western, American eyes. I was ready to board a plane and fly to Kurdistan to wander the streets and drink coffee in the cafes and spread jam on my flatbread.
A timely book., that celebrates a people who rose above adversity and history to build a lasting society and leave their mark for future generations. Who even today, are being threatened as a result of the wars and rumors of war that are a constant in this day and age.
I urge anyone and everyone to read “The Miracle of the Kurds” to be more informed on what is happening today in that part of the world to be encouraged by a strong people determined to leave their mark on history.Well written and documented, but never dry and always entertaining with stories that bring laughter and some that bring tears.
May 10, 2025
4 stars
As a Kurdish girl, growing up in the aftermath of all the conflict, yet still being in the exact center of it all, I really appreciated the honesty and raw emotion presented in this book.
I found myself crying in many parts -as is our habit when we share our stories, and when we hear them from someone else- and I found that to feel very consoling.
As a Kurdish girl, growing up in the aftermath of all the conflict, yet still being in the exact center of it all, I really appreciated the honesty and raw emotion presented in this book.
I found myself crying in many parts -as is our habit when we share our stories, and when we hear them from someone else- and I found that to feel very consoling.
Read
November 3, 2024The historical aspect was definitely interesting, as well as discussion regarding the unifying cultural traits of the Kurds. I will say the authors own lack of understanding, biases and even misinformation of Islam bled through some parts of the book. While his personal preference and positive view of Christianity was apparent. Also, his discussion of the "extreme" economic decisions the Iraqi Kurds had to make in order to uplift the community seemed a bit near sighted and his preference for more capitalistic economies and "free market"/neo-liberal mandates was again apparent.
That being said, I understand this book was never advertised as bias free or a neutral recounting, but rather his personal experience with the Kurds. I definitely learned some new things and it is fair to say he is familiar with Iraqi-Kurds but not necessarily Kurds in other regions. I enjoyed the book.
That being said, I understand this book was never advertised as bias free or a neutral recounting, but rather his personal experience with the Kurds. I definitely learned some new things and it is fair to say he is familiar with Iraqi-Kurds but not necessarily Kurds in other regions. I enjoyed the book.
October 24, 2014
We’ve all seen the images and heard of the tragic chemical bombings. In this eye opening book, the stories behind those pictures and news reports are explored. We see the spirit of the Kurds and what they want us to know. They deserve to have us listen.
Stephen Mansfield has spent years growing relationships with the Kurdish people. Not only has he spent time in the Kurdish towns in Northern Iraq, but has welcomed the influx of refugees that came to Nashville, TN. In this book, we see their individual stories. We hear of the horrors they faced. This book is not for the weak of heart. It is, however, an atrocity that we cannot ignore.
Remarkably, the Kurdish people have grown stronger and more resilient in the years since Saddam Hussein’s brutal regime was brought down in 2003. Their spirit has not been crushed. In fact, the have turned their lives around so completely that The New York Times, National Geographic Traveler included the region of Kuridstan on the “must-see” travel list. They have rebuilt their cities and are prospering beyond imagination.
I learned alot about the Kurdish people and the things they have faced over the last few thousand years. I felt that the book was a bit repetitive, but that was fueled by the obvious passion of the writer. He felt their pain and wanted us to understand. It was well researched and full of details.
I recommend that you pick up a copy here. Give it a read. Give them a voice. If for no other reason, read it to become aware of what is happening in the world we live in.
I want to thank netgalley.com and Worthy Publishing for giving me a copy of this book for review. Here’s to many more!!
**Just a side note: In this book, we hear about the welcoming arms of the Kurds. We hear how they welcome refugees and those that are “homeless”. Just this week, many have fled to Erbil after ISIS took over new cities and towns nearby. Be praying for all involved.
Stephen Mansfield has spent years growing relationships with the Kurdish people. Not only has he spent time in the Kurdish towns in Northern Iraq, but has welcomed the influx of refugees that came to Nashville, TN. In this book, we see their individual stories. We hear of the horrors they faced. This book is not for the weak of heart. It is, however, an atrocity that we cannot ignore.
Remarkably, the Kurdish people have grown stronger and more resilient in the years since Saddam Hussein’s brutal regime was brought down in 2003. Their spirit has not been crushed. In fact, the have turned their lives around so completely that The New York Times, National Geographic Traveler included the region of Kuridstan on the “must-see” travel list. They have rebuilt their cities and are prospering beyond imagination.
I learned alot about the Kurdish people and the things they have faced over the last few thousand years. I felt that the book was a bit repetitive, but that was fueled by the obvious passion of the writer. He felt their pain and wanted us to understand. It was well researched and full of details.
I recommend that you pick up a copy here. Give it a read. Give them a voice. If for no other reason, read it to become aware of what is happening in the world we live in.
I want to thank netgalley.com and Worthy Publishing for giving me a copy of this book for review. Here’s to many more!!
**Just a side note: In this book, we hear about the welcoming arms of the Kurds. We hear how they welcome refugees and those that are “homeless”. Just this week, many have fled to Erbil after ISIS took over new cities and towns nearby. Be praying for all involved.
October 24, 2014
Received from Worthypublishing for an honest review.
This was such an amazing book. I can honestly say reading it has changed my perspective on many things. The resilience of the Kurds is fascinating. Lately they have been in the news because of their resistance to ISIS. I can see how the Kurds have survived for so many decades. This was a very humbling read as well. The Kurds are a group of people that have battled and continue to battle for a place to call home.
This was such an amazing book. I can honestly say reading it has changed my perspective on many things. The resilience of the Kurds is fascinating. Lately they have been in the news because of their resistance to ISIS. I can see how the Kurds have survived for so many decades. This was a very humbling read as well. The Kurds are a group of people that have battled and continue to battle for a place to call home.
December 31, 2014
A few years ago, my family and I toured the CNN facilites in Atlanta where the tour guide was asked about bias in the reporting of the news. Our guide assured us that there was no bias, that all news stories were given equal consideration. Just a few moments later, we were shown the place where the one person sits who decides what gets on the air and what doesn't. "Bias" may not be the correct term. "Favoritism" or "what attracts attention" may be the bigger issue. In this age of multiple 24-hour news sources, we know certain "news" stories attract ratings and others simply don't.
We've heard many, many stories coming out of Iraq in the last decade, but mostly what we hear is from southern Iraq and from Baghdad. We hear little of what is happening in the north, among the Kurdish people, and that is a problem Stephen Mansfield sets out to correct in this book, The Miracle of the Kurds. The Kurds live in the mountainous area now (at least informally) known as Kurdistan, and they were targets of Saddam Hussein's wrath (much as the Jews were the target of Hitler's wrath in World War II). As a people they have suffered much, and while Mansfield is careful to tell that story, I'm certain that he has only scratched the surface in describing the horrors these people went through.
