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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Saving Aziz summary
Chad Robichaux with David L. Thomas
How the Mission to Help One Became a Calling to Rescue Thousands from the Taliban
16 mins
Brief summary
'Saving Aziz' by 'Chad Robichaux with David L. Thomas' is a memoir about a former Force Recon Marine, who after returning from war, finds purpose in helping veterans with PTSD and suicidal tendencies. It's an inspiring journey of finding redemption and hope amidst personal struggles.
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Saving Aziz
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Key idea 1 of 7
Every story has a hero – this one has many
After 9/11, the US went to war to oust the Taliban in Afghanistan. That’s what you need to know in terms of the setting of this story. Chad Robichaux was a Force Recon Marine – one of the toughest of the tough – and was working special operations in the war-ridden country.
Aziz was a married, twenty-five-year-old father, already teaching English to his fellow countrymen, when a US Marine recruited him as an interpreter. During his training, Aziz stood out as something special, and quickly went to work with Chad and his team.
Over the years working together, the two men formed a strong friendship, so much so that Aziz’s kids called Chad “uncle.” One day, Chad joined Aziz and his family for a night of food, fellowship, and to watch the US election to see if George W. Bush would win another term.
Chad thought it was odd that US elections were of such interest to Aziz and his countrymen, so he asked his friend why.
In response, Aziz took Chad to an abandoned building with a pool built into the ground. The pool was empty and Aziz climbed in. Chad followed and watched as Aziz pointed to the wall of the pool on the deep end. There were stains and bullet holes at the head-level of someone kneeling. Chad knew instantly that this was a place where executions were held.
Aziz pointed out another row of bullet holes – these at the height of small children. Chad was sick to his stomach.
“This is why,” Aziz told him. Many Afghan citizens were old enough to remember a time when Afghanistan had experienced a brief period of freedom – an especially liberating time for women in the 1970s. But then war came and out of it rose a new element of ultra-conservative mujahideen, called the Taliban.
In the post-9/11 era, Afghan citizens were prepared to fight with their lives to stop the Taliban from taking control: to protect their daughters from being sold off or worse, to prevent their sons from being sent to their deaths. Citizens like Aziz looked to the US for salvation.
Chad took the memory of the pool with him into every operation. He understood what was on the line for families like Aziz’s – heroes among so many of them.
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What is Saving Aziz about?
Saving Aziz (2023) is the story of how one man’s daring rescue of his friend and brother-in-arms turned into a multi-organizational effort that has resulted in rescuing over 17,000 allies from Afghanistan.
Saving Aziz Review
Saving Aziz (2021) tells the story of Chad Robichaux, a former Special Operations Force Marine turned MMA champion, who decided to help his friend Aziz, a former Taliban leader. Here's what makes this book worth reading:
- The daring and inspiring journey of Chad Robichaux, showing the power of redemption and finding common ground even in the most unlikely situations.
- Through vivid and immersive storytelling, the book provides an intimate look into the realities of war, faith, and personal transformation.
- It challenges preconceived notions about war, terrorism, and prejudice, engaging readers with thought-provoking perspectives on important global issues.
Who should read Saving Aziz?
- Anyone interested in Afghanistan history
- Military history buffs
- People in need of an inspiring story of the goodness in humanity
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Saving Aziz FAQs
What is the main message of Saving Aziz?
The main message of Saving Aziz is an inspiring story of resilience and redemption.
How long does it take to read Saving Aziz?
The reading time for Saving Aziz varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Saving Aziz a good book? Is it worth reading?
Saving Aziz is a compelling read that explores the power of forgiveness and the strength of the human spirit.
Who is the author of Saving Aziz?
The authors of Saving Aziz are Chad Robichaux and David L. Thomas.
What to read after Saving Aziz?
If you're wondering what to read next after Saving Aziz, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- The Self-Made Billionaire Effect by John Sviokla and Mitch Cohen
- And Then We Rise by Common
- Testing Business Ideas by David J. Bland and Alexander Osterwalder
- The Anarchy by William Dalrymple
- Make Your Mark by Jocelyn K. Glei