Waging Peace

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Gripping, on-the-ground reportage of Special Operations soldiers struggling to rebuild a shattered neighborhood in Baghdad. The U.S. Army Civil Affairs Corps plays a crucial role in post-combat zones, working in seven-member teams to restore essential services like power and sewage, and to revive hospitals and schools while winning the hearts of local populations. These soldiers face unprecedented challenges in Iraq, where their success could determine the nation's future. Veteran war correspondent Rob Schultheis immerses readers in West Baghdad with Civil Affairs Team A-13, as they confront death threats, ambushes, and roadside bombs while attempting to revitalize a community scarred by years of conflict and corruption under Saddam Hussein. The narrative introduces memorable characters, including a former Peace Corps volunteer who forges alliances through local cuisine, a California surfer turned language specialist who helps establish an Islamic women’s center, and a seasoned ex-Marine sniper whose tough exterior conceals a deep compassion for Baghdad's children. Leading the team is ex-Green Beret Major Mark Clark, skilled in navigating both insurgent threats and bureaucratic obstacles to aid local Iraqis. This poignant portrait reveals the street-level reality of Baghdad, often overshadowed by headlines and sound bites, based on six months of intense reporting.