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The Oath: A Surgeon Under Fire
When Chechen rebels took Moscow theatergoers hostage in October 2002, it tragically highlighted the ongoing conflict between Russia and its breakaway republic, Chechnya—a war that has claimed an estimated 200,000 Chechen lives in the past decade. Yet the true nature of the debacle lies behind the headlines. In The Oath, a heroic Chechen doctor relates his harrowing experiences in the line of fire to bear witness to this international calamity, and illuminates his remarkable people and their culture.
In 1994, when fighting threatened to break out in Chechnya, Baiev left his promising career in Russia to aid his countrymen. First, he worked in a Grozny hospital until it was destroyed by Russian shelling. Returning to his hometown of Alkhan Kala, he and his fellow villagers restored a clinic with his own funds, and he soon found himself the only doctor for 80,000 residents in six villages and 5,000 refugees. During the next six years, he worked without gas, electricity, or running water, with only local anesthetics, and at one point dressed wounds with sour cream or egg yolks when supplies ran out. He often donated his own blood for surgeries, and on one occasion performed sixty-seven amputations in forty-eight hours.
Although he mainly treated civilians, Baiev also cared for Russian soldiers and Chechen fighters alike, never allowing politics to interfere with his commitment to the Hippocratic oath. He harbored Russian deserters and Chechen rebels at great personal risk and single-handedly rescued a Russian doctor who was scheduled to be executed. For this, Baiev was nearly killed by both the Russian special forces and Chechen extremists. Only when the Russian Army ordered him arrested for treating a wounded rebel warlord did Baiev finally flee Chechnya.
Echoing through his memoir is the history of Chechnya, a Muslim nation the size of Connecticut with a population of one million. Baiev explains the roots of the Chechen- Russian conflict, dating back 400 years, and he brings to life his once-beautiful ancestral home of Makazhoi where his family clan goes back generations, steeped in ancient traditions that are an intriguing blend of mountain folklore—including blood vendettas, arranged marriages, the authority of village elders—and Muslim religious rituals. And he writes frankly about the challenges of assimilating into western culture and about the post-traumatic stress disorder that has debilitated him since the war began.
The Oath is an important eyewitness account of the reality of the Chechen-Russian conflict, in which countless atrocities have been committed against average Chechens in stark contrast to the Kremlin's portrayal of the conflict. It is also a searing, unforgettable memoir that is certain to become a classic in the literature of war.
In 1994, when fighting threatened to break out in Chechnya, Baiev left his promising career in Russia to aid his countrymen. First, he worked in a Grozny hospital until it was destroyed by Russian shelling. Returning to his hometown of Alkhan Kala, he and his fellow villagers restored a clinic with his own funds, and he soon found himself the only doctor for 80,000 residents in six villages and 5,000 refugees. During the next six years, he worked without gas, electricity, or running water, with only local anesthetics, and at one point dressed wounds with sour cream or egg yolks when supplies ran out. He often donated his own blood for surgeries, and on one occasion performed sixty-seven amputations in forty-eight hours.
Although he mainly treated civilians, Baiev also cared for Russian soldiers and Chechen fighters alike, never allowing politics to interfere with his commitment to the Hippocratic oath. He harbored Russian deserters and Chechen rebels at great personal risk and single-handedly rescued a Russian doctor who was scheduled to be executed. For this, Baiev was nearly killed by both the Russian special forces and Chechen extremists. Only when the Russian Army ordered him arrested for treating a wounded rebel warlord did Baiev finally flee Chechnya.
Echoing through his memoir is the history of Chechnya, a Muslim nation the size of Connecticut with a population of one million. Baiev explains the roots of the Chechen- Russian conflict, dating back 400 years, and he brings to life his once-beautiful ancestral home of Makazhoi where his family clan goes back generations, steeped in ancient traditions that are an intriguing blend of mountain folklore—including blood vendettas, arranged marriages, the authority of village elders—and Muslim religious rituals. And he writes frankly about the challenges of assimilating into western culture and about the post-traumatic stress disorder that has debilitated him since the war began.
The Oath is an important eyewitness account of the reality of the Chechen-Russian conflict, in which countless atrocities have been committed against average Chechens in stark contrast to the Kremlin's portrayal of the conflict. It is also a searing, unforgettable memoir that is certain to become a classic in the literature of war.
376 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2003
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December 4, 2019
A very telling first-hand account of what has been happening in Chechnya. The author grew up there and speaks his native language as well as Russian. He lived and studied in various parts of the Soviet Union. His life, until the break-up of the Soviet Union was even somewhat privileged; he became an athlete and then a medical doctor.
There were always undertones of discrimination because of his Chechen roots. This all literally exploded with the disintegration of the Soviet Union and the break-up of its many republics. Whereas Moscow reluctantly said “Yes” to the autonomy of Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Ukraine and several others; they said “No” to Chechnya. It tragically became another Afghanistan. The Russians responded with overwhelming military force destroying their capital Grozny and several villages in the countryside. As the author aptly demonstrates it is largely the civilian population who suffered the most – with lives lost and their houses and communities destroyed. Chechnya is now in a state of trauma. We feel this directly through the author who served as an emergency room doctor. There are many passages of severe treatments. This is a personal history of the devastating effects of war. The great strength of this book is that the author bears no malice to the Russian people. He treated Russian soldiers, some of whom were very bitter about their military occupation in Chechnya. Many Russians were living in Chechnya and their lives too have been shattered.
Due to the Russian occupation and the many competing bands of Chechen militias the author was forced to flee. He now lives in the United States where his immediate family has joined him. We can only wish him well.
This is an emotionally charged book where we are provided with yet another example of an invasion of a small state by a superpower.
A memorable line in the book (on page 348): “If I did something bad to them, I would be no better than they are. I don’t want revenge. I want to be human. I don’t want to hate.”
