I approached What a Country Owes Its Soldiers by Saira Mohamed with a bit of hesitation. Being a veteran, I know many who squirm when trying to discuss what is “owed” to us whether it’s a free meal once a year or benefits provided by the federal government. Lo and behold, Mohamed’s book goes much further than what is owed after service. She is trying to break down what is owed during service.
The reader should be aware that Mohamed is a lawyer who teaches and writes about international and criminal law as well as human rights. This book is not packed with boring legalese. She is writing for a general audience and makes her points clear to even the most casual reader. It is, though, not narrative and won’t have characters which stretch through the entire book. This is not in any way a criticism. I merely want to make it clear what kind of book this is.
And what it is, is magnificent. Mohamed puts on a masterclass in providing clear ideas with real-life examples. She is also realistic. There are things in here that she suggests needs to change where I scoffed and thought, “Ha, they are never doing any of that.” Mohamed clearly knows her audience and says that herself in the text right after. However, this doesn’t stop her from pointing out what is right and what should be expected.
I won’t be able to do each of her arguments justice in a short review. I would just say that it all boils down to the fact that a soldier, sailor, airman, or marine should not be expected to lose their humanity just because they have entered the inhuman arena of war. Human rights don’t end at basic training.
(This book was provided as a review copy by Harvard University Press/Belknap Press.)
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