The intersection of Iraq and science fiction is a rare occurrence, making the anthology *Iraq + 100* particularly noteworthy. This compilation of short stories, authored by Iraqi writers and published by the UK-based independent publisher Comma Press, envisions life in Iraq a century after the American invasion of 2003.
While many prominent science fiction works originate from developed nations, the Arab world has seen less representation in this genre despite its rich literary heritage. In the foreword, editor Hassan Blasim discusses the reasons for this disparity, noting, “We, by which I mean Arabs today, are subservient to form and to narrow-minded thinking because we have been dominated by religious discourse and repressive practices over long periods.”
He explains the challenge he faced in encouraging Iraqi writers to set narratives in the future, as many were engrossed in depicting the immediate “cruelty, horror and shock of the present.”
The stories within *Iraq + 100* present a wide range of themes. Although some may lean more towards speculative fiction, this does not diminish their impact. The anthology opens with “Kahramana” by Anoud, a gripping tale of a woman attempting to escape a monarch with a sinister secret. The overarching theme of projecting Iraq’s future in 2103 creates an evocative backdrop for the story, which features a society embroiled in conflicts over water and governed by a repressive regime that condemns any media beyond printed newspapers as “western blasphemy.”
In her narrative, Anoud addresses the plight of asylum seekers, drawing parallels to contemporary issues that resonate with readers familiar with Iraq’s recent history of turmoil.
Contrastingly, “Kuszib” by Hassan Abdulrazzak stands out as a clear entry in the science fiction category. In this unsettling narrative, Earth has fallen to alien invaders, reducing humanity to mere livestock, as they are captured and groomed for consumption. This chilling portray of a post-apocalyptic reality captivates with its dark premise.
Another notable piece is “Baghdad Syndrome” by Zhraa Alhaboby, which introduces a mysterious ailment that engenders nightmares and hallucinations, eventually leading to blindness. The story immerses readers in the experience of a patient navigating the stages of their illness.
Although the stories that resonate most might differ among readers, several narratives also root themselves in present-day Iraq. “The Corporal” by Ali Bader recounts the story of an Iraqi soldier who, after being killed while offering a flower to an American soldier, returns a century later to share his experiences.
Each of these narratives provides a valuable glimpse into Iraqi life, showcasing the authors’ aspirations for a more progressive future marked by gender equality, though they also illustrate the daunting challenges that lie ahead in light of ongoing issues. References to the American invasion and the rise of ISIS, among other historical events, appear throughout, offering insights that could enlighten those less familiar with Iraq’s complex landscape.
The authors convey a palpable struggle to envision the future, with contemporary terms like “re-tweeted” and “YouTube clip” making appearances—suggesting the difficulty of predicting what life might look like in 100 years. This situation reminds us of the world a century ago, where rapid advancements and societal changes were unforeseen.
Though the anthology primarily focuses on Iraq, it leaves readers wishing for explorations of cosmic themes, such as interplanetary colonization, imagining how future generations might gaze back at the early 21st century as the dawn of humanity’s forays into space.
This collection marks perhaps the initial venture into futuristic narratives for many of its contributors, which adds to its significance. The impressive array of short stories reflects on human society through the lens of distinct cultural backgrounds, reminiscent of experiences gleaned from reading works like Cixin Liu’s *Remembrance of Earth’s Past Trilogy* and now through *Iraq + 100*. Religion appears as a recurring theme, depicting both fervent adherence and skepticism, while references to various conflicts illustrate the pervasive effects of violence on the Iraqi populace. This anthology is undoubtedly substantial reading material, even for those who may not typically gravitate towards science fiction.
*Iraq + 100* is available as an ebook for Rs. 399 and in paperback for Rs. 665.