There were always undertones of discrimination because of his Chechen roots. This all literally exploded with the disintegration of the Soviet Union and the break-up of its many republics. Whereas Moscow reluctantly said “Yes” to the autonomy of Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Ukraine and several others; they said “No” to Chechnya. It tragically became another Afghanistan. The Russians responded with overwhelming military force destroying their capital Grozny and several villages in the countryside. As the author aptly demonstrates it is largely the civilian population who suffered the most – with lives lost and their houses and communities destroyed. Chechnya is now in a state of trauma. We feel this directly through the author who served as an emergency room doctor. There are many passages of severe treatments. This is a personal history of the devastating effects of war. The great strength of this book is that the author bears no malice to the Russian people. He treated Russian soldiers, some of whom were very bitter about their military occupation in Chechnya. Many Russians were living in Chechnya and their lives too have been shattered.
Due to the Russian occupation and the many competing bands of Chechen militias the author was forced to flee. He now lives in the United States where his immediate family has joined him. We can only wish him well.
This is an emotionally charged book where we are provided with yet another example of an invasion of a small state by a superpower.
A memorable line in the book (on page 348): “If I did something bad to them, I would be no better than they are. I don’t want revenge. I want to be human. I don’t want to hate.”
August 9, 2024
The Oath was mentioned at the end of A Constellation of Vital Phenomena. It was just by chance that the library owned a copy. It has only been out 4 times since its purchase in 2003. That should give you a good idea of just how little interest there has been in Chechnya.
This is an important book. While it teaches a bit about Chechen history and traditions, it is best when it describes how one person can really make a difference (often at great cost to himself). If we all were a bit like Khassan Baiev, the world would be a much better place. He is one person we can strive to emulate.
After reading this, I pondered the popularity of the apocalyptic genre in our popular culture. Perhaps we all would be better served reading books like this. The world is apocalyptic enough -- we certainly don't have to make it up.
This is an important book. While it teaches a bit about Chechen history and traditions, it is best when it describes how one person can really make a difference (often at great cost to himself). If we all were a bit like Khassan Baiev, the world would be a much better place. He is one person we can strive to emulate.
After reading this, I pondered the popularity of the apocalyptic genre in our popular culture. Perhaps we all would be better served reading books like this. The world is apocalyptic enough -- we certainly don't have to make it up.
January 22, 2021
Es la historia de un médico checheno, que salvó miles de vida durante la guerra de su país por la independencia. Fue acusado de traidor por ambos bandos, por salvar vidas tanto de su país como de los enemigos. Nos muestra su vida desde su niñez, como llegó a ser médico, y todas las dificultades que vivió para poder estudiar, superarse y llegar como refugiado a los Estados Unidos.
Estuvo a punto de morir en más de una ocasión, pero nada lo detuvo de seguir haciendo lo que juró hacer: salvar vidas.
Estas historias de supervivientes siempre me parten el corazón, y luego tengo que pasar un tiempo sin leer nada de eso, porque las secuelas y cosas tan horribles que ellos viven en la guerra me dejan un poco desestabilizada. Nunca he visto una bomba en mi vida, pero miles de personas aún vivas, vieron como bombardeaban sus cajas, apretujados en pequeños sótanos.
Estuvo a punto de morir en más de una ocasión, pero nada lo detuvo de seguir haciendo lo que juró hacer: salvar vidas.
Estas historias de supervivientes siempre me parten el corazón, y luego tengo que pasar un tiempo sin leer nada de eso, porque las secuelas y cosas tan horribles que ellos viven en la guerra me dejan un poco desestabilizada. Nunca he visto una bomba en mi vida, pero miles de personas aún vivas, vieron como bombardeaban sus cajas, apretujados en pequeños sótanos.
July 19, 2011
“The Oath: A Surgeon Under Fire” tells the story of Khassan Baiev, a cosmetic surgeon living in the town of Alkhan Kala whose life - along with that of the rest of the population of Chechnya – is turned upside down by several wars with Russia during the 1990s as a result of Chechnya’s declaration of independence.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Chechen-Ingush Soviet Republic was split into two: the Republic of Ingushetia and Republic of Chechnya. The latter proclaimed the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria, which sought independence. Following the First Chechen War with Russia (1994-96), Chechnya gained de facto independence as the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria. Russian federal control was restored during the Second Chechen War (1999 – 2007). Since then there has been a systematic reconstruction and rebuilding process, though sporadic fighting continues in the mountains and southern regions of the republic.
The above factual paragraph however, does not go any way towards giving the historical context of the conflict, nor the scarcely believable human tragedies that these conflicts inflicted on all involved – civilian and military. Baiev’s book, however, depicts these elements in graphic detail and to great effect.
Whilst this is very much the story of Baiev’s life it is also the story of the homeland that he loves so much. Indeed the fact that the horrific descriptions of war in this account are sandwiched between a prologue detailing Baiev’s idyllic rural childhood and his later life as a refugee in urban Boston (safe, but cut off from his nation and his extended family), only serves to highlight what has been lost to this nation – and the book’s author – through this conflict.
Even during Baiev’s childhood it is apparent that as a Chechnyan he is an outsider in his “Russian” motherland. His father’s accounts of being denounced as a Nazi collaborator in WW2 because he was a Chechnyan – despite having fought with the Soviet Army at Murmansk - is particularly telling.
Another example of disenfranchisement through his ethnic origin is seen in his being denied at the last minute of attending the World Judo Championships at the last minute, despite his prowess in the sport as a youth, by the KGB so as not to have Russia represented by a Chechynan.
However, the above slight – though reprehensible – pales next to what Baiev and his countrymen endured after August 1994, when Russia massed thousands of troops along the border of Chechnya and Baiev, then 31, left his promising surgical career in Moscow to aid his Chechen countrymen.
What follows is a harrowing and relentless account of Baiev’s forced move from cosmetic surgeon to wartime field surgeon. Whilst trying to keep a semblance of normality with his family and his staff, Baiev is faced with treating and ever growing conveyor belt of wounded – many from mine and shrapnel wounds – with ever diminishing supplies (even resorting to using sewing threat in operations). Baiev’s matter-of-fact narrative jars heavily (to great effect) with descriptions of 48 hour surgical sessions where he could no longer move his arms through the amount of amputational sawing he had to do, through to descriptions of himself and his staff having to work whilst feeling faint due to the amount of blood they had to directly donate to treat the wounded.
