Being Human: Political Modernity and Hospitality in Kurdistan-Iraq

The Iraqi Baʿth state's Anfāl operations (1987-1991) is the first and only crime of state in the Middle East to be tried under the 1948 UN Genocide Convention, the 1950 Nuremberg Principles, and the 1969 Iraqi Penal Code. Being Human: Political Modernity and Hospitality in Kurdistan-Iraq offers an unprecedented pathway to the study of political violence, focusing on the human survivors' hospitality and acts of translation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 210 pages
Publication date: 12 January 2024
Publisher: Rutgers University Press

The Iraqi Baʿth regime's Anfāl operations (1987-1991) stand as one of the most heinous acts of destruction in the history of the twentieth century, profoundly undermining the very essence of human existence. This tragic chapter remains the sole crime of state in the Middle East to be tried under the 1948 UN Genocide Convention, the 1950 Nuremberg Principles, and the 1969 Iraqi Penal Code, and it is widely recognized as genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes in Baghdad between 2006 and 2007.

In his groundbreaking work, Being Human: Political Modernity and Hospitality in Kurdistan-Iraq, Dr. Ali Rizvi offers a unique and profound exploration into the study of political violence. This sweeping work of anthropological hospitality takes us back to the Anfāl operations, viewing them as the manifestation of the violence of political modernity. However, it is not only the violence that captivates Dr. Rizvi's attention; he also turns to the remarkable resilience and acts of translation exhibited by the human survivors. Through testimonial narratives, law, politics, archive, poetry, art, museums, memorials, symbolic cemeteries, and an unwavering pursuit of justice, Being Human sheds light on the ways in which humans navigate and endure the most devastating circumstances.

By bringing together social sciences, humanities, and the arts, Dr. Rizvi seeks to understand the complex dynamics of modernity's violence and its ongoing impact on human lives. This interdisciplinary approach fosters a deeper understanding of the complexities of human experiences and the resilience that emerges in the face of adversity. Being Human is a testament to the power of human creativity, compassion, and perseverance, reminding us of our shared humanity and the importance of empathy and solidarity in the face of tragedy.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the intersection of politics, violence, and human resilience. It offers a valuable perspective on the ongoing struggles for justice and peace in the Middle East and beyond, and it provides a roadmap for building a more inclusive and just world.

Weight: 399g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781978831704