Season 2, Episode 92

Join your hosts Carmen and Sophia Micsa to learn more about Iraq and the Arabic culture from our guest Zaid Brifkani and his wonderful novel Waters Under Baghdad part of our book club conversation.

Dr. Zaid Brifkani is an American physician of Iraqi Kurdish descent. He specializes in dialysis and kidney transplantation with a lifelong passion for writing. His debut novel "The Mountains We Carry" was released in November 2021. He lives in Nashville with his wife and three children.

Growing up in Iraq, Brifkani witnessed many traumatic experiences of war, migration, and political turmoil, which have highlighted his dedication to writing about the negative impact of wars and political struggles.

“The Tigris River flowed through Baghdad, watering the seeds planted by all who claimed that Iraq belonged to them. But Iraq does not belong to anyone. They belong to Iraq.” – Dr. Zaid Brifkani, Waters Under Baghdad

On this Seeds of Sunshine episode:

• Dr. Brifkani discusses the political environment in Iraq and how Saddam Hussein was addicted to power.
• His novel looks at history through the lens of power and us vs. them. Learning about the correct history helps us empathize and be kinder to others.
• Being open-minded is also what helps us appreciate the beauty of other cultures.
• Dr. Brifkani emphasizes that we are human beings before we are Americans or Iraqis.
• Religion was unfortunately being used to justify the greed for power.

To buy his books, go to:

Amazon.com: Zaid Brifkani: books, biography, latest update

To connect with Dr. Zaid Brifkani:

Zaid Brifkani, MD د. زيد بريفكاني (@zaidbrifkani) • Instagram photos and videos

Facebook

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Full editing credit & art design to my daughter Sophia Micsa.
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