His efforts to save lives in the midst of war are played out against a backdrop of constant shelling, threats to his life and – on several occasions (one resulting in him being in a coma for some time) the physical destruction of the hospital premises he is working in.
This brings to mind a phrase that Baiev quotes on several occasions in the book: “The Russians destroy, Chechnyans rebuild.”
And, in the context of this war, the Russian army does destroy: buildings (Baiev’s family home is targeted several times), cities (the capital of Grozny is literally razed to the ground), and indeed people. Time and again we hear of men, women and children – young and old – whose bodies are shattered by this conflict. And as builders rebuilt the cities it is surgeons who are left to rebuild the shattered bodies of the wounded.
Sadly, just as some buildings and cities were bombed beyond repair – so some causalities could not be saved. And it is here that the mental toll of war begins to be inflicted upon Baiev – he is haunted by the images of friends, family and strangers who were simply beyond salvation despite his expertise.
But this account is not just a litany of horror. What makes this book relevant and unique is the fact that Baiev – according to the Hippocratic Oath and his Muslim beliefs – treated each patient equally; be they civilian, Chechnyan fighter or Russian soldier.
For this, he becomes vilified as a traitor by both sides – although there are individual flashes of humanity which provide a certain counterpoint of hope in the overall despair of the conflict. Not least among these is a Russian FSB (the former KGB) colonel who risks his own life to help Baiev escape to America at the point where his assassination by one side or the other has become inevitable. The ultimate fate of this brave individual, which we learn later, only adds to the poignancy of this act.
If this account tells us one thing it is this – that war and interracial hatred is more about governments and regimes than individuals, who are capable of great heroism as well as hateful acts.
I should also make it clear here that Baiev – whilst a patriot and a proud Chechnyan – is no apologist for the atrocities that were also carried out by the Chechnyan separatists, such as the taking hostage of a Moscow theatre audience of 850 people by 40 Chechnyan activists in 2002. Most of the Chechnyans and around 130 hostages died as a result – mainly from a gas pumped into the theatre by Russian forces. Baiev is unequivocal in condemning this. The book was published before the further outrage in 2004 where separatist took a school hostage. Ultimately, at least 334 hostages were killed, including 186 children. Hundreds more were injured and many were reported missing. One can only imagine that Baiev would have condemned this act also had it happened before publication.
In summary then, this book shows two things – the human capacity for evil and the human capacity for good. Reading this book, one can feel lifted by the capacity for good in the worst of scenarios, but one does not hold out much hope of this the struggle between good and evil ever resulting in more than a stalemate.
Still, to end on a positive note – a touching detail of Baiev’s later life (effectively in exile) in the US is that he was finally free to be able to compete in the World Sombo Championships (in Paris) in 2001. These are the championships the KGB denied him way back in 1983. He won – and was able to raise the Chechnyan flag on the winner’s podium.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Chechen-Ingush Soviet Republic was split into two: the Republic of Ingushetia and Republic of Chechnya. The latter proclaimed the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria, which sought independence. Following the First Chechen War with Russia (1994-96), Chechnya gained de facto independence as the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria. Russian federal control was restored during the Second Chechen War (1999 – 2007). Since then there has been a systematic reconstruction and rebuilding process, though sporadic fighting continues in the mountains and southern regions of the republic.
The above factual paragraph however, does not go any way towards giving the historical context of the conflict, nor the scarcely believable human tragedies that these conflicts inflicted on all involved – civilian and military. Baiev’s book, however, depicts these elements in graphic detail and to great effect.
Whilst this is very much the story of Baiev’s life it is also the story of the homeland that he loves so much. Indeed the fact that the horrific descriptions of war in this account are sandwiched between a prologue detailing Baiev’s idyllic rural childhood and his later life as a refugee in urban Boston (safe, but cut off from his nation and his extended family), only serves to highlight what has been lost to this nation – and the book’s author – through this conflict.
Even during Baiev’s childhood it is apparent that as a Chechnyan he is an outsider in his “Russian” motherland. His father’s accounts of being denounced as a Nazi collaborator in WW2 because he was a Chechnyan – despite having fought with the Soviet Army at Murmansk - is particularly telling.
Another example of disenfranchisement through his ethnic origin is seen in his being denied at the last minute of attending the World Judo Championships at the last minute, despite his prowess in the sport as a youth, by the KGB so as not to have Russia represented by a Chechynan.
However, the above slight – though reprehensible – pales next to what Baiev and his countrymen endured after August 1994, when Russia massed thousands of troops along the border of Chechnya and Baiev, then 31, left his promising surgical career in Moscow to aid his Chechen countrymen.
What follows is a harrowing and relentless account of Baiev’s forced move from cosmetic surgeon to wartime field surgeon. Whilst trying to keep a semblance of normality with his family and his staff, Baiev is faced with treating and ever growing conveyor belt of wounded – many from mine and shrapnel wounds – with ever diminishing supplies (even resorting to using sewing threat in operations). Baiev’s matter-of-fact narrative jars heavily (to great effect) with descriptions of 48 hour surgical sessions where he could no longer move his arms through the amount of amputational sawing he had to do, through to descriptions of himself and his staff having to work whilst feeling faint due to the amount of blood they had to directly donate to treat the wounded.
His efforts to save lives in the midst of war are played out against a backdrop of constant shelling, threats to his life and – on several occasions (one resulting in him being in a coma for some time) the physical destruction of the hospital premises he is working in.
This brings to mind a phrase that Baiev quotes on several occasions in the book: “The Russians destroy, Chechnyans rebuild.”
