The Unraveling Quotes

“I could not help but marvel at the way in which the military had got stuck into trying to improve the lives of the Kirkukis. They were identifying priority projects in the province, tendering out work to local contractors, and managing large amounts of money. Tank commanders were working on economic development, paratroopers on governance, civil affairs officers on education. They were totally dedicated to the task at hand.”
― Emma Sky, The Unraveling: High Hopes and Missed Opportunities in Iraq

“In order to allay fears, Mayville decided to put out a media statement. I came across the “Proclamation of Baghdad,” issued to the inhabitants of Baghdad on 19 March 1917 by Lieutenant General Sir Stanley Maude shortly after the occupation of the city by British forces. I showed it to Mayville and within an hour we had re-addressed it “To the people of Kirkuk Province.” As Colonel Mayville pointed out, it was a “timeless” speech, and barely needed editing. We too claimed we had come “not as conquerors but as liberators.” Colonel Mayville increased the presence of the US military in the streets because there was concern about the capacity of the local forces.”
― Emma Sky, The Unraveling: High Hopes and Missed Opportunities in Iraq

“I also noted that every time he made a comment, everyone nodded in agreement. Every time he joked, everyone laughed as if it was the funniest comment ever made. Like a Greek chorus. An interesting tribe, I thought.”
― Emma Sky, The Unraveling: High Hopes and Missed Opportunities in Iraq

“For the military, the greatest threat to the mission had become the US embassy.”
― Emma Sky, The Unraveling: High Hopes and Missed Opportunities in Iraq

“The American Forces Network (AFN) blared out across the base and its announcements still seemed geared towards those with subnormal IQs.”
― Emma Sky, The Unraveling: High Hopes and Missed Opportunities in Iraq

“The Coalition promised regime change but instead brought about state collapse,”
― Emma Sky, The Unraveling: High Hopes and Missed Opportunities in Iraq