Ordinary Courage: My Journey to Baghdad as a Human Shield

This is one woman's account of finding the ordinary courage to fulfil her purpose, no matter what the odds. At the age of thirty-four, Donna Mulhearn had become disillusioned by her career as a journalist and political adviser and set off on a journey of self-discovery. One day, during this wonderful period of freedom, she heard something radical, a call to action that would change her course, and her life, forever. A man on the radio was appealing for human shields in Iraq--volunteers to deter the 'Coalition of the Willing' from attacking Baghdad. Donna was already against the war - she was a firm believer in the power of non-violent action. She knew immediately what she had to do. Despite protests from concerned family and friends, Donna soon found herself travelling from Sydney to Baghdad. There she joined hundreds of shields from all over the world who formed small teams to protect major sites--power stations, water treatment plants, communication centres--that were crucial to the life of innocent people. Even when Saddam's statue toppled and the Coalition claimed victory, her challenges did not end. Donna's story is exceptional, brave and full of conviction. It shows that by being true to yourself you can transform not only one life, but many.