And, in the context of this war, the Russian army does destroy: buildings (Baiev’s family home is targeted several times), cities (the capital of Grozny is literally razed to the ground), and indeed people. Time and again we hear of men, women and children – young and old – whose bodies are shattered by this conflict. And as builders rebuilt the cities it is surgeons who are left to rebuild the shattered bodies of the wounded.
Sadly, just as some buildings and cities were bombed beyond repair – so some causalities could not be saved. And it is here that the mental toll of war begins to be inflicted upon Baiev – he is haunted by the images of friends, family and strangers who were simply beyond salvation despite his expertise.
But this account is not just a litany of horror. What makes this book relevant and unique is the fact that Baiev – according to the Hippocratic Oath and his Muslim beliefs – treated each patient equally; be they civilian, Chechnyan fighter or Russian soldier.
For this, he becomes vilified as a traitor by both sides – although there are individual flashes of humanity which provide a certain counterpoint of hope in the overall despair of the conflict. Not least among these is a Russian FSB (the former KGB) colonel who risks his own life to help Baiev escape to America at the point where his assassination by one side or the other has become inevitable. The ultimate fate of this brave individual, which we learn later, only adds to the poignancy of this act.
If this account tells us one thing it is this – that war and interracial hatred is more about governments and regimes than individuals, who are capable of great heroism as well as hateful acts.
I should also make it clear here that Baiev – whilst a patriot and a proud Chechnyan – is no apologist for the atrocities that were also carried out by the Chechnyan separatists, such as the taking hostage of a Moscow theatre audience of 850 people by 40 Chechnyan activists in 2002. Most of the Chechnyans and around 130 hostages died as a result – mainly from a gas pumped into the theatre by Russian forces. Baiev is unequivocal in condemning this. The book was published before the further outrage in 2004 where separatist took a school hostage. Ultimately, at least 334 hostages were killed, including 186 children. Hundreds more were injured and many were reported missing. One can only imagine that Baiev would have condemned this act also had it happened before publication.
In summary then, this book shows two things – the human capacity for evil and the human capacity for good. Reading this book, one can feel lifted by the capacity for good in the worst of scenarios, but one does not hold out much hope of this the struggle between good and evil ever resulting in more than a stalemate.
Still, to end on a positive note – a touching detail of Baiev’s later life (effectively in exile) in the US is that he was finally free to be able to compete in the World Sombo Championships (in Paris) in 2001. These are the championships the KGB denied him way back in 1983. He won – and was able to raise the Chechnyan flag on the winner’s podium.
October 6, 2024
Mi nota es
8,5/10
El Juramento: Un cirujano bajo el fuego en Chechenia es la autobiografía de Khassan Baiev, un cirujano checheno que operó bajo las más extremas condiciones durante la segunda guerra chechena, luchando no solo contra la devastación bélica, sino también por cumplir su juramento hipocrático en medio de una guerra brutal y compleja. El relato abarca su vida desde la infancia hasta su huida a los Estados Unidos, mostrando cómo Baiev se enfrentó a la violencia sin sentido, el extremismo y el caos mientras mantenía su compromiso ético.
Khassan Baiev: El cirujano, protagonista y narrador de la historia, es un personaje extraordinariamente humano, atrapado entre la ética de su profesión y la realidad brutal del conflicto. Su evolución como personaje refleja la lucha interna entre su vocación médica y el trauma que sufre al ver el impacto de la guerra sobre la población civil. Su resiliencia y valentía son admirables, pero también es una figura marcada por la desesperanza y el agotamiento.
Aunque no hay personajes secundarios tradicionales, cada paciente que Baiev trata es una representación de los estragos de la guerra. Sus historias personales ilustran la dimensión humana del conflicto, y aunque algunos de ellos solo aparecen brevemente, dejan una profunda impresión sobre el lector.
El tema principal del libro es el conflicto entre la ética médica y las demandas del contexto bélico. Baiev insiste en su juramento hipocrático, un compromiso que sigue aunque pone en peligro su propia vida. La tensión entre el deber y la supervivencia atraviesa todo el libro, y su decisión de operar tanto a chechenos como a rusos refleja su humanidad, aunque lo convierte en blanco de ambos lados.
Otro tema central es la deshumanización que conlleva la guerra. Baiev denuncia cómo la violencia no solo destruye físicamente, sino que también arrasa con el sentido de comunidad y solidaridad. A través de su narrativa, muestra la brutalidad indiscriminada, pero también la dignidad y el coraje de quienes luchan por sobrevivir.
El mensaje más claro de Baiev es la importancia de la neutralidad y la compasión en tiempos de conflicto. Él sostiene que el valor de una vida humana trasciende las fronteras políticas o las ideologías. Esta obra es una defensa del juramento hipocrático, incluso en situaciones de guerra extrema, y un testimonio del poder del deber médico como acto de resistencia ante la barbarie.
Otro mensaje importante es la denuncia de la destrucción de Chechenia y su gente, y la crítica al abandono que sufren tanto los civiles como los combatientes en un conflicto donde las vidas humanas son tratadas como descartables.
El estilo de escritura es directo, con un tono de crónica personal que permite al lector empatizar profundamente con la experiencia de Baiev. La narrativa se enriquece con la descripción vívida de las cirugías y la crudeza de la guerra, lo que añade un componente visual fuerte a la lectura.
A pesar de las horribles circunstancias que narra, Baiev mantiene un tono de dignidad y esperanza, lo que hace que el libro no sea simplemente un relato de desesperación, sino también una historia de resistencia y humanidad.
Un testimonio poderoso de la guerra y la ética médica, imprescindible para quienes buscan entender el impacto del conflicto en los profesionales de la salud y la moralidad en tiempos de guerra.
El Juramento: Un cirujano bajo el fuego en Chechenia es la autobiografía de Khassan Baiev, un cirujano checheno que operó bajo las más extremas condiciones durante la segunda guerra chechena, luchando no solo contra la devastación bélica, sino también por cumplir su juramento hipocrático en medio de una guerra brutal y compleja. El relato abarca su vida desde la infancia hasta su huida a los Estados Unidos, mostrando cómo Baiev se enfrentó a la violencia sin sentido, el extremismo y el caos mientras mantenía su compromiso ético.
