Landing at the Baghdad airport, Jake squinted against the brightness of the day. This portion of the world lacked the greenery of the America he had grown up in, its brown and dung-colored land looked sterile by comparison.
Uncle Syed stood at the gate with a grim smile. Both knew what lie ahead, neither looked forward to what awaited them. It would take another two hours by road to reach Syed’s home in Al-Awja then many more beyond.
“Jakeem, my nephew,” he said, opening his arms. Then he turned to his companion.
His cousin, Tariq, stood next to Syed. Jake smiled. All three embraced in an all-encompassing hug as Jake met them.
“Tariq, I didn’t expect to see you here,” Jake said. “I mean – to meet me at the airport.”
“Cousin,” Tariq said, smiling, “how could I not? After all, how long