But the horror of history is not really the focus of Mansfield's book. He both begins and ends the book with stories of hope, of the resurgence in economics, religion, and general well-being of the Kurdish people. His love for these people comes through on every page, and his hope for the future is well spoken (even in the midst of a brief epilogue focusing on ISIS). Mansfield's prose is easy to read, and the history is interspersed with stories of real people who are making a real difference in Kurdistan. Even the horror of the massacre of Halabjah is made real by telling the stories of individual people.
Mansfield is a Christian and has written many times on the topic of faith intersecting with politics or other spheres of the world. But in this book, his Christian faith takes somewhat of a backseat. It's not absent, nor does he try to hide it, but this is first and foremost a story of the people of Kurdistan, and secondarily the story of how our faith ought to motivate us to both care for and reach out to the Kurds and others like them. Mansfield, rightly so, is not heavy handed with his faith in this account.
Anyone interested in this region of the world, or in history, or in modern political situations will find this book an accessible and enjoyable read. While the beginning is slow, once I got past the first couple of chapters, I found I could hardly put it down.
+++++++
Full Disclosure: I was provided a copy of this book by First Look in exchange for a fair review.
We've heard many, many stories coming out of Iraq in the last decade, but mostly what we hear is from southern Iraq and from Baghdad. We hear little of what is happening in the north, among the Kurdish people, and that is a problem Stephen Mansfield sets out to correct in this book, The Miracle of the Kurds. The Kurds live in the mountainous area now (at least informally) known as Kurdistan, and they were targets of Saddam Hussein's wrath (much as the Jews were the target of Hitler's wrath in World War II). As a people they have suffered much, and while Mansfield is careful to tell that story, I'm certain that he has only scratched the surface in describing the horrors these people went through.
But the horror of history is not really the focus of Mansfield's book. He both begins and ends the book with stories of hope, of the resurgence in economics, religion, and general well-being of the Kurdish people. His love for these people comes through on every page, and his hope for the future is well spoken (even in the midst of a brief epilogue focusing on ISIS). Mansfield's prose is easy to read, and the history is interspersed with stories of real people who are making a real difference in Kurdistan. Even the horror of the massacre of Halabjah is made real by telling the stories of individual people.
Mansfield is a Christian and has written many times on the topic of faith intersecting with politics or other spheres of the world. But in this book, his Christian faith takes somewhat of a backseat. It's not absent, nor does he try to hide it, but this is first and foremost a story of the people of Kurdistan, and secondarily the story of how our faith ought to motivate us to both care for and reach out to the Kurds and others like them. Mansfield, rightly so, is not heavy handed with his faith in this account.
Anyone interested in this region of the world, or in history, or in modern political situations will find this book an accessible and enjoyable read. While the beginning is slow, once I got past the first couple of chapters, I found I could hardly put it down.
+++++++
Full Disclosure: I was provided a copy of this book by First Look in exchange for a fair review.
September 25, 2017
In this book, the author is trying to present a personal emotional experience rather providing accurate historical, political and economical facts. Despite having some interesting points, the book did not meet my expectations.
June 18, 2019
Not the best read. Abandoned after
90 pages 🤨
90 pages 🤨
June 8, 2024
Really interesting history about the Kurdish people and their quest for a nation and independence. The book does a great job in explaining the groups political history and relations within Iraq. It also discusses the economic changes the region created in 2006 which encouraged foreign investment into the region which has helped grow its influence and development. A really interesting story I had no idea about and after finishing this book the only thing I can think of is when am I booking my flight to Erbil.
May 28, 2018
A fantastic book. Part history, part current affairs, and part call to action. I've never knew much more about the people of Kurdistan than the fact that Saddam Hussein had "Kurds in his way". The Kurds are a remarkable people with a rich history. Their resiliency in the face of centuries of mistreatment and oppression is remarkable -- and inspiring.
What initially turned me on to this book was a TED talk by Stephen Mansfield. His passion in recounting the plight of the Kurds is both heartbreaking and inspiring: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wiqhu...
So much bad news comes out of Iraq, but may this book serve as a light of hope that there are better days ahead for the region.
What initially turned me on to this book was a TED talk by Stephen Mansfield. His passion in recounting the plight of the Kurds is both heartbreaking and inspiring: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wiqhu...
So much bad news comes out of Iraq, but may this book serve as a light of hope that there are better days ahead for the region.
August 8, 2015
This was an inside look at a people that little of the world knows anything about. The world knows that the Kurds were gassed by Saddam Hussein’s forces and hundreds of thousands were killed. They were persecuted in Turkey and in Syria. Now we hear of their courage in standing up to ISIS. From victims to heroes, who are the true Kurds? Stephen Mansfield does a remarkable job of telling about these people in an easy-to-read, fun to read, and concise manner.
The Kurds have made remarkable economic progress since the 1990s. They have also made amazing in their struggle for freedom. And this progress came at the least expected way -- a result of our war in Iraq and the establishment of the no-fly zone.
At one time the Kurds were persecuted and lived in poverty. Under Turkey’s Ataturk, anything Kurdish was banned – language, dress, literature. Then later the Shah of Iran ordered all Kurdish leaders be executed. But the Kurdish people are resilient.
Mansfield explains that northern Iraq is as different from Baghdad as Northern California is from Southern California. He makes the powerful statement that Kurdistan is what America wanted Iraq to be. It is what we wanted from the war.
The Kurds are among the gentlest and most poetic people in the world. I worked with a few Kurds in Iraq and can vouch for this. The Kurds have claimed to be “the people without a friend”. If you look at their history, it is understandable how they would believe that.
Mansfield gives a very interesting look at the history of the Kurdish people. He goes all the way back to the ancient Medes from whom the Kurds believe themselves to be descendants. He explains how they came to be known as skilled fighters from the mountains. Their decline seems to have accelerated in 1500 AD when trade shifted from caravans to sea travel. At one point in time some Kurdish areas came under Russian control. The Kurds were exposed to a European empire with new ideas for that time. They also learned new technologies and gained access to the world markets. Their young were sent to European colleges. They had liberal concepts of religious tolerance and visions of an ethnic nationalism.
But then in the mid-1800’s they had a major setback when religious fanaticism hit them. Then they lost the support of the western world. Now Kurds are of a variety of religions: Muslim, Christian, Jew, Yezidi, Sufi, Baha’i.
In 1970 Iraq’s constitution was amended to recognize that Iraq was made up of two nationalities –Arab and Kurdish. Kurdish recognized as second official language of Iraq. But the very next year they were again denied their rights as citizens. In the 1980s, Saddam Hussein had Kurdish villages gassed resulting in the deaths of over 200,000 Kurds. Then in 1991 the US and United Kingdom established a “no-fly” zone over most of Iraqi Kurdistan. This is when a de facto Kurdish state came into existence.