Khassan Baiev: El cirujano, protagonista y narrador de la historia, es un personaje extraordinariamente humano, atrapado entre la ética de su profesión y la realidad brutal del conflicto. Su evolución como personaje refleja la lucha interna entre su vocación médica y el trauma que sufre al ver el impacto de la guerra sobre la población civil. Su resiliencia y valentía son admirables, pero también es una figura marcada por la desesperanza y el agotamiento.
Aunque no hay personajes secundarios tradicionales, cada paciente que Baiev trata es una representación de los estragos de la guerra. Sus historias personales ilustran la dimensión humana del conflicto, y aunque algunos de ellos solo aparecen brevemente, dejan una profunda impresión sobre el lector.
El tema principal del libro es el conflicto entre la ética médica y las demandas del contexto bélico. Baiev insiste en su juramento hipocrático, un compromiso que sigue aunque pone en peligro su propia vida. La tensión entre el deber y la supervivencia atraviesa todo el libro, y su decisión de operar tanto a chechenos como a rusos refleja su humanidad, aunque lo convierte en blanco de ambos lados.
Otro tema central es la deshumanización que conlleva la guerra. Baiev denuncia cómo la violencia no solo destruye físicamente, sino que también arrasa con el sentido de comunidad y solidaridad. A través de su narrativa, muestra la brutalidad indiscriminada, pero también la dignidad y el coraje de quienes luchan por sobrevivir.
El mensaje más claro de Baiev es la importancia de la neutralidad y la compasión en tiempos de conflicto. Él sostiene que el valor de una vida humana trasciende las fronteras políticas o las ideologías. Esta obra es una defensa del juramento hipocrático, incluso en situaciones de guerra extrema, y un testimonio del poder del deber médico como acto de resistencia ante la barbarie.
Otro mensaje importante es la denuncia de la destrucción de Chechenia y su gente, y la crítica al abandono que sufren tanto los civiles como los combatientes en un conflicto donde las vidas humanas son tratadas como descartables.
El estilo de escritura es directo, con un tono de crónica personal que permite al lector empatizar profundamente con la experiencia de Baiev. La narrativa se enriquece con la descripción vívida de las cirugías y la crudeza de la guerra, lo que añade un componente visual fuerte a la lectura.
A pesar de las horribles circunstancias que narra, Baiev mantiene un tono de dignidad y esperanza, lo que hace que el libro no sea simplemente un relato de desesperación, sino también una historia de resistencia y humanidad.
Un testimonio poderoso de la guerra y la ética médica, imprescindible para quienes buscan entender el impacto del conflicto en los profesionales de la salud y la moralidad en tiempos de guerra.
March 13, 2022
This man even though being Chechen, for his origin in Russia, got put obstacles in our way. Studied medicine and primus in sport, fell in love in school, gathered money for family and own clinic by doing operations for £200 instead of £1200 (standard price).
In First Chechen War he operated and helped many people even after he was taken to Moscow. In there he felt so bed that he wanted to commit suicide, and asked for hospitalization, taken in, for post dramatic stress disorder. ''Though friends thought it doesn't help him a lot so taken' him for holidays in mecca,to Wahhabism,believers that whoever is not practicing an austere form of Islam that insists on a literal interpretation of the Koran.
And yes, soviets called Chechen Nazi sympathizers - at Deportation of the Chechens and Ingush in '44
Helped a lot of people, even Russian enemy just to make human survive.
Liked his biographical book a lot, as good as the one that had been written by soldier veterans of highest glory.
In First Chechen War he operated and helped many people even after he was taken to Moscow. In there he felt so bed that he wanted to commit suicide, and asked for hospitalization, taken in, for post dramatic stress disorder. ''Though friends thought it doesn't help him a lot so taken' him for holidays in mecca,to Wahhabism,believers that whoever is not practicing an austere form of Islam that insists on a literal interpretation of the Koran.
And yes, soviets called Chechen Nazi sympathizers - at Deportation of the Chechens and Ingush in '44
Helped a lot of people, even Russian enemy just to make human survive.
Liked his biographical book a lot, as good as the one that had been written by soldier veterans of highest glory.
January 25, 2021
I thought this book was incredible. For me, it was one of those books that was really hard to put down. The only thing I've heard about Chechnya from the mainstream media is that it is a hotbed for Islamic extremism and terrorism. Beyond that, I knew nothing more. As with any story, once you dig in, you get more context and the full picture makes more sense.
Chechnya is a country with a million people in it, well before the Russia/Chechnya wars in the late nineties I should say. After the wars, there was 800,000. The wars killed 20% of the population of the country. It left another 350,000 homeless. The entire scope of the "war" fell outside of the bounds of the Geneva Convention which established new rules for countries at war after WW2, namely that civilians, women and children can not be targeted. Russia ignored those new guidelines and bombed the heck out of the Chechen civilians. The author, Khassan Baiev, a Chechen surgeon, stayed in Chechnya during this time and treated the injured on all sides. He took the Hippocratic Oath very seriously and would not turn people away. He even housed three Russian soldiers that deserted and helped them to get back into contact with their families.
Through reading this book, I've realized that Chechens are people that are accustomed to being at war at all times. There is no integrity or set rules in this war. Soldiers can show up at your house and take you away. They can throw you in a hole in the ground for several days (as they did with Baiev - reminder Baiev is a surgeon not a soldier). Terrible things still happen in corners of the world that people do not value (for whatever stupid reason). This book once again brought home the point that traumatized people, if not intentionally given opportunities to heal, go on to traumatize others. The perpetrators of today were yesterday's victims. Violence begets violence. We need to pay attention to populations that are being victimized. If we don't, it is going to result in the suffering of more innocents. This book was eye-opening.
