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Captivity: 118 Days in Iraq and the Struggle for a World Without War
The powerful account of the remarkable peace activist kidnapped while leading a peace delegation and held for ransom by Iraqi insurgents until his paradoxical release by a crack unit of special forces commandos.
In November 2005, James Loney and three other men — Canadian Harmeet Singh Sooden, British citizen Norman Kember and American Tom Fox — were taken hostage at gunpoint. The men were with Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT), an organization that places teams trained in non-violent intervention into lethal conflict zones. The then unknown Swords of Righteousness Brigade released videos of the men, resulting in what is likely the most publicized kidnapping of the Iraq War. Tom Fox was murdered and dumped on a Baghdad street. The surviving men were held for 118 days before being rescued by Task Force Black, an elite counter-kidnap unit led by the British SAS. Captivity is the story of what Jim described upon his return to Toronto and reunion with his partner Dan Hunt as "a terrifying, profound, transformative and excruciatingly boring experience." It presents an affecting portrait of how Jim came to be a pacifist and chronicles his work in Iraq before the kidnapping. It brings the reader immediately into the terror and banality, the frictions, the moral dilemmas of their captivity, their search to find their captors' humanity, and the imperative need to conceal Jim's sexual identity. It examines the paradoxes we face when our most cherished principles are tested in extraordinary circumstances and explores the universal truths contained in every captivity experience. At its heart, the book is a hope-filled plea for peace, human solidarity and forgiveness.
From James
Why I Wrote This Book
I often wondered, during those excruciating days of handcuffs and chains, fear and boredom without end, would I ever get to tell anyone about the strange and bizarre things that happened during our captivity? Being transported in the trunk of a car. Sleeping with my left and right hands handcuffed to the person beside me. Explaining to the captors how to use “men’s gel.” Picking open our handcuffs after watching a Hollywood movie.
It is a paradox. I went to Iraq as a pacifi st on a mission of peace and was kidnapped, threatened with death and held hostage with three other men until we were rescued in a military operation. It is an extraordinary privilege to be able to tell the story of this paradox, to explain why I remain committed to the principles of nonviolence despite the fact a member of our group was murdered and our freedom was secured by armed force. The crucible of captivity was a kind of school in which I was able to see the innermost workings of the universe, how we are all connected, how our liberation is inextricably tied together. I want to share this story in the hope of contributing to the emergence of a world without war, the single greatest challenge of the 21st century. Everything depends on this, for without peace nothing else is possible.
In November 2005, James Loney and three other men — Canadian Harmeet Singh Sooden, British citizen Norman Kember and American Tom Fox — were taken hostage at gunpoint. The men were with Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT), an organization that places teams trained in non-violent intervention into lethal conflict zones. The then unknown Swords of Righteousness Brigade released videos of the men, resulting in what is likely the most publicized kidnapping of the Iraq War. Tom Fox was murdered and dumped on a Baghdad street. The surviving men were held for 118 days before being rescued by Task Force Black, an elite counter-kidnap unit led by the British SAS. Captivity is the story of what Jim described upon his return to Toronto and reunion with his partner Dan Hunt as "a terrifying, profound, transformative and excruciatingly boring experience." It presents an affecting portrait of how Jim came to be a pacifist and chronicles his work in Iraq before the kidnapping. It brings the reader immediately into the terror and banality, the frictions, the moral dilemmas of their captivity, their search to find their captors' humanity, and the imperative need to conceal Jim's sexual identity. It examines the paradoxes we face when our most cherished principles are tested in extraordinary circumstances and explores the universal truths contained in every captivity experience. At its heart, the book is a hope-filled plea for peace, human solidarity and forgiveness.
From James
Why I Wrote This Book
I often wondered, during those excruciating days of handcuffs and chains, fear and boredom without end, would I ever get to tell anyone about the strange and bizarre things that happened during our captivity? Being transported in the trunk of a car. Sleeping with my left and right hands handcuffed to the person beside me. Explaining to the captors how to use “men’s gel.” Picking open our handcuffs after watching a Hollywood movie.
