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Exiled Iraqi Architect and Writer Samir al-Khalil

Samir al-Khalil is the pen name of Kanan Makiya. His book "Republic of Fear" became a best-seller during the Gulf War. Now he has a new book about how the regime of Saddam Hussain used public monuments as another tool to keep in power. The book's called "The Monument: Art, Vulgarity, and Responsibility in Iraq."

22:18

Other segments from the episode on May 10, 1991

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, May 10, 1991: Interview with Samir al-Khalil; Interview with Nicholson Baker; Review of the film "Madonna: Truth or Dare."

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