Chechnya is a country with a million people in it, well before the Russia/Chechnya wars in the late nineties I should say. After the wars, there was 800,000. The wars killed 20% of the population of the country. It left another 350,000 homeless. The entire scope of the "war" fell outside of the bounds of the Geneva Convention which established new rules for countries at war after WW2, namely that civilians, women and children can not be targeted. Russia ignored those new guidelines and bombed the heck out of the Chechen civilians. The author, Khassan Baiev, a Chechen surgeon, stayed in Chechnya during this time and treated the injured on all sides. He took the Hippocratic Oath very seriously and would not turn people away. He even housed three Russian soldiers that deserted and helped them to get back into contact with their families.
Through reading this book, I've realized that Chechens are people that are accustomed to being at war at all times. There is no integrity or set rules in this war. Soldiers can show up at your house and take you away. They can throw you in a hole in the ground for several days (as they did with Baiev - reminder Baiev is a surgeon not a soldier). Terrible things still happen in corners of the world that people do not value (for whatever stupid reason). This book once again brought home the point that traumatized people, if not intentionally given opportunities to heal, go on to traumatize others. The perpetrators of today were yesterday's victims. Violence begets violence. We need to pay attention to populations that are being victimized. If we don't, it is going to result in the suffering of more innocents. This book was eye-opening.
February 8, 2010
I really enjoyed this book. I wasn't sure I would at first, but it was informative learning about Chechnya and the conflicts going on there in RECENT years and that are still going on. It opened my eyes to what is happening in the world, as sad as it is, and how lucky I am in so many ways. So many people in the world are just trying to live good lives and yet they are bombarded by war and other evils. I think Khassan is one of those good men and I have a lot of admiration and respect for him and what he stood for; how he honored an oath taken in medical school no matter what and how he tried to do the best he could under his circumstances. I also learned a lot about the Muslim religion and culture. There is quite a bit of gore since he was a surgeon during war, but it wasn't hard for me to take in because it was his reality.
March 12, 2014
An engaging and important true story of a surgeon operating under the worst of conditions in war torn Chechnya. War is always hell but the Russians definitely are the devil in this book, though he lays plenty of blame on the Chechans also. I knew precious little of this region beforehand and found the culture fascinating. By the end of the second war he was operating under the most primitive of conditions, using household thread when he could get it, and was appalled upon visiting an American hospital for the first time at how they threw away so much stuff that would be so valuable back in Chechnya. A real insight into the politics and bribery rife in the area. We Americans are half a world away and sometimes know so little of such atrocities.
September 2, 2007
Narrated By: Robert O’Keefe
This unflinching account of one remarkable physician’s experiences during the conflict between Russia and its breakaway republic, Chechnya, is an instant classic of war literature. Weaving the history of the Chechnya conflict and the heritage of his own family into the visceral narrative, Dr. Baiev tells a tale that is shocking, heroic, and impossible to forget.
This unflinching account of one remarkable physician’s experiences during the conflict between Russia and its breakaway republic, Chechnya, is an instant classic of war literature. Weaving the history of the Chechnya conflict and the heritage of his own family into the visceral narrative, Dr. Baiev tells a tale that is shocking, heroic, and impossible to forget.
August 26, 2016
Baiev is one of those rare breeds blessed with the bravery to carry himself through unimaginably grim circumstances. His story on its own is startling; however, what makes this book truly valuable is the rare insight it provides into Chechen culture and customs.
October 6, 2019
This important book provides a raw, real portrait of the devastation wrought by war, even upon a culture which has sadly become all too familiar with it. This account revolves around the experiences of Khassan Baiev, a Chechen from a small, mountainous province sometimes called "little Switzerland" because of its harsh terrain and unforgiving climate, where generations of semi-nomadic farmers and pastoralists have wrested subsistence from the land. It's also a crossroads, situated in a strategic position between East and West. Baiev recounts his early life, which from the start was seemingly charmed: he was a renowned athlete, and then became a medical doctor, notwithstanding the overarching prejudice and discrimination he encountered, which prevailed even before the Russian-Chechen War in the mid-1990s.
The most moving aspects of the book are the war stories Baiev recounts with terrifying and devastating accuracy and detail. "The Oath," referring to the Hippocratic Oath taken by physicians to help all who need it, allies and enemies alike, subjected him to life-threatening peril. Pursued by both Russian and Chechen fighters, who accused him of helping the enemy, Baiev's existence was a tenuous one. Notwithstanding his experiences, Baiev retains his humanity, demonstrating no animosity toward either Russians or the others, sometimes even fellow Chechens, who threatened his life and those of his family members. From taking in Russian soldiers that he befriended, to risking his life to assist a Russian doctor in escaping his captors who were planning to execute him in retaliation for the murder of a fellow fighter, Baiev's courage under fire is almost superhuman.
Perhaps most importantly, this book brings much-needed attention to this greatly neglected region of the world, which gained prominence only in a negative light, unfortunately: its most famous residents seem to be those who have committed unspeakable atrocities, from the separatist hostage-takers who seized a Russian theater, resulting in more than a hundred deaths, to the Boston Marathon Bombers, whose parents Baiev actually hosted when they first arrived in the US, in Boston, in the early 2000s. The book certainly humanizes the Chechen people as a unique culture, noting many of their customs and highlighting their fierce commitment to family and community. It also demonstrates that, in contrast to the frequent assumption, that there is no one way to be Muslim. Many of the traditions of the Caucasus region are very distinct from those of other Muslim communities.
I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in geopolitics and current affairs, as it offers detailed information about a much-neglected topic, and highlights in stark detail the horrors of war. Hopefully this region will enjoy an unprecedented period of peace and prosperity, despite its troubled past.
The most moving aspects of the book are the war stories Baiev recounts with terrifying and devastating accuracy and detail. "The Oath," referring to the Hippocratic Oath taken by physicians to help all who need it, allies and enemies alike, subjected him to life-threatening peril. Pursued by both Russian and Chechen fighters, who accused him of helping the enemy, Baiev's existence was a tenuous one. Notwithstanding his experiences, Baiev retains his humanity, demonstrating no animosity toward either Russians or the others, sometimes even fellow Chechens, who threatened his life and those of his family members. From taking in Russian soldiers that he befriended, to risking his life to assist a Russian doctor in escaping his captors who were planning to execute him in retaliation for the murder of a fellow fighter, Baiev's courage under fire is almost superhuman.
