Thieves of Baghdad - Book Review

Rick Baillergeon | December 16, 2005  | 0 comments  | Print  | E-mail

Thieves of Baghdad: One Marine’s Passion for Ancient Civilizations and the Journey to Recover the World’s Greatest Stolen Treasures
Matthew Bogdanos with William Patrick
Bloomsbury Publishing, 2005

I can just imagine the first time Matthew Bogdanos talked to a prospective publisher. Perhaps, it went something like this: "I have this idea for a book, no make that several ideas for a book. I want to tie in my family’s experience on September 11th, interject some stories on my career as a District Attorney in New York City and as a Marine Reserve Officer fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq, and intersperse dozens of historical quotes throughout the book. Oh by the way, did I mention that I’d like to discuss the theft and retrieval of ancient treasures from the Iraq National Museum (after the fall of Baghdad) in which I led the investigation."

Following this, there would be a moment of silence. Finally after taking it all in, the publishing representative asks, "Do you really believe you can put this all together in an interesting, coherent manner?" Not knowing Bogdanos, but based on perceptions from the book, Bogdanos confidently answers "Yes, I can make it work!"

Enough with my fictitious scenario, let’s talk reality. The reality is Bogdanos has certainly made it work. He has crafted a book that is one of the most unique and interesting books I have read in recent memory. It is part memoir, part "CSI" mystery, part history and cultural lesson and all good. It is certain to get your undivided attention and keep it.

In discussing the book, it is best to start with its author Matthew Bogdanos (he is assisted by William Patrick). There can be no denying that Bogdanos is a captivating person. In the civilian world, he works as an assistant District Attorney (DA) in New York City. During his tenure, he has prosecuted several hundred cases including the high profile Sean "Diddy" Combs case. Since the events of September 11th Bogdanos has spent the preponderance of his time as a called to active duty Marine Colonel. While activated, he served extensively in both Afghanistan and Iraq in duty positions truly out of the ordinary. Throw in an amateur boxing career, a passion for classical history and literature, and varied array of war stories and you have a strong foundation for the memoir piece of the book.

However, it is the mystery part of the book that is the thread that ties the other pieces together. As in seemingly everything else regarding Bogdanos, his venture into the mystery is intriguing. In March 2003, he arrived into Iraq as the Deputy Director for the Joint Interagency Coordination Group and began operating in Basra. This organization was responsible for investigating terrorist cells and activities in Iraq. A few weeks later, after the fall of Baghdad, the press began reporting that the Iraq National Museum was looted of thousands of priceless antiquities. With the press placing the blame on the United States for the incident, Bogdanos offered his team’s services to investigate. After much discussion and trepidation by senior leaders, his team received the mission and Bogdanos entered his true element.

Bogdanos (with assistance from Patrick) spends the remainder of the book describing the planning, preparation, and execution of his mission. It is fascinating reading to see how Bogdanos utilizes his DA and Soldier Skills and knowledge of antiquities and the culture to determine how the looting took place and ultimately recover many of the pieces. Readers will find it particularly interesting how the team dealt with the numerous security, cultural, political, and logistical issues throughout the investigation. As with the preponderance of missions in Iraq, there was no blueprint or doctrine for Bogdanos or his team to follow in solving these complex issues.

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