Saving Babylon: The Heart of an Army Interrogator in Iraq

By Paul Holton

Saving Babylon is the gripping account of an Army interrogator in the Iraq War. Holton’s techniques, honed over 34 years, got him inside the hearts of Iraqis. He dealt with the best and the worst of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1933434007
• ISBN13: 9781933434001
• Release Date: July 2005
• Publisher: Perihelion Press
• Length: 240 Pages

Customer Reviews

Great book, for a great cause!

I loved this book, Paul did a great job. I have also heard him speak. He is a wonderful man who helped and still helps alot of people over in Iraq.

Weapons of mass smiles

Reviewed by William Phenn for Reader Views (11/06) Paul Holton, more commonly known as Chief Wiggles, has set up many humanitarian assistance and help organizations. He offers an insider view and humanistic portrayal of life in Iraq. He is adamant in his quest to inform the general public of the good in the people of Iraq. While serving the US Army as an Interrogator, he discovers the similarities among men and their families, rather than the brutal terrorists our media has reported them to be. Paul expands his mission to bring joy and goodwill to this impoverished country through Operation Give. Through his choice of giving he says he has received so much more in return. Through the sight of a small girl's tears, an idea to bring smiles to a people who have known few was born. As an officer and Interrogator during the Iraqi War, this guardsman also wishes to educate the public of the American's humane treatment of their prisoners of war. He further expresses the goodness within the Iraqi military leaders he had the opportunity to extract information from. They parted as friends from the unlikely place of a prisoner of war camp with plans to reunite and maintain contact. After their release from camp, their word was honored with dinner at their homes with their families. Mr. Holton has, through his kindness, befriended many individuals who will lead Iraq to a new order of government. The youth of Iraq have seen a different human soul than their previous leader has led them to believe. "Saving Babylon" describes how one soldier's goodwill may give many, hope for a brighter future. The poverty and brainwashing they have received during their lifetime is slowly replaced with hope by a stranger. Beginning with a small gift of a toy to a child, and ending with an international gift program, the author expresses how one man can make a monumental difference in world peace and understanding. He has been overjoyed to discover his program has expanded and continues its quest. This book is easily read, with the general public as its target audience. Although this book was written during war time, the military terminology and acronyms are described so that civilians will easily understand the terms. It would be an excellent book for students to read concerning the Iraqi war. "Saving Babylon" is a book to be read by any American citizen. It dispels the sensationalism the media seeks and reports upon. Instead, it tells a story of how our Higher Power works in the hearts of mankind throughout our world. We are more similar than different. Whether through our beliefs in a higher power, or hope for a kinder world, one man's mission has brought together families across the globe in a common bond of friendship. This fast moving 240-page novel was a gem to read and enjoy. I give it my most outstanding rating of A+, well done Mr. Holton.

Why doesn't the news cover this???

My husband and I read this book together and really enjoyed hearing what the news doesn't cover--all the good we are doing in Iraq. There's hope. What we're doing over there is not all in vain.

Award Winning Book!

There are very few books that capture the whole essence of the war going on in Iraq--with all the tribal, religious, historical and cultural divisions that plague the country. "Saving Babylon" is a whole new and most refreshing look at that war and the people who serve there. It will not only open your eyes and your mind but it will also open your heart. The author found a purpose much higher than just conducting war; he tried to make a difference in the lives of those he met there. To that end he was successful! Author Paul Holton (Better known by many around the world as "Chief Wiggles") writes a memoir of his tour of duty in Iraq, as an interrogator for the U.S. Army, which gives the reader a real inside look at what was and is going on there. He writes about the captured generals that he personally spent months interrogating. More importantly, is the way he does it. As a former soldier, I was pleased to read how Chief Warrant Officer Holton, made it a point to uphold the principles of "The Geneva Conventions of War." He used his personality--not torture or cruel punishments (as we have read so much about in the media) to extract information from POWs. He approached his job as a professional with a humanitarian heart and not just with the POWs but with the children of the country. The book is a wonderful read for men, women and even for mature children. It is on the MWSA "Top Ten Recommended Reading List" for 2005. "Chief Wiggles" created a non-profit foundation to bring toys and supplies to those in need inside Iraq. This operation almost cost him his career but in the end, he was even recognized by the President of the United States in a speech at a prayer breakfast. The author writes a great story about his personal experiences; but his example as a humanitarian soldier will be his legacy. I am forever grateful for men like Paul Holton who served and gave so much from their heart. His foundation is called "Operation Give" and can be found on the web at: [...] The Military Writer's Society of America recognizes Paul Holton's efforts with their "Humanitarian Award for 2005".

The heart of the Army Interrogator in Iraq

A truly motivational presentation by one who experienced the rigors and the challenges of military duty in Iraq. Holton's message is most poignant due to his daily involvement with the Iraqi people whose homeland is undergoing drastic change. Holton's role is to interrogate high ranking Iraqi POW's who run from those who wish to delay the work of rebuilding the shattered country to those who wish to assist positively and constructively in forming a truly functioning and vibrant Iraqi economy and society.