It is a paradox. I went to Iraq as a pacifi st on a mission of peace and was kidnapped, threatened with death and held hostage with three other men until we were rescued in a military operation. It is an extraordinary privilege to be able to tell the story of this paradox, to explain why I remain committed to the principles of nonviolence despite the fact a member of our group was murdered and our freedom was secured by armed force. The crucible of captivity was a kind of school in which I was able to see the innermost workings of the universe, how we are all connected, how our liberation is inextricably tied together. I want to share this story in the hope of contributing to the emergence of a world without war, the single greatest challenge of the 21st century. Everything depends on this, for without peace nothing else is possible.
- GenresNonfiction
432 pages, Hardcover
First published April 19, 2011
3 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 19, 2011
I have just finished reading James Loney's book "Captivity" (Alfred A. Knopf Canada) book, the final chapters of his release from captivity brought tears to my eyes, I wept with joy as he was discovered living in some god forsaken grimy house in Baghdad for 118 days, I could not wait for it to be over, and off course I knew the story as it unfolded live, but I had never realized the day by day experience of James being held hostage, after being kidnapped by a group called "Swords of Righteousness Brigade" he was able to keep a diary and able to take it out of captivity with him.
One learns a great deal about who this person James Loney is, his commitment to peace through "Christian Peacemakers,one learns about his 3 other captives, who were locked up with him, one of them Tom Fox an American was removed from the house and found dead in some ditch, since the group that captured him was not able to obtain a ransom from the US. The story deals with the 118 days of living in captivity, one gets to know the "caretakers" there is a major communication problem caused by language, there are problems with not having sufficient foods, the place in which they are kept is filthy and James becomes at times obsessed by cleaning as much as possible with the non existent cleaning supplies on hand, he describes cleaning the scum over the years sink, were they brush there teeth, wash their hands I quote here from the book pag. 316: "It always appalled me, the dark veneer of grime that had been accumulating for God knows how long. Without asking for permission , I got the scrubby out and went to work. As soon as "Uncle" (names were given for each guard) saw me, he wanted to know what I was doing, He stood behind me and watched, unsure at first what to do. He began to point to areas that needed cleaning and then took the scrubby so he could do it himself."Good he said when we were done, please with the gleaming porcelain result. In that moment we were equals, two men admiring the sink we had just cleaned. This is what that passage from the Bible is all about, I think "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head". If his sink is dirty, clean it Turn the tables:confront with surprise:provoke wonder, chagrin,even shame. Heap burning coals of love on his head. Do this and you will both be transformed"
The fact that they were handcuffed and chained around their legs, having to constantly be together, sleep together, I cannot imagine sleeping being attached to another person, and having to move whenever the other person moved. They had found a piece of nail with which they were able to unlock the handcuffs, unknown to their capturers, and hid it from them, called "the instrument of grace"...... and would only use it when they were sure this would not be seen i.e going to bed. Forgiveness is a major topic, as the released persons are asked to participate in bringing those persons who kidnapped and killed Tom to justice, they all agree enough hatred and killing has gone on, only forgiveness and compassion will work, in fact the underlying message is that no matter who is being oppressed in that sense we are all oppressed in various forms and only letting go of this need to oppress is true freedom and liberation found, this includes any form of warfare. One of the points made was that it was mentioned that some of those people who found and liberated them wanted people who might for whatever reason or cause decide to go into a war-zone for seemingly peaceful purposes needed to be made aware that kidnapping is a real possibility, and the fact that it took many persons, and often risking their lives in order to liberate kidnapped persons, to discourage this.
All is well that ends well, as I mentioned at the beginning, I wept at the description of their liberation, the procedure they had to go through,being able to walk without handcuffs, leg-cuffs, seeing a blue sky after a long time, clean clothes, a shower, enough food, things most of us take for granted.
The fact that James is a gay man, was well concealed for fears of what his capture-rs might have done to him had they known,although there are interesting anecdotes from by his guardians questioning his marital status every now and then.
The fly leaf of the book describes the story as: "This remarkable memoir examines the paradoxes we face when our most cherished principles are tested in extraordinary circumstance, and explores the universal truths contained in every experience of imprisonment. At its heart, "Captivity" is a hope-filled plea for peace, human solidarity and forgiveness".
I highly recommend this book.