In 2005 under Iraq’s new constitution, Jalal Talabani, a Kurd, became the first democratically elected and Kurdish president of Iraq. Under protection of the no-fly zone, Kurds prospered. They invested in regional development. Regional government policies were designed specifically to attract foreign investment. Foreign investors were granted equal status with indigenous investors. They were given huge tax breaks with full rights of ownership and profit. Billions of investment dollars poured in, creating jobs and elevating the standard of living. By 2010 Kurdistan had a world class airport, six-star hotels, new cars, nice restaurants, lovely city parks, and quiet, elegant neighborhoods. In their private schools, classes are taught only in English. One of the largest and most successful schools in Kurdistan is Christian. Most of its students come from Muslim families. Public schools would no longer favor Islam; all religions would be taught equally.
This is a story of a non-conforming people who are truly proud of their heritage. Hopefully, their future will be as fruitful as it appears to be developing.
The Kurds have made remarkable economic progress since the 1990s. They have also made amazing in their struggle for freedom. And this progress came at the least expected way -- a result of our war in Iraq and the establishment of the no-fly zone.
At one time the Kurds were persecuted and lived in poverty. Under Turkey’s Ataturk, anything Kurdish was banned – language, dress, literature. Then later the Shah of Iran ordered all Kurdish leaders be executed. But the Kurdish people are resilient.
Mansfield explains that northern Iraq is as different from Baghdad as Northern California is from Southern California. He makes the powerful statement that Kurdistan is what America wanted Iraq to be. It is what we wanted from the war.
The Kurds are among the gentlest and most poetic people in the world. I worked with a few Kurds in Iraq and can vouch for this. The Kurds have claimed to be “the people without a friend”. If you look at their history, it is understandable how they would believe that.
Mansfield gives a very interesting look at the history of the Kurdish people. He goes all the way back to the ancient Medes from whom the Kurds believe themselves to be descendants. He explains how they came to be known as skilled fighters from the mountains. Their decline seems to have accelerated in 1500 AD when trade shifted from caravans to sea travel. At one point in time some Kurdish areas came under Russian control. The Kurds were exposed to a European empire with new ideas for that time. They also learned new technologies and gained access to the world markets. Their young were sent to European colleges. They had liberal concepts of religious tolerance and visions of an ethnic nationalism.
But then in the mid-1800’s they had a major setback when religious fanaticism hit them. Then they lost the support of the western world. Now Kurds are of a variety of religions: Muslim, Christian, Jew, Yezidi, Sufi, Baha’i.
In 1970 Iraq’s constitution was amended to recognize that Iraq was made up of two nationalities –Arab and Kurdish. Kurdish recognized as second official language of Iraq. But the very next year they were again denied their rights as citizens. In the 1980s, Saddam Hussein had Kurdish villages gassed resulting in the deaths of over 200,000 Kurds. Then in 1991 the US and United Kingdom established a “no-fly” zone over most of Iraqi Kurdistan. This is when a de facto Kurdish state came into existence.
In 2005 under Iraq’s new constitution, Jalal Talabani, a Kurd, became the first democratically elected and Kurdish president of Iraq. Under protection of the no-fly zone, Kurds prospered. They invested in regional development. Regional government policies were designed specifically to attract foreign investment. Foreign investors were granted equal status with indigenous investors. They were given huge tax breaks with full rights of ownership and profit. Billions of investment dollars poured in, creating jobs and elevating the standard of living. By 2010 Kurdistan had a world class airport, six-star hotels, new cars, nice restaurants, lovely city parks, and quiet, elegant neighborhoods. In their private schools, classes are taught only in English. One of the largest and most successful schools in Kurdistan is Christian. Most of its students come from Muslim families. Public schools would no longer favor Islam; all religions would be taught equally.
This is a story of a non-conforming people who are truly proud of their heritage. Hopefully, their future will be as fruitful as it appears to be developing.
November 9, 2014
Just a few years ago, I did not know who the Kurds were. The Kurds play only a supporting role in Middle East history, and that largely hidden (who knew Saladin was a Kurd?). The Kurds probably first appeared in American news when they suffered Saddam’s chemical terrorism. They resurfaced when the US invaded Iraq again. Joe Biden suggested splitting Iraq in three, giving the Kurds their own polity, but like most things Joe Biden says, people didn’t give it much credence. The Kurds reappeared as defenders of northern Iraq against ISIS, giving a much better showing than the Iraqi army.
The Miracle of the Kurds is mostly popular history with ample personal anecdote thrown in. Mansfield did aid work in Kurdistan and later came to know a number of Kurds who fled to, of all places, Nashville, Tennessee. He returned to find a very different Kurdistan after explosive economic growth post-Saddam.
Why did the Kurds prosper when the rest of Iraq’s challenges are so well documented? We can started with the Investment Law of 2006, in which foreign investors granted equal status to indigenous investors, given large tax breaks, and given full rights of ownership and profit. It’s basic economics but nonetheless an unpopular approach around the world. As Mansfield puts it, “[a]s the new millennium dawned, Kurdish leaders took stock of their situation. They had little to offer but land, rights, and freedom.” Kurdistan (like Texastan) has one of the lowest tax rates in the world. Subsequently, Kurdistan has experienced economic growth rate vastly outstripping the rest of Iraq (which also has oil, it should be noted).
So why? What makes the Kurds so different? As it turns out, the Kurds have a long and very difficult history. Unofficial motto: “The Kurds have no friends.” “The Kurds themselves are more likely to say, ‘we have no friends but the mountains.’” 3/5ths of Kurds are Muslim, but the Kurds due to geography and cultural intransigence never Arabicized so it is a particularly Kurdish version of Islam. The Kurds are better on women’s rights than most of the rest of the Middle East. Saddam hated the Kurds and tried to wipe them out, using weapons chemical and conventional, and may have succeeded but for a no-fly zone enforced by the US and the western world. They survived, and entered the post-Saddam era with a belief that they must protect themselves.
Mansfield is unorthodox, to say the least, as a strong critic of the elder Bush limiting the scope of the first Iraq War. Whatever the merits of that decision, the Kurds were abandoned by the US and they bled and died for it. Today, they’ve long since proven they deserve our full support.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary e-copy of The Miracle of the Kurds through NetGalley.
The Miracle of the Kurds is mostly popular history with ample personal anecdote thrown in. Mansfield did aid work in Kurdistan and later came to know a number of Kurds who fled to, of all places, Nashville, Tennessee. He returned to find a very different Kurdistan after explosive economic growth post-Saddam.
Why did the Kurds prosper when the rest of Iraq’s challenges are so well documented? We can started with the Investment Law of 2006, in which foreign investors granted equal status to indigenous investors, given large tax breaks, and given full rights of ownership and profit. It’s basic economics but nonetheless an unpopular approach around the world. As Mansfield puts it, “[a]s the new millennium dawned, Kurdish leaders took stock of their situation. They had little to offer but land, rights, and freedom.” Kurdistan (like Texastan) has one of the lowest tax rates in the world. Subsequently, Kurdistan has experienced economic growth rate vastly outstripping the rest of Iraq (which also has oil, it should be noted).