Perhaps most importantly, this book brings much-needed attention to this greatly neglected region of the world, which gained prominence only in a negative light, unfortunately: its most famous residents seem to be those who have committed unspeakable atrocities, from the separatist hostage-takers who seized a Russian theater, resulting in more than a hundred deaths, to the Boston Marathon Bombers, whose parents Baiev actually hosted when they first arrived in the US, in Boston, in the early 2000s. The book certainly humanizes the Chechen people as a unique culture, noting many of their customs and highlighting their fierce commitment to family and community. It also demonstrates that, in contrast to the frequent assumption, that there is no one way to be Muslim. Many of the traditions of the Caucasus region are very distinct from those of other Muslim communities.
I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in geopolitics and current affairs, as it offers detailed information about a much-neglected topic, and highlights in stark detail the horrors of war. Hopefully this region will enjoy an unprecedented period of peace and prosperity, despite its troubled past.
January 7, 2025
When russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 I called my first cousin, who is russian and lives in russia. I tried to tell her that russia is bombing cities and killing civilians. Her response to me was that russia has never ever done it and would never ever do something like that. I asked her, what about Grozny? Remember, how russia bombed Chechnya and killed thousands of civilians? Her response floored me. She said "Chechens are grateful for it, because now they are part of mother-russia and can attend our universities". I asked "Mothers are grateful for their murdered children? Wives are grateful for their murdered husbands? Children are grateful for being left orphans?" She didn't like it and hung up on me. This was the last conversation I had with my cousin (who I was close to in the past). I have no desire to ever speak with her ever again. That's all that anyone need to know about russia, russians, or their attitudes regarding the crimes that russia commits on daily basis.
September 20, 2023
Це неймовірна книжка, яку ВСІМ нам треба було прочитати ще тоді, коли вона вийшла, 2004 року. Крім того, що вона дуже захоплива, там усе, що треб�� знати (треба було знати!) про сучасну Росію та на що вона здатна. Коли я перекладала художню книжку Сукупність життєвих явищ про Другу чеченську війну, я була певна, що автор - ще й іноземець - перебільшує. Тепер я знаю, що ні, а Хассан Баієв знав це вже 20 років тому.
Дуже хочу перекласти її українською якнайшвидше, але, на жаль, через непродуманий закон 2309-ІХ, видати в нас її поки неможливо, бо Хассан Баієв був після 1991 ��оку громадянином Росії. На своє горе. Виходить, і на наше.
Дуже хочу перекласти її українською якнайшвидше, але, на жаль, через непродуманий закон 2309-ІХ, видати в нас її поки неможливо, бо Хассан Баієв був після 1991 ��оку громадянином Росії. На своє горе. Виходить, і на наше.
January 24, 2019
Literárně to nijak nevyniká ale ten příběh, to je teda pecka. Asi spíše pro skalní fandy příběhů boje srdcem za svou zemi a každou cenu. Některé momenty jsou ale hodně extrémní.
Líbilo!
Samozřejmě s tím nemá co dělat fakt, že jsem se s panem Bajevem setkala a podepsal mi knížku, ale to jen tak na okraj.
Líbilo!
Samozřejmě s tím nemá co dělat fakt, že jsem se s panem Bajevem setkala a podepsal mi knížku, ale to jen tak na okraj.
December 21, 2021
Steven Sinclair is a caring, careful OB/GYN but now he's being sued by a couple who's child was born with serious birth defects. Charlie Mayfield is the prosecutor who must prove that Dr. Sinclair was at fault. If you love legal novels a whole lot, this one is probably a good one for you. I didn't find it as thrilling as the cover implied, but I never considered not finishing it either…
February 27, 2021
A heartfelt story of the awful conditions encountered by the author in his role dispensing care during the conflict between Chechnya and Russia, and in the aftermath his coming to America. His care for both Russian and Chechen sufferers stands out as a particularly brave act.
October 17, 2022
Very eye-opening account of the horrors of the Chechen wars at the hands of Russia. A must-read.
July 2, 2025
New favorite book
December 22, 2025
An honest, inspiring, and deeply saddening memoir of a dedicated physician that introduced me to a people and a corner of this world I knew nothing about.
April 18, 2010
My wife and I listened to this book borrowed from the Utah county Library on a trip. It's the tale of Khassan Baiev who is a plastic surgeon turned trauma/combat surgeon during the Russian offensive in Chechnya. He was the target of Russian military as well as Islamic insurgents who suspected he was sympathetic to the Russians. At three points in his life he escaped death by a razor's margin; once when he was picked up at a checkpoint during his travels by contratniki--paid irregular Russian militia who were usually ex-convicts, he described being forced into a room with a wall that was caked with hair, brains and blood and was about to be executed when he was barly saved by these hired barbarians by a Russian officer who knew that he had saved the lives of some of his soldiers. Another time, he almost died at the hands of Islamic terrorists and survived only because he saved the life of one of the top Islamist commanders who was shot in the face. On another occasion he narrowly escaped his home just before an attack helicopter razed it; destroying all his earthly possessions. Tales of Russians using biological weapons in Grozny that caused severe birth defects, as well as the brutal treatment on both sides are gripping and terrifying--especially when you realize this all happened just 10 years ago (1999).
The cover was taken from a photograph of Dr. Baiev drinking a sugary tea drink after being awake for over three days operating on the never-ending flood of patients. He described the nightmares of of the non-stop flood of blood from vessels that he was never quite able to tie-off. It's a hair-raising book that will leave the reader with an indelible mark of compassion towards those people who suffer in war as well as a great grattitude for those who serve to protect (esp. the U.S. military) and heal in times of war.
