A Soldier and Harry - In Iraq

[Steve]

I was watching a PBS television special based on a book 
by various soldiers from Iraq. After their tours, they 
wrote about their experiences. Most of it was very 
profound and moving. Intercut with their personal 
stories were interviews with the soldier/authors.

During one of these interviews, a Lieutenant Colonel
said when he was first assigned to Iraq, he used to
read history and social/political/cultural commentaries
on the region so he could better understand the conflict.

But the war drew on, and his burden became heavier, 
until they became almost too much to bear, he turned
to ...dramatic pause... Harry Potter. Partly because
his children were reading Harry Potter and it gave
them a point of connection and conversation. 

As the interview closed, he said that 'the only time I'm
not in Iraq, is when I'm with Harry'.

I found that very profound. I was deeply move that Harry
could help remove this person from the horrors of war 
and the terrible stress that he is under, and give him
a few moments of peace.

For what it's worth.

Steve/bboyminn