So why? What makes the Kurds so different? As it turns out, the Kurds have a long and very difficult history. Unofficial motto: “The Kurds have no friends.” “The Kurds themselves are more likely to say, ‘we have no friends but the mountains.’” 3/5ths of Kurds are Muslim, but the Kurds due to geography and cultural intransigence never Arabicized so it is a particularly Kurdish version of Islam. The Kurds are better on women’s rights than most of the rest of the Middle East. Saddam hated the Kurds and tried to wipe them out, using weapons chemical and conventional, and may have succeeded but for a no-fly zone enforced by the US and the western world. They survived, and entered the post-Saddam era with a belief that they must protect themselves.
Mansfield is unorthodox, to say the least, as a strong critic of the elder Bush limiting the scope of the first Iraq War. Whatever the merits of that decision, the Kurds were abandoned by the US and they bled and died for it. Today, they’ve long since proven they deserve our full support.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary e-copy of The Miracle of the Kurds through NetGalley.
October 17, 2014
***"The Miracle of the Kurds" is a ten plus for story, historical content and enjoyment***
ISIS, Peshmerga, Kurds and Kurdistan lead national news stories, yet the average American knows little about them except for ISIS's recent barbaric acts of terrorism. However, Stephen Mansfield, New York Times bestselling author hopes to change that with his October 14 release, The Miracle of the Kurds, where he offers "an informal retelling" of the little known Kurdish story.
A longtime friend of the Kurdish people, Mansfield wants others to understand why the Kurds call themselves a "people without a friend." He believes they have reason to feel that way and considers them "the most misunderstood people of the 21st Century war on terror."
Mansfield notes the Kurdish ancestry stretches back to the ancient Medes in the times of Daniel and Babylon and today they reside in Northern Iraq. Even though the Kurds number in the millions they are the only people group of this size without a homeland of their own. Yet they have always held an "undying dream of freedom" illustrated by the Kurdish journey the author included, from 6300 BC to 2013 AD that overflows with "epic battles, religious passions and vile betrayals."
To create a better understanding…Full Review: http://www.examiner.com/list/the-mira...
ISIS, Peshmerga, Kurds and Kurdistan lead national news stories, yet the average American knows little about them except for ISIS's recent barbaric acts of terrorism. However, Stephen Mansfield, New York Times bestselling author hopes to change that with his October 14 release, The Miracle of the Kurds, where he offers "an informal retelling" of the little known Kurdish story.
A longtime friend of the Kurdish people, Mansfield wants others to understand why the Kurds call themselves a "people without a friend." He believes they have reason to feel that way and considers them "the most misunderstood people of the 21st Century war on terror."
Mansfield notes the Kurdish ancestry stretches back to the ancient Medes in the times of Daniel and Babylon and today they reside in Northern Iraq. Even though the Kurds number in the millions they are the only people group of this size without a homeland of their own. Yet they have always held an "undying dream of freedom" illustrated by the Kurdish journey the author included, from 6300 BC to 2013 AD that overflows with "epic battles, religious passions and vile betrayals."
To create a better understanding…Full Review: http://www.examiner.com/list/the-mira...
February 2, 2015
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.
January 21, 2015
I was drawn to this book because the reviews I read spoke of a people who went through a terrible period of tribulation and bounced back from it. I wanted to hear their story.
This is an amazing story about the people of Kurdistan. Saddam Hussein tried to wipe them off the face of the earth killing thousands of them while the rest of the world looked the other way and even helped Hussein get the ammunition he used against them.
The book ends with hope as the Kurds rebuild their lives welcoming others to come to Kurdistan and start businesses there. Once in ruins, the land now offers six-star hotels, brand new shopping malls and schools for the children.
The book is well-written with stories about individuals as well as the people as a whole. I highly recommend a look into this fascinating land.
This is an amazing story about the people of Kurdistan. Saddam Hussein tried to wipe them off the face of the earth killing thousands of them while the rest of the world looked the other way and even helped Hussein get the ammunition he used against them.
The book ends with hope as the Kurds rebuild their lives welcoming others to come to Kurdistan and start businesses there. Once in ruins, the land now offers six-star hotels, brand new shopping malls and schools for the children.
The book is well-written with stories about individuals as well as the people as a whole. I highly recommend a look into this fascinating land.
October 20, 2014
A riveting book about Kurdish life, of betrayal, tragedy of a people who have no people, are no nation, have friends around the world and no friends. Kurdistan means loss of tens of thousands of lives, victims of chemical weapons, shot, starved and land mined, tortured and all victims of the Iraqi regime of Saddam Hussein. How the Kurds have a lesson to teach the west about nobility of tribe and custom and that someday hope will be reborn in iraq for the Kurdish people
November 13, 2014
I won this on good reads.
I’m sure you’ve head of the people called the Kurds in the news but know nothing about them. I recommend Stephen Mansfield’s book The Miracle of the Kurds. It explores not only the history and culture, but the recent horrors and resilience of a group of people who have never gotten their own country. From ancient times they have been in the same geographic area but have been ruled by others. An excellent read and highly recommended.
I’m sure you’ve head of the people called the Kurds in the news but know nothing about them. I recommend Stephen Mansfield’s book The Miracle of the Kurds. It explores not only the history and culture, but the recent horrors and resilience of a group of people who have never gotten their own country. From ancient times they have been in the same geographic area but have been ruled by others. An excellent read and highly recommended.
November 5, 2014
*Goodreads Giveaway*
With clarity, honesty, and caring, Mansfield's story of the Kurdish people is accessible and amazing. Horrific in its truth, yet hopeful in its vision of the future, The Miracle of the Kurds says yes, there is hope for our world.
With clarity, honesty, and caring, Mansfield's story of the Kurdish people is accessible and amazing. Horrific in its truth, yet hopeful in its vision of the future, The Miracle of the Kurds says yes, there is hope for our world.
September 21, 2025
notes on the miracle of the kurds
literally took under 3hrs to read, there’s no reason not to pick this up. The author’s biases are clear, especially his faith, but this book is evidently subjective and small in scope, so I did not mind. I came away with a good sense of how the Kurdish people are, their faith, culture and character and a solid understanding of their modern history, suffering and successes. The author clearly loves the kurds, so the book is often fun as well as being smartly written throughout.
saddam hussein’s genocide of the kurds entailed gas attacks which forced the people to higher ground, where gunships would then put them down. Fathers broke their children’s necks out of mercy.
There is a central reality to Kurdish life that gives rise to great hospitality, which is the unshakeable necessity of belonging to a people.
Saladin was a kurd, often seen as the greatest kurd, but has in a way been expropriated by the arabs.