One learns a great deal about who this person James Loney is, his commitment to peace through "Christian Peacemakers,one learns about his 3 other captives, who were locked up with him, one of them Tom Fox an American was removed from the house and found dead in some ditch, since the group that captured him was not able to obtain a ransom from the US. The story deals with the 118 days of living in captivity, one gets to know the "caretakers" there is a major communication problem caused by language, there are problems with not having sufficient foods, the place in which they are kept is filthy and James becomes at times obsessed by cleaning as much as possible with the non existent cleaning supplies on hand, he describes cleaning the scum over the years sink, were they brush there teeth, wash their hands I quote here from the book pag. 316: "It always appalled me, the dark veneer of grime that had been accumulating for God knows how long. Without asking for permission , I got the scrubby out and went to work. As soon as "Uncle" (names were given for each guard) saw me, he wanted to know what I was doing, He stood behind me and watched, unsure at first what to do. He began to point to areas that needed cleaning and then took the scrubby so he could do it himself."Good he said when we were done, please with the gleaming porcelain result. In that moment we were equals, two men admiring the sink we had just cleaned. This is what that passage from the Bible is all about, I think "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head". If his sink is dirty, clean it Turn the tables:confront with surprise:provoke wonder, chagrin,even shame. Heap burning coals of love on his head. Do this and you will both be transformed"
The fact that they were handcuffed and chained around their legs, having to constantly be together, sleep together, I cannot imagine sleeping being attached to another person, and having to move whenever the other person moved. They had found a piece of nail with which they were able to unlock the handcuffs, unknown to their capturers, and hid it from them, called "the instrument of grace"...... and would only use it when they were sure this would not be seen i.e going to bed. Forgiveness is a major topic, as the released persons are asked to participate in bringing those persons who kidnapped and killed Tom to justice, they all agree enough hatred and killing has gone on, only forgiveness and compassion will work, in fact the underlying message is that no matter who is being oppressed in that sense we are all oppressed in various forms and only letting go of this need to oppress is true freedom and liberation found, this includes any form of warfare. One of the points made was that it was mentioned that some of those people who found and liberated them wanted people who might for whatever reason or cause decide to go into a war-zone for seemingly peaceful purposes needed to be made aware that kidnapping is a real possibility, and the fact that it took many persons, and often risking their lives in order to liberate kidnapped persons, to discourage this.
All is well that ends well, as I mentioned at the beginning, I wept at the description of their liberation, the procedure they had to go through,being able to walk without handcuffs, leg-cuffs, seeing a blue sky after a long time, clean clothes, a shower, enough food, things most of us take for granted.
The fact that James is a gay man, was well concealed for fears of what his capture-rs might have done to him had they known,although there are interesting anecdotes from by his guardians questioning his marital status every now and then.
The fly leaf of the book describes the story as: "This remarkable memoir examines the paradoxes we face when our most cherished principles are tested in extraordinary circumstance, and explores the universal truths contained in every experience of imprisonment. At its heart, "Captivity" is a hope-filled plea for peace, human solidarity and forgiveness".
I highly recommend this book.
August 24, 2018
Good I hope James finds peace
August 18, 2013
An interesting, well-rounded story of life in captivity in Iraq.
I liked the format of the book, the kidnapping happens very early on throwing you right into the action and the 118 day countdown begins. I appreciated the numbering of the days, so I knew when the release was coming, it made it easier to read the book knowing the end. I think it may have been too over-whelming going in blind.
I identified a lot with Loney, he was always examining both sides of things. The kidnappers were kidnapped as well, they couldn’t leave and had only very slightly more options. Everything down to manners is explored:
“I am aghast when the others lick marmalade off their foil. Proper manners apply even in captivity.”
There’s also a great sense of “What would I do?” that really pushes the book along. I went from 40% to the end in one four or five hour sitting, I couldn’t put it down.
Do you cooperate and hope for the best in the end? Do you fight back? Do you try to escape?
“Release me or kill me, you must decide. Until you do, I am taking my clothes off and I am going to sit here, naked, refusing everything—your food, your chains, your instructions. I would rather die than co-operate with murder. Perhaps if I were stronger, more courageous, had more faith, this is what I would do. But I don’t.”
There’s a great parable in the book that I don’t want to spoil about God helping those that help themselves.
