Saving Babylon by Paul Holton Search Amazon for other books by or about Paul Holton. Rating: Reviewed by: Maurice Williams

Confused with what The Media and politicians are saying about Iraq? Do you wonder if any American had honorable intentions about our intrusion into Iraq? Saving Babylon relates what one military man, who was actually there, thinks. Sent into action with 150 Utah Army National Guardsmen when the invasion started, Chief Warrant Officer Paul Holton gained first hand insight into both our military's opinion of our intentions and the Iraqi response to our invasion. As an Intelligence Officer, he interrogated Iraqi POWs, including generals, and, after Saddam's military defeat, Iraqi civilians.

You will be surprised with what Holton learned of the Iraqi people and the hope many have of living in peace and freedom despite the terrorism of those who don't want Iraq to change and despite the bias of special interest critics. Watching Iraq spin deeper and deeper into chaos, I wonder how much our own very public criticism has encouraged terrorists to accelerate their opposition. I wonder, now, if anything can be salvaged in Iraq.

Paul Holton saw a different scene in Iraq. He saw Americans with good intentions defeat a tyrant. He saw American soldiers conduct themselves with honor, with very few exceptions, none of which he personally witnessed, and he saw how carefully the military avoided harming civilians. Drawing upon the sentiments that have made America great, Holton began a ministry to bring some joy and happiness to Iraqi children. With immense response from Americans both at home and in Iraq, he founded "Operation Give" to provide toys, school supplies, and medical assistance for needy Iraqi children. In 2004, he came under Army scrutiny when the Army began an inquiry into his activities and his involvement with the "Operation Give" toy drive.

President Bush, without realizing it, came to Holton's rescue when President Bush decided to mention what Holton was doing at the 52nd Annual National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. on February 5, 2004. Bush quoted how Holton defined the mission of Operation Give:

"It is part of our heritage that the benefits of being free, enjoyed ay all Americans, was set up by God, intended for all people. Bondage is not of God, and it is not right that any man should be in bondage at any time, in any way."