When the British created Iraq after the collapse of the Ottoman’s, the Kurds were bundled in too, contradicting promises for their own state. The kurds are not arab and are not even shi’ite, yet were placed under king Faisal, an arab hashemite king. Since the 1920’s therefore, the kurds have been expected to be iraqis, ignoring the fact that they were already an ancient people before Rome was an empire.
The mountains of Kurdistan are what make up their nation, their sense of identity, their homeland. The people belong to the mountains, as the mountains belong to them.
The Kurds believe themselves as decedents of the Median empire, which they use to historically justify their claims for nationhood. It is like how Manas provides a sense of national identity to the Kyrgyz.
The Kurds in history are always belonging to other people. Cyrus the great or Darius or Saladin are all kurds, but all are remembered as belonging to other peoples.
The early apostles arrived in Kurdistan, where the faith thrived until the dominance of Islam in 634. Great armies and empires warred in and marched through Kurdistan and traders passed through - it was an essential component of world history. But their prosperity was cut short by Vasco da Gama’s voyage around the Cape of Good Hope which killed the caravans that passed through Kurdistan. The conflict between the persians and ottomans also decimated them as they found themselves at the centre of a centuries-long war.
In the early 20th century, Kurdistan erupted into a religious bloodbath. edit: (This is all the author mentions on this matter, but it was in fact the Armenian genocide, which the Kurds hold a great deal of responsibility for. The author should have specified the details of this dark portion of their history.) The timing couldn’t have been worse, as the world powers could not conceive of granting autonomy to such a splintered, crazed people. Instead they were put into Iraq, a fatal outcome. edit: (The British also needed oil concessions in the region, highly suspecting the presence of reserves in Northern Iraq. Furthermore, Turkey was fundamental to receiving access to these reserves, and so refusing to give the Kurds their state was likely to the delight of Turkey, who calls them ‘mountain-Turks’. This book fails to address any of this, even though it is an important part of the Kurd’s story in the region.) Turkey, despising them for their unceasing resistance and non-conformity, persecute them, as did the Iraqi monarchy. When the Baathists came into power, Saddam Hussein became their annihilator.
Since the times of Abraham, Jews have lived in Kurdistan. When Israel was created, the jews left and the muslim kurds they lived alongside grieved for them. In memory, they maintain the synagogues that now have no one using them.
Saddam weaponised the Koran against the kurds, and his genocidal campaign was called ‘al-anfal’ after a chapter about the killing and plundering on non-believers. The result is that Islam has changed for the kurds, and they refuse to be conform to arabising influence. The kurds indefatigable desire for independence and self-expression extends even to islam. The result is one of the world’s most moderate iterations of Islam.
In the Iran/Iraq war, which was entirely senseless and used as a profiteering opportunity by most western powers that sold armaments to both sides, the Kurds allied with the Iranians against the genoicde Saddam had already initiated. Halabjah was the main kurdish front. Saddam dropped sarin and mustard gas on the town. People coughed up green liquid, their skin burned off rendering them unrecognisable and bomb shelters proved useless as the gas snaked its way underground. In the immediate aftermath, 5000 were killed. To touch the clothing of the dead would inflict immediate burns on the skin. The horror of the scene was so severe that the Iranians sent some European photographers and the genocide was documented for all the world to see. The bombings had destroyed most infrastructure in the town and those that survived tried to seek medical aid in Iran, undergoing a death march through mine-ridden snowy mountain passes that killed, along with the after-effects of the gas, some seven thousand. Even today, the soil in Halabjah is infertile, livestock produce deformed offspring and the descendants of those not even in Halabjah but nearby suffer sterility, infertility, cancer, birth defects, blood diseases, insomnia, depression, mental disorders and a host of phobias. This is only one of the Al-Anfal attacks.
Saddam Hussein dreamed of a Babylonian empire and his cruelty and sadism in this endeavour were unmatched. The violence he enacted did not go in vain, because it is through martyrdom that the Kurdish miracle has arisen. Following Halabjah, the no-fly zone put in place over Kurdistan allowed a reprive from the bombings and gassings and the Kurds seized the moment, producing the Kurdish miracle we have today.
The US were so hell-bent on destroying Iran they were providing satellite information to Saddam. The result was a complete dismissal of the Kurdish genocide. However, after the gulf war, Bush sr. called for rebellion in Iraq and the overthrow of Saddam. The result was immediate, and widespread, but Saddam was not sanctioned severely enough and his reprisals were immediate and widespread. Within days 100,000 Kurds were imprisoned, with 20,000 killed. 1.5 million Kurds fled towards Iran and Turkey, which helicopters used as an opportunity to drop phosphorus bombs on the enormous stampede. Kurdish leaders understandably blamed the American president for inciting the rebellion and failing to support it. One of the worst snowstorms in Kurdish history was beginning, yet the Turks closed their border. The suffering had become so severe, that for the first time the UN called for interference in the internal affairs of a member state.
The vigour with which the Kurds pursued economic vitality following the institution of the no-fly zone was the result of a Kurdish entrepreneurial spirit and savvy policy from their leaders. The 2006 investment law daringly opened the stage for global investment so essential for maintaining the miracle - foreign and indigenous investors are treated equally, so anyone can start a business in Kurdistan and be treated under the law just as any Kurd who has lived there their whole life. Furthermore: “Another provision of this transforming legislative act was equally stunning. Article 4 of the Investment Law promises free or reduced-price land for most foreign investment projects. Another provision guarantees foreign investors complete rights to repatriate their profits in full.
This means a foreign firm may invest in Kurdistan and then take all profits to its home country "in full." Few nations in the world are as generous. The law also guarantees foreigners the same rights to own land for investment purposes as are given to those who live in Kurdistan. More astonishing still is the law's guarantee of a ten-year tax break for foreign investors once their company begins production or starts providing services. This same provision guarantees new ventures exemption from customs fees on imports for five years.”
The free market and western ideals espoused by the kurdish government are challenging sentiments as they indicate something that can easily be misconstrued. Some people will observe and comment that it is clear then, that the western free market global order is superior, as kurdistan thrives beyond the means of more protectionist, fundamentalist neighbouring states. This might be true, but it might also be the case that the kurd’s suffering and character under their arab neighbours which lends them a predisposition to certain western liberalisms is more amenable to investors and governments who control the world’s wealth. It is tough to say, but I think kurdish openness and tolerance is to be praised for sure. Perhaps more than their economic policy, their religious tolerance might be their greatest asset. They would certainly give no space to a non-secular Islamist state.