I don’t know what I’d do and I’m very glad I don’t have to make the decision.
I enjoyed also learning about CPT and the peace-making movement, something I knew nothing about.
Ultimately an excellent book that hooked me and made me cry, but one star off for the fact that he put himself in the situation. I can’t say I agree with his purpose of being in Iraq in the first place, which set these events in motion. I’m less against it than I was, but a part of me was still at the end saying he did this to himself.
I liked the format of the book, the kidnapping happens very early on throwing you right into the action and the 118 day countdown begins. I appreciated the numbering of the days, so I knew when the release was coming, it made it easier to read the book knowing the end. I think it may have been too over-whelming going in blind.
I identified a lot with Loney, he was always examining both sides of things. The kidnappers were kidnapped as well, they couldn’t leave and had only very slightly more options. Everything down to manners is explored:
“I am aghast when the others lick marmalade off their foil. Proper manners apply even in captivity.”
There’s also a great sense of “What would I do?” that really pushes the book along. I went from 40% to the end in one four or five hour sitting, I couldn’t put it down.
Do you cooperate and hope for the best in the end? Do you fight back? Do you try to escape?
“Release me or kill me, you must decide. Until you do, I am taking my clothes off and I am going to sit here, naked, refusing everything—your food, your chains, your instructions. I would rather die than co-operate with murder. Perhaps if I were stronger, more courageous, had more faith, this is what I would do. But I don’t.”
There’s a great parable in the book that I don’t want to spoil about God helping those that help themselves.
I don’t know what I’d do and I’m very glad I don’t have to make the decision.
I enjoyed also learning about CPT and the peace-making movement, something I knew nothing about.
Ultimately an excellent book that hooked me and made me cry, but one star off for the fact that he put himself in the situation. I can’t say I agree with his purpose of being in Iraq in the first place, which set these events in motion. I’m less against it than I was, but a part of me was still at the end saying he did this to himself.
July 13, 2011
This is a real life horror story of freedom stolen by terrorists, murder of life sharing friends and atrocities to persons of peace who sole mission was to make those bent on destruction of humanity realize they were being watched. Christian Peacekeepers James Loney and others serve the castes in society with no heroes. They are hostages taken.
The perspective of the world overlaid on that of a person hidden with no rights, no news, no glimpse of the outside for 100 plus days.
The online videos of this author are a window telling any reader that this is truly a gentle man. Canada joined the global experience when this man was taken.
The perspective of the world overlaid on that of a person hidden with no rights, no news, no glimpse of the outside for 100 plus days.
The online videos of this author are a window telling any reader that this is truly a gentle man. Canada joined the global experience when this man was taken.
October 28, 2011
An amazing record of a harrowing experience. I would like to give this book 4.5/5 stars. It could, at times, become boring. However, this is a great story that will make you thankful for your freedom. Personally, I struggled with the authour's decision to not fight back or against his kidnappers. Now I keep thinking of the old saying, "do not judge a person until you have walked a mile in their moccasins." That said, they did stay true to their ideology of Christian peacemaking.
November 3, 2011
Loney and his Christian Peacemaking Team colleagues experiences as hostages in Iraq is poignant and profound. This account details not only their personal fears and frustratons, but even the mundane of their experience. The tension in their relationship with each other, their hostage takers and the society to which they returned is palpable. The death of their colleague Tom haunts the account, with the reader waiting for the sad but inevitable outcome. Well worth the read.
December 18, 2011
I highly recommend this read. James Loney (Canadian) shares his story of what it was like to be held captive for 118 days in Iraq, along with three other delegation members of the Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT). His story is powerful - He is incredibly self aware, human, insightful and soulful. It is also a very interesting read about two opposing ideological perspectives - violent vs non-violent intervention in conflict zones. I am humbled reading his book.
July 4, 2011
Just read "Captivity" by James Loney. It's a memoir that captures the big-picture, and the tiny details, of his kidnapping in Iraq. It's both heartbreaking, amazingly uplifting, and got me thinking about oppression, non-violence and forgiveness.
February 16, 2012
I personally know James Loney so this book was so extremely powerful to read. Incredible
August 8, 2013
A very touching and interesting read. A very scary scenario, one I'm sure I could never do.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews