“This is a very fine book. Dennis Abbott’s account of his time in Iraq is entertaining, challenging and thought provoking.”

Martin Banks, Journalist, ex-European Voice

“Operation Telic is essential reading for those interested in media communications from the battlefield. Then editor of European Voice – a precursor of Politico – Dennis Abbott had a front row seat on the dividing lines between what George W. Bush termed ‘New Europe’ and ‘Old Europe’. Sent to Iraq after being mobilised, Dennis delivers an honest and very human, historical account of day-to-day life against the backdrop of the difficulties faced by journalists reporting in the fog of war.”

Catherine Feore, Euractiv

“Dennis Abbott is not one of those superheroes who served in a top-secret special unit. His experience is that of a journalist turned officer, a man more accustomed to press meetings than the mean streets of Iraq. As such, his diary is unlike any other account of the conflicts with Saddam Hussein. Full of humour and intelligence, it is the caustic vision of a gentleman with a razor-sharp pen who wonderfully describes fear, courage and human absurdity. An instant classic.”

Dr Bernard Wilkin, war historian

“Dennis Abbott is a rare writer who combines real expertise and on-the-ground access with brilliant storytelling. In Operation Telic, he writes with clarity and honesty as he witnesses both the success and setbacks in the aftermath of the controversial Iraq intervention. A natural raconteur, Abbott’s compelling tour diary recounts daily life amid a chaotic moment of global history.”

Leo Cendrowicz, The Brussels Times

"With wit and candour, Dennis Abbott provides a deeply personal, first-hand account from the front lines, brilliantly capturing the interplay between the military and the media. Essential reading for anyone interested in the role of communication in modern warfare, and the contentious political justification for the Iraq war."

Mared Gwyn Jones, Euronews

“A compelling and important eyewitness account, told with such clarity and honesty. A real insight into this very controversial war.”

Dr Helen Fry, historian

“Journalist Dennis Abbott volunteered to serve in Iraq as an Army press officer and gives a vivid account of dealing with British and overseas reporters and TV crews.
He also writes about daily life at his base in Saddam Hussein’s Basra palace. I’ve been there too and can confirm it has gold-plated taps! A very good read.”

Arthur Edwards MBE, The Sun

"This war diary by a hack – whose military father warned him that soldiering should be a last resort – puts on khaki to fight the information battles in Iraq is gripping reading. There is humour, the inner wiring of how the press works and the tragedy of war in a controversial conflict that, whatever its right and wrongs, should not be forgotten."

Bruno Waterfield, The Times

“Dennis’ travels from Belgium to Basra serve as an honest and humorous reminder that there is
more to life than inside the EU’s ‘Brussels bubble’.”

Joe Barnes, Daily Telegraph

“An authoritative and authentic insider’s account. Dennis Abbott paints a no-holds-barred yet
balanced picture of how British troops in southern Iraq battled to keep the region together.”

James Franey, New York Post