There is a Cristopher Hitchens quote within criticising those who claim Saddam Hussein’s state was not religiously motivated. First off using Hitchens for this is a poor choice as that man detests anything to do with faith and viewing Saddam through that lens only helps him to villainise him, as deserved or even redundant as that may be. But more importantly, the claim that Saddam’s state was Islamist needs to be challenged because it reinforces the US’ justification for their invasion of Iraq as defence against Al Qaeda. The Ba’athist state was fundamentally secular in ideology and viewed Islamic fundamentalism as a great threat. Al Qaeda could not have been allies of Saddam, and any indication that his state was Islamist comes from his attempts to weaponise the faith for his own gain, not any idealogical imperative or belief in anything other than violence, unlike Al Qaeda who weaponised the faith for primarily religious and politically religious ends. This distinction matters and the suggestion otherwise is dangerous for reinforcing justifications for the US war and occupation in Iraq, which was predicated on lies and profit and only served to emblazon religious fundamentalism in the region.
literally took under 3hrs to read, there’s no reason not to pick this up. The author’s biases are clear, especially his faith, but this book is evidently subjective and small in scope, so I did not mind. I came away with a good sense of how the Kurdish people are, their faith, culture and character and a solid understanding of their modern history, suffering and successes. The author clearly loves the kurds, so the book is often fun as well as being smartly written throughout.
saddam hussein’s genocide of the kurds entailed gas attacks which forced the people to higher ground, where gunships would then put them down. Fathers broke their children’s necks out of mercy.
There is a central reality to Kurdish life that gives rise to great hospitality, which is the unshakeable necessity of belonging to a people.
Saladin was a kurd, often seen as the greatest kurd, but has in a way been expropriated by the arabs.
When the British created Iraq after the collapse of the Ottoman’s, the Kurds were bundled in too, contradicting promises for their own state. The kurds are not arab and are not even shi’ite, yet were placed under king Faisal, an arab hashemite king. Since the 1920’s therefore, the kurds have been expected to be iraqis, ignoring the fact that they were already an ancient people before Rome was an empire.
The mountains of Kurdistan are what make up their nation, their sense of identity, their homeland. The people belong to the mountains, as the mountains belong to them.
The Kurds believe themselves as decedents of the Median empire, which they use to historically justify their claims for nationhood. It is like how Manas provides a sense of national identity to the Kyrgyz.
The Kurds in history are always belonging to other people. Cyrus the great or Darius or Saladin are all kurds, but all are remembered as belonging to other peoples.
The early apostles arrived in Kurdistan, where the faith thrived until the dominance of Islam in 634. Great armies and empires warred in and marched through Kurdistan and traders passed through - it was an essential component of world history. But their prosperity was cut short by Vasco da Gama’s voyage around the Cape of Good Hope which killed the caravans that passed through Kurdistan. The conflict between the persians and ottomans also decimated them as they found themselves at the centre of a centuries-long war.
In the early 20th century, Kurdistan erupted into a religious bloodbath. edit: (This is all the author mentions on this matter, but it was in fact the Armenian genocide, which the Kurds hold a great deal of responsibility for. The author should have specified the details of this dark portion of their history.) The timing couldn’t have been worse, as the world powers could not conceive of granting autonomy to such a splintered, crazed people. Instead they were put into Iraq, a fatal outcome. edit: (The British also needed oil concessions in the region, highly suspecting the presence of reserves in Northern Iraq. Furthermore, Turkey was fundamental to receiving access to these reserves, and so refusing to give the Kurds their state was likely to the delight of Turkey, who calls them ‘mountain-Turks’. This book fails to address any of this, even though it is an important part of the Kurd’s story in the region.) Turkey, despising them for their unceasing resistance and non-conformity, persecute them, as did the Iraqi monarchy. When the Baathists came into power, Saddam Hussein became their annihilator.
Since the times of Abraham, Jews have lived in Kurdistan. When Israel was created, the jews left and the muslim kurds they lived alongside grieved for them. In memory, they maintain the synagogues that now have no one using them.
Saddam weaponised the Koran against the kurds, and his genocidal campaign was called ‘al-anfal’ after a chapter about the killing and plundering on non-believers. The result is that Islam has changed for the kurds, and they refuse to be conform to arabising influence. The kurds indefatigable desire for independence and self-expression extends even to islam. The result is one of the world’s most moderate iterations of Islam.
In the Iran/Iraq war, which was entirely senseless and used as a profiteering opportunity by most western powers that sold armaments to both sides, the Kurds allied with the Iranians against the genoicde Saddam had already initiated. Halabjah was the main kurdish front. Saddam dropped sarin and mustard gas on the town. People coughed up green liquid, their skin burned off rendering them unrecognisable and bomb shelters proved useless as the gas snaked its way underground. In the immediate aftermath, 5000 were killed. To touch the clothing of the dead would inflict immediate burns on the skin. The horror of the scene was so severe that the Iranians sent some European photographers and the genocide was documented for all the world to see. The bombings had destroyed most infrastructure in the town and those that survived tried to seek medical aid in Iran, undergoing a death march through mine-ridden snowy mountain passes that killed, along with the after-effects of the gas, some seven thousand. Even today, the soil in Halabjah is infertile, livestock produce deformed offspring and the descendants of those not even in Halabjah but nearby suffer sterility, infertility, cancer, birth defects, blood diseases, insomnia, depression, mental disorders and a host of phobias. This is only one of the Al-Anfal attacks.
Saddam Hussein dreamed of a Babylonian empire and his cruelty and sadism in this endeavour were unmatched. The violence he enacted did not go in vain, because it is through martyrdom that the Kurdish miracle has arisen. Following Halabjah, the no-fly zone put in place over Kurdistan allowed a reprive from the bombings and gassings and the Kurds seized the moment, producing the Kurdish miracle we have today.
The US were so hell-bent on destroying Iran they were providing satellite information to Saddam. The result was a complete dismissal of the Kurdish genocide. However, after the gulf war, Bush sr. called for rebellion in Iraq and the overthrow of Saddam. The result was immediate, and widespread, but Saddam was not sanctioned severely enough and his reprisals were immediate and widespread. Within days 100,000 Kurds were imprisoned, with 20,000 killed. 1.5 million Kurds fled towards Iran and Turkey, which helicopters used as an opportunity to drop phosphorus bombs on the enormous stampede. Kurdish leaders understandably blamed the American president for inciting the rebellion and failing to support it. One of the worst snowstorms in Kurdish history was beginning, yet the Turks closed their border. The suffering had become so severe, that for the first time the UN called for interference in the internal affairs of a member state.
The vigour with which the Kurds pursued economic vitality following the institution of the no-fly zone was the result of a Kurdish entrepreneurial spirit and savvy policy from their leaders. The 2006 investment law daringly opened the stage for global investment so essential for maintaining the miracle - foreign and indigenous investors are treated equally, so anyone can start a business in Kurdistan and be treated under the law just as any Kurd who has lived there their whole life. Furthermore: “Another provision of this transforming legislative act was equally stunning. Article 4 of the Investment Law promises free or reduced-price land for most foreign investment projects. Another provision guarantees foreign investors complete rights to repatriate their profits in full.