The cover was taken from a photograph of Dr. Baiev drinking a sugary tea drink after being awake for over three days operating on the never-ending flood of patients. He described the nightmares of of the non-stop flood of blood from vessels that he was never quite able to tie-off. It's a hair-raising book that will leave the reader with an indelible mark of compassion towards those people who suffer in war as well as a great grattitude for those who serve to protect (esp. the U.S. military) and heal in times of war.
September 30, 2015
I truly feel privileged to have read this book, to have met the author and hear him speak (at the Northwest Book Festival in October 2003). I know of no modern book that brings home the horrors that citizens face during war, while offering the inspiration of the human spirit to go on in the midst of it all, like "The Oath." Baiev's horrific, personal story is worth the read in itself. However, the perspective he brings to the conflict and its origins is incredibly vital to the world situation today.
Further, in my humble opinion, the atrocities that surrounded him must be witnessed by those of us who can spread word of what war is truly like. He was chased from his homeland because both the Russians and Chechnyans wanted to kill him for treating the wounded on all sides of the conflict -- and, yes, there are more than two sides to this conflict. Of course, most of the time he treated innocent civilians caught in the middle of it all. He also discusses the process that Putin used to curry President Bush's favor in ignoring Russian atrocities by labeling the Chechnyans as terrorists. In so doing, he shows how terribly abusive this label has become in today's world of politics. I can't recommend a book more than this one. It's a must read, in my opinion.
Further, in my humble opinion, the atrocities that surrounded him must be witnessed by those of us who can spread word of what war is truly like. He was chased from his homeland because both the Russians and Chechnyans wanted to kill him for treating the wounded on all sides of the conflict -- and, yes, there are more than two sides to this conflict. Of course, most of the time he treated innocent civilians caught in the middle of it all. He also discusses the process that Putin used to curry President Bush's favor in ignoring Russian atrocities by labeling the Chechnyans as terrorists. In so doing, he shows how terribly abusive this label has become in today's world of politics. I can't recommend a book more than this one. It's a must read, in my opinion.
July 29, 2010
I received this book from a friend who was shocked when I wanted to read it, especially considering the fact that she was giving it to me with a fictional story of a girl in high school; the two books did not go hand-in hand, to say the least.
What did I know about Chechnya before reading this book? Absolutely NOTHING! What I learned is invaluable and unbelieveable. Dr. Baiev's belief in the Hippocratic Oath allowed him to help all that needed it during both of the Russian-Chechan Wars (1994-1996 & 1999-2009).
I don't want to write more - I don't want to give away all of the details of this grippingly amazing story.
I
What did I know about Chechnya before reading this book? Absolutely NOTHING! What I learned is invaluable and unbelieveable. Dr. Baiev's belief in the Hippocratic Oath allowed him to help all that needed it during both of the Russian-Chechan Wars (1994-1996 & 1999-2009).
I don't want to write more - I don't want to give away all of the details of this grippingly amazing story.
I
December 25, 2014
I met him and bought his book after he spoke with our surgical and ER dept at Oregon. Obviously a remarkable person and physician. I think the main things to learn from this autobiography are the overarching authority and cruelty of the Soviet system in those days and the other-worldliness of the Chechyn culture in which he was raised. I think we all know what a cruel and terrible system the Soviets and now the Russians perpetuate in these indigenous areas but we should also know that Chechyna is not suburban, 'nice guys will eventually win if they work hard', United States of America. This is a rough part of the globe to which Americans cannot relate.
February 23, 2009
This is a well planned book that sets the stage clearly. It's difficult to get into it only because the atmosphere, names and culture are foreign, but once the reader understands the viewpoint of the author, it's easier to read. It is amazing what people will do to each other, and the lives these people were forced to lead show how strong humans can be. The only criticism I have is that it seems one-sided. Then again, it is told from a singular point of view. If I could give it another 1/2 star, I would.
November 13, 2014
If you have even the slightest bit of interest in Chechnya I would highly recommend this book. There is very little written about Chechnya by Chechens and this book was written by a surgeon who lived and worked in Chechnya during both wars. This book gives you a human perspective into war, Chechen culture, history and the fragility of peace. I also deeply respected the writer sharing vulnerable aspects of his experience that would normally be considered shameful for a Chechen to disclose, it helps give a deeper understanding and helps me have much deeper respect and awe for him and his story.
August 4, 2011
What a read!
A story graphically showing the reality of war which liturally reaches out from the pages, grabs you by the collar and drags you kicking and screaming through page tourning drama and action.
A brilliantly written book about a side of a war that is not often heard. What makes this better than just a history lesson is there is a story behind it and characters you really endear to.
A story graphically showing the reality of war which liturally reaches out from the pages, grabs you by the collar and drags you kicking and screaming through page tourning drama and action.
A brilliantly written book about a side of a war that is not often heard. What makes this better than just a history lesson is there is a story behind it and characters you really endear to.
September 21, 2015
An absolutely amazing story of a surgeon in the Chechen war, who followed the Hippocratic Oath to the letter and treated whomever required his help - be they Chechen or Russian, military or civilian. As a result he was branded a traitor by both sides, and was threatened with execution on a number of occasions.
Parts of the book contain graphic descriptions of the conditions and operations Baiev performed in Chechnya.
Parts of the book contain graphic descriptions of the conditions and operations Baiev performed in Chechnya.
October 27, 2009
Amazing book. Gives both a good historical take of one man's struggle through the Russo-Chechnyan War and illustrates just how much good one devoted man can accomplish even when faced with the most horrifying of circumstances. Khassan's story is reminiscent of Paul Farmer's in Haiti and, if you enjoyed Mountains Beyond Mountains, is a must read.
March 17, 2010
I really liked this book but got bored at the end (I still haven't read the last 20 pages, and I might not ever get to it). This book is about the war in Chechnya, which is especially interesting to me since I lived in Russia while this was going on. It was very educational and kept my interest most of the time. I would recommend it.
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