Third Regiment: Memoirs of an Iraqi Prisoner of War Doctor – 2

I graduated from medical school in 1979 and began my work as a physician in the community. Due to my outstanding grade, I was employed at a first-class hospital in Baghdad. My work started at the Arab Children's Hospital and concluded at the Al-Karama General Hospital. The Arab Children's Hospital is located in a sensitive area near the parliament, the Presidential Palace, and the Ministry of Interior.

Third Regiment: Memoirs of an Iraqi Prisoner of War Doctor – 1

Starting this week, we will be reading "The Third Regiment: Memoirs of an Iraqi Prisoner of War Doctor." The book was written by Dr. Mojtaba al-Hosseini and translated by Mohammad Hossein Zavar Kabeh. "The Third Regiment" was first published in 1991 by the Bureau for the Literature and Art of Resistance at Islamic Proselytization Organization’s Art Center. This work is the 73rd book produced by the office and is counted as its 22nd book in the format of memoirs.

Medal and Leave - 11

11 notes from an Iraqi captive

The snow was falling gently, adding to the stillness and tranquility of the area. As far as the eye could see, there was nothing but snow. On the mountains, on the hills, and even on my shoulders and head, the white snowflakes danced their way down and settled on the ground.

Medal and Leave - 10

11 notes from an Iraqi captive

The road was always perilous. So much so that one could boldly say the dangers of the front lines were insignificant in comparison to the dangers of this road. Most vehicles carrying personnel that traveled this road would crash and overturn. Sometimes, the columns of forces passing through this route would also be attacked by regime opposition militants.

Medal and Leave - 9

11 notes from an Iraqi captive

I was standing by his room, waiting for him to allow me to enter. A short while later, permission was granted. I went in. He raised his head. Sadness and depression poured from his eyes. He greeted me... I sat down and looked at him. Sergeant Esmaeel Amin was the sub-lieutenant of the mechanized unit of the 604th Battalion, 1st Regiment, stationed in "Rawanduz".

Medal and Leave - 8

11 notes from an Iraqi captive

He was coming towards us. Proud and intoxicated by a hollow victory. Happy with the commendation rank that rested on his shoulders. A deceived one who had received the rank from a rebel and a tyrant. He sipped his coffee over the corpses of those who had become fuel for the fire of war. I don't know if we were wretched people or blind, insight-less ones?!

Medal and Leave - 7

11 notes from an Iraqi captive

The pattern and criterion of tranquility in any area of the front was a forbidden zone. If the distance between the contact lines of the Islamic forces and Saddam's army increased, the forbidden zone expanded, and consequently, security and tranquility were established. Otherwise, the situation would become tense.

Medal and Leave - 6

11 notes from an Iraqi captive

He laughed so hard he nearly toppled over backward. They were engrossed in conversation, and I carefully observed their faces. Between every sentence, his insane laughter erupted, interrupting their words. With his gleaming eyes, he scanned the corners of the room. His sullen face and sharp gaze revealed his savagery and treachery. His close friend was no better.

Medal and Leave - 5

11 notes from an Iraqi captive

Divine aid, in its true sense, means the Great God's support of His sincere servants through unseen forces in the heavens and the earth without human awareness. That is, the same strong and resilient barriers that have protected the Islamic Revolution in the past and present from destructive and devastating currents; and I have been involved in such situations.

Medal and Leave - 4

11 notes from an Iraqi captive

They entered in columns from all directions. Their faces were sallow and dust-covered, their lips parched, and their eyes dim; they saw nothing but an obscure goal. They seemed apprehensive of an uncertain future, and if you looked at their faces, you would think they were miners, with the roof caved in on them, who had emerged alive from under the rubble and escaped the clutches of death.