This means a foreign firm may invest in Kurdistan and then take all profits to its home country "in full." Few nations in the world are as generous. The law also guarantees foreigners the same rights to own land for investment purposes as are given to those who live in Kurdistan. More astonishing still is the law's guarantee of a ten-year tax break for foreign investors once their company begins production or starts providing services. This same provision guarantees new ventures exemption from customs fees on imports for five years.”
The free market and western ideals espoused by the kurdish government are challenging sentiments as they indicate something that can easily be misconstrued. Some people will observe and comment that it is clear then, that the western free market global order is superior, as kurdistan thrives beyond the means of more protectionist, fundamentalist neighbouring states. This might be true, but it might also be the case that the kurd’s suffering and character under their arab neighbours which lends them a predisposition to certain western liberalisms is more amenable to investors and governments who control the world’s wealth. It is tough to say, but I think kurdish openness and tolerance is to be praised for sure. Perhaps more than their economic policy, their religious tolerance might be their greatest asset. They would certainly give no space to a non-secular Islamist state.
There is a Cristopher Hitchens quote within criticising those who claim Saddam Hussein’s state was not religiously motivated. First off using Hitchens for this is a poor choice as that man detests anything to do with faith and viewing Saddam through that lens only helps him to villainise him, as deserved or even redundant as that may be. But more importantly, the claim that Saddam’s state was Islamist needs to be challenged because it reinforces the US’ justification for their invasion of Iraq as defence against Al Qaeda. The Ba’athist state was fundamentally secular in ideology and viewed Islamic fundamentalism as a great threat. Al Qaeda could not have been allies of Saddam, and any indication that his state was Islamist comes from his attempts to weaponise the faith for his own gain, not any idealogical imperative or belief in anything other than violence, unlike Al Qaeda who weaponised the faith for primarily religious and politically religious ends. This distinction matters and the suggestion otherwise is dangerous for reinforcing justifications for the US war and occupation in Iraq, which was predicated on lies and profit and only served to emblazon religious fundamentalism in the region.
February 21, 2024
An absolutely incredible, heartfelt homage to a wonderful nation of people.
I will be honest, when I first started reading this book and came across some of the author's statements about Christianity and the West, I was nearly put off. I looked Stephen Mansfield up and took a look at his accolades and previous work and was nervous that I was going to read about some WASP campaign to "save the Middle East" by way of some self-aggrandizing evangelical quest. Boy, was I wrong.
Mansfield writes in a way that is incredibly palatable and concise, while still invoking deep emotion and appreciation for the Kurdish people. The amount of love that is packed into such a quick little read is astounding. Mansfield praises the Kurds for their resilience, generosity and loyalty to their culture and credo - and I couldn't think of another nation that deserves praise of this degree. The Kurds are very much deserving of such praise, as they have faced adversity with the most solid sense of harmony and stoicism. They have been the target of many oppressive regimes, including that of the Al-Asads from Syria and of Saddam Hussein in Iraq, but they have remained vigilant and proud. Their dedication to preservation of culture and love in the world is beyond admirable, and I firmly believe there is a lot that many of us could learn from the Kurds.
Many of us in the West were raised in a time of government-driven uncertainty about the Middle East. We had the wool pulled over our eyes while our greedy political leaders continued their exploitation of people by way of violence and destruction. These propaganda-led assumptions about this part of the world are immediately stamped out in this short little read - Mansfield nips these claims in the bud and delivers the truth in a tremendous way.
Truly a triumph of nonfiction - and well-deserved praise for the Kurdish people. Long live the Kurds and their beautiful culture. We can all learn something about being better people by praising cultures such as the Kurds.
Zanîn xweziya rojî ye.
Knowledge is the light of the day.
I will be honest, when I first started reading this book and came across some of the author's statements about Christianity and the West, I was nearly put off. I looked Stephen Mansfield up and took a look at his accolades and previous work and was nervous that I was going to read about some WASP campaign to "save the Middle East" by way of some self-aggrandizing evangelical quest. Boy, was I wrong.
Mansfield writes in a way that is incredibly palatable and concise, while still invoking deep emotion and appreciation for the Kurdish people. The amount of love that is packed into such a quick little read is astounding. Mansfield praises the Kurds for their resilience, generosity and loyalty to their culture and credo - and I couldn't think of another nation that deserves praise of this degree. The Kurds are very much deserving of such praise, as they have faced adversity with the most solid sense of harmony and stoicism. They have been the target of many oppressive regimes, including that of the Al-Asads from Syria and of Saddam Hussein in Iraq, but they have remained vigilant and proud. Their dedication to preservation of culture and love in the world is beyond admirable, and I firmly believe there is a lot that many of us could learn from the Kurds.
Many of us in the West were raised in a time of government-driven uncertainty about the Middle East. We had the wool pulled over our eyes while our greedy political leaders continued their exploitation of people by way of violence and destruction. These propaganda-led assumptions about this part of the world are immediately stamped out in this short little read - Mansfield nips these claims in the bud and delivers the truth in a tremendous way.
Truly a triumph of nonfiction - and well-deserved praise for the Kurdish people. Long live the Kurds and their beautiful culture. We can all learn something about being better people by praising cultures such as the Kurds.
Zanîn xweziya rojî ye.
Knowledge is the light of the day.
January 26, 2022
The Miracle of the Kurds is a really good book, especially if you are curious about the Kurds, but don't know much. Even if you know Kurds and have a good understanding of their culture, this is still a excellent source of information. If the book has a shortcoming, it is that its focus is on the Kurds in Iraq. Most of the historical information is on the Iraqi Kurds. It doesn't discuss the history of the Kurds in Syria, Iran, or Turkey. It actually talked more about the Kurds in Nashville than the Kurds in Syria. I suspect part of that is due to the timeframe when the book was written. This is post-Saddam and pre-ISIS. The Syrian Kurds really didn't really get much international attention until they halted ISIS and reclaimed Kobani. However, none of that detracts from the personal stories recounted in the book that highlight the history of the Kurds, both good and bad.
As with most books about the Kurds, a lot of it is painful. Kurdish history is so full of betrayal and suffering that is seeps into any book about the Kurds and it can become overwhelming. However, there are a lot of very positive aspects of the book and the overall message of The Miracle of the Kurds is very hopeful. One thing that I noted is the Stephen Mansfield's prediction that the centralization of power in Kurdistan could become a problem if it remained in the hands of two families. That appears to be coming true. I think the situation with the refugees caught between Belarus and Poland are an indication that a huge gap has developed in Kurdistan. However, it remains to be seen what will happen in Kurdistan. I wish the people all the best and I hope that they are able to work together to provide a stable future for all their citizens.
