The Pacific Council on International Policy is pleased to partner with Miry's List and the U.S. Veteran Artists Alliance on Saturday, September 26th for the launch of the audiobook edition of Baghdad Underground Railroad: Saving American Allies in Iraq by Col. (Ret.) Steve Miska, a Pacific Council member and retired U.S. Army officer.

Part memoir and part history, Baghdad Underground Railroad tells the story of the military personnel, diplomats, aid workers, and private citizens who helped protect and resettle Iraqi allies whose lives were endangered because of their support for the United States during and after the Iraq War. Through firsthand accounts, the book explores the bonds forged in conflict and the enduring responsibility to those who risked everything alongside American forces.

As debates continue over refugee resettlement, international partnerships, and U.S. commitments abroad, the themes of the book remain deeply relevant today.

The evening will feature remarks from the author and special guests, followed by opportunities for conversation, networking, and community-building. Guests will also enjoy a curated Middle Eastern dinner presented in partnership with Miry's List featuring dishes prepared by refugee and immigrant chefs whose stories reflect the themes of resilience, belonging, and new beginnings explored throughout the book.

Why It's Important

• The book highlights a little-known chapter of the Iraq War, focusing on the efforts to protect Iraqi interpreters, partners, and allies who faced grave risks because of their service alongside Americans.
• Its themes remain highly relevant, raising important questions about humanitarian responsibility, refugee resettlement, and America's commitments to its partners abroad.
• The event brings together veterans, policymakers, refugee advocates, and community leaders to explore how storytelling can deepen understanding and strengthen civic engagement.

Please register on Eventbrite at this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/baghdad-underground-railroad-audiobook-launch-registration-1997053113622?aff=oddtdtcreator

Pacific Council members may attend free of charge using a special promotional code. The member discount code will be provided separately by emailing events@pacificcouncil.org.

Guest Speaker

Steve Miksa is a retired U.S. Army colonel, national security strategist, author, and nonprofit leader whose career spans military service, public policy, crisis response, and veteran advocacy. After more than 25 years in uniform—including service as Director for Iraq on the National Security Council, a combat commander in Iraq, and an economics professor at the United States Military Academy at West Point—he led implementation of the PACT Act at the Department of Veterans Affairs, overseeing the largest expansion of veteran healthcare and benefits in a generation. During the Afghanistan withdrawal, he founded the Evacuate Our Allies Operations Center, helping coordinate assistance for vulnerable Afghan partners. His memoir, Baghdad Underground Railroad, was recognized by Kirkus Media in the February 2026, magazine. He is following the seasons on a yearlong horse farm sabbatical and writes weekly on Substack, Wrangling and Writing. A frequent public speaker, Miska is an advocate for protecting wartime allies, strengthening civic engagement, and helping people connect service with purpose.