Do This for Love

David Eubank's "Do This for Love" presents a harrowing firsthand account of humanitarian work conducted during one of the most brutal urban battles of the 21st century. The book chronicles the Free Burma Rangers' mission in Mosul, Iraq, during the 2017 campaign to liberate the city from ISIS control. Eubank, a former U.S. Army Special Forces officer who founded the Free Burma Rangers in 1997, brings readers directly into the chaos of urban warfare while documenting his team's efforts to provide medical aid and assistance to trapped civilians.

The narrative centers on the Free Burma Rangers' decision to enter Mosul during the height of the battle, working alongside Iraqi forces and other humanitarian organizations. Eubank describes the conditions faced by civilians caught between ISIS fighters and the advancing coalition forces, painting a vivid picture of the humanitarian crisis that unfolded in the Old City district. The book's title reflects the organization's Christian faith-based motivation, though the work itself transcends religious boundaries as the team assisted anyone in need regardless of background.

One of the book's most powerful elements is its documentation of the team's daily operations under fire. Eubank details the practical challenges of providing emergency medical care in an active combat zone, evacuating wounded civilians, and coordinating with military forces while maintaining the organization's status as an independent humanitarian group. The writing conveys the constant presence of danger, from sniper fire to improvised explosive devices, without sensationalizing the violence.

The account includes several specific rescue operations that demonstrate both the courage required for this work and the agonizing choices faced when resources are limited and danger is omnipresent. Eubank does not shy away from describing the cost of the conflict on Mosul's civilian population, including children and elderly residents who had nowhere to flee. These passages provide important documentation of the human toll of urban warfare, offering perspective that complements military and journalistic accounts of the battle.

Eubank's background in both military service and humanitarian work informs his perspective throughout the narrative. His ability to understand military operations while maintaining focus on civilian protection creates a unique vantage point. The book explains how the Free Burma Rangers, despite their small team size, managed to operate effectively by building relationships with Iraqi forces and finding ways to contribute meaningfully to civilian rescue efforts without interfering with military objectives.

The writing style is straightforward and action-oriented, reflecting Eubank's military background and the urgency of the situations described. While this approach effectively conveys the intensity of the experience, some readers may find the narrative occasionally lacks deeper analysis of the broader political and strategic context surrounding the Battle of Mosul. The focus remains primarily on ground-level operations and immediate humanitarian concerns rather than extensive geopolitical commentary.

The book also explores the faith perspective that drives Eubank and his team, examining how religious conviction motivated their decision to risk their lives for strangers in a foreign land. This spiritual dimension is presented as integral to understanding the organization's mission and the individuals who participate in such dangerous work. Readers from various backgrounds can appreciate the dedication displayed, even if they do not share the same religious framework.

Photographs and descriptions throughout the book provide visual context for the destruction in Mosul and the conditions faced by both rescuers and survivors. These elements help readers comprehend the scale of devastation and the challenging environment in which humanitarian work occurred. The images serve as important historical documentation of the battle's impact on the city's infrastructure and population.

"Do This for Love" contributes to the broader literature on modern conflict by offering the perspective of civilian humanitarian workers operating in an active war zone. While military memoirs and journalistic accounts of the Mosul campaign exist, Eubank's focus on civilian rescue operations fills a particular niche. The book raises important questions about the role of independent humanitarian organizations in contemporary warfare and the ethical obligations to protect civilian populations during urban combat.

The account stands as both a personal memoir and a historical document, capturing a specific moment in the campaign against ISIS while exploring universal themes of courage, sacrifice, and human dignity under extreme circumstances. For readers interested in humanitarian work, modern warfare, or the complexities of the conflict against ISIS, this book provides valuable firsthand testimony from someone who witnessed these events directly. Eubank's narrative ensures that the civilian experience of the Battle of Mosul, often overshadowed by military achievements, receives attention and recognition.