As with most books about the Kurds, a lot of it is painful. Kurdish history is so full of betrayal and suffering that is seeps into any book about the Kurds and it can become overwhelming. However, there are a lot of very positive aspects of the book and the overall message of The Miracle of the Kurds is very hopeful. One thing that I noted is the Stephen Mansfield's prediction that the centralization of power in Kurdistan could become a problem if it remained in the hands of two families. That appears to be coming true. I think the situation with the refugees caught between Belarus and Poland are an indication that a huge gap has developed in Kurdistan. However, it remains to be seen what will happen in Kurdistan. I wish the people all the best and I hope that they are able to work together to provide a stable future for all their citizens.
February 21, 2017
Ultimately, I accomplished the goal I set when choosing this book; learning more about a people frequently talked about but seldom understood. Mansfield's affinity for the Kurds, a people without a home, without friends, is undeniable and often endearing, but there are moments where his writing seemed to be less objective and more defensive. Though this is my first in depth exposure to the Kurds, therefore accounting for a major gap in knowledge when compared to the author, his style left me feeling as though details were left out. It appeared that his love for these undeniably redeemable people prevented him from a properly balanced account. But again, what do I know?
Mansfield certainly provided me with a detailed yet brief history of their past, which in turn contextualized their current troubles. This is what I hoped for, and beyond that I also learned a bit of their personality trends, their cultural anomalies and how these can isolate them from their neighbors and more. Overall, it was indeed very informative, and as a Cleveland sports fan, I couldn't help but find myself rooting for positive turns within the pages. However, as a Cleveland sports fan, while I cringe at our series of bad luck and improbable outcomes, I also remember the missteps on our end. While I cannot say what those might be for the Kurds, or even if there are any, this book read more as a love letter than a profile.
Mansfield certainly provided me with a detailed yet brief history of their past, which in turn contextualized their current troubles. This is what I hoped for, and beyond that I also learned a bit of their personality trends, their cultural anomalies and how these can isolate them from their neighbors and more. Overall, it was indeed very informative, and as a Cleveland sports fan, I couldn't help but find myself rooting for positive turns within the pages. However, as a Cleveland sports fan, while I cringe at our series of bad luck and improbable outcomes, I also remember the missteps on our end. While I cannot say what those might be for the Kurds, or even if there are any, this book read more as a love letter than a profile.
April 8, 2020
I was living in Nashville a short time when I learned about the large Kurdish population that also lives in the city. I'm embarrassed to say I knew little to nothing about the Kurdish people before this point. When I found "The Miracle of the Kurds" on sale at the book store, I had to pick it up!
Because I was not familiar with the Kurdish people, there were parts of the story that I had a hard time following. This book did build some really valuable background knowledge on the Kurdish people, Saddam Hussein, and the conflict in the Middle East (specifically with Iran, Iraq, and the Kurdish people). I'm eager to learn more about these Kurdish people who have a rich history, both beautiful and tragic. I'm also thankful that their story, perspective, and hospitality plays a part in a city I love.
Because I was not familiar with the Kurdish people, there were parts of the story that I had a hard time following. This book did build some really valuable background knowledge on the Kurdish people, Saddam Hussein, and the conflict in the Middle East (specifically with Iran, Iraq, and the Kurdish people). I'm eager to learn more about these Kurdish people who have a rich history, both beautiful and tragic. I'm also thankful that their story, perspective, and hospitality plays a part in a city I love.
October 23, 2025
My default setting of 2025 has been extremely exhausted, but it’s still unacceptable how I’ve fallen so behind on everything phone related! Also unacceptable that my priority is updating my GoodReads rather than replying to messages and emails, but here we are.
I thought the book itself was fine. While I appreciate that the author is aware that the most he can say is that he was just there to listen, there’s something weird about the stories of the Kurds being told via a non-Kurd.
Ideally wish to have read a memoir or book from a Kurd, but my Hoopla and Libby apps didn’t have any of the titles I was seeking out.
So this is a good book to read if you’re interested in general overview of south Kurdish history. But I would recommend maybe reading this in conjunction with a memoir or book written by a Kurd too if possible.
I thought the book itself was fine. While I appreciate that the author is aware that the most he can say is that he was just there to listen, there’s something weird about the stories of the Kurds being told via a non-Kurd.
Ideally wish to have read a memoir or book from a Kurd, but my Hoopla and Libby apps didn’t have any of the titles I was seeking out.
So this is a good book to read if you’re interested in general overview of south Kurdish history. But I would recommend maybe reading this in conjunction with a memoir or book written by a Kurd too if possible.
July 12, 2018
I absolutely loved this book. As a Kurd, I thought I knew a lot about my people but most of the things in this book I didn’t even know. I was so happy to learn new things about my people and so happy and proud that Stephen Mansfield took the time to write this book about the Kurdish people. Their story needs to be told and the world needs to know. This book was very informative and I loved every page. I finished it in a day and never usually read that quickly. Thank you Stephen Mansfield for your love for the Kurds which translated into the pages in this book. Her biji Kurdistan. Long live Kurdistan. 😊
February 13, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I knew little to nothing of the Kurds prior to reading this book, so it was very informative, and Stephen Mansfield is an excellent writer. But the book is too close to hagiography (or the journalistic equivalent) to receive anything more than 3 stars. He tries to counter this with a few small areas of criticism at the end, but it doesn’t compensate for the over-the-top praise throughout the rest of the book.
June 22, 2017
as a regular follower of Stephen's podcast [https://stephenmansfield.tv/podcast-2/], i was interested to read one of his works. In this book, Mansfield writes about the Kurds, one of the topics about which he is passionate.
Having read this book, I am beginning to get a better sense of the Kurds as a people. I also am more inclined to read additional works by this author.
Having read this book, I am beginning to get a better sense of the Kurds as a people. I also am more inclined to read additional works by this author.
May 28, 2021
A background informational look at the ancient and current history of the people known as Kurds.
The old history is enlightening and needs to be known.....the more recent history demands to be known.....Too much tragedy. Lots of Sadam Husain . Many ugly incidents revealed making reading difficult.
The old history is enlightening and needs to be known.....the more recent history demands to be known.....Too much tragedy. Lots of Sadam Husain . Many ugly incidents revealed making reading difficult.
May 25, 2022
Personal, accurate history and immense appreciation of a maliciously maltreated nation is overshadowed by the authors not so subtle aggrandizing gospel for Christianity.
I genuinely learned a lot from the book, however, felt sad for the message; "Look at what Christianity can do, the Kurds were gassed, but now they have Jesus".
I genuinely learned a lot from the book, however, felt sad for the message; "Look at what Christianity can do, the Kurds were gassed, but now they have Jesus".
June 2, 2022
A fascinating and moving introduction to Kurdistan and the Kurdish people. There are definitely advantages and disadvantages to learning about a people group from an outsider, and this book exemplifies both. It is probably wise to move beyond this book for a more complete picture, but this was a great primer and an easy, engaging read.
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