Against a Tide of Evil is a gripping history - both personal and political - that starkly recounts the brutality of the Sudan government in the Darfur and Nuba regions and the indifference of the UN and Western governments until public outcry forced their hands to make token efforts that have still not solved the problems of refugees. Kapila's perspective obliges the reader to consider the moral imperative to act against injustice and barbarity.

'Just finished the excellent 'Against a Tide of Evil' : how we ignored mass murder on an industrial scale. A must read for NGO, diplomats media.'

'Against A Tide of Evil is really compelling reading. It is also extremely thought provoking for those who watch with horror news stories about genocides such as that in Darfur, from our comfortable lives but don't really think about what it's like and what it means. Reading this book made me feel very proud that Professor Kapila is a member of our University.'

'An outstanding book. One of the hardest reads of my life because of the content and the unspeakable things mankind (personkind) continues to inflict on mankind. One of the easiest reads of my life because as the reviews indicated it 'reads like an international thriller' - it is not, what it is a wake up call to us all. It's a 'wake up call' to governments across the world and a 'wake up call' to the UN. Well done for having the courage to write it Mukesh, and more than well done for bringing this tide of evil to the attention of the world'

'A excellent book which demonstrates moral courage against those around you to do what is right. A thoroughly emotive and inspirational read. Thank you Dr Kapila'

'A very readable, at times gripping and passionate, account of the process by which the former head of the UK Government's Conflict and Humanitarian Affairs Department, in the role of UN Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, came to the decision in March 2004 to break ranks with the UN hierarchy (and also the UK Government) to key speak out about the widespread village burnings, killings and human rights abuses in Darfur that had begun in 2003. This courageous stance effectively ended his ability to work again for both the UN and the UK Government. This is a fascinating account that reveals the personal values that led him to take this stance and the loneliness that is the experience of whistleblowers - even when they occupy top positions in large international organisations'

'I was truly touched by Against A Tide of Evil! In addition to being extremely well written and surprisingly entertaining for a work of non-fiction - and covering the horrendous topic it does(!!) - it also made me reflect on a personal level. It made me wonder if and how one can train in every-day life to enhance our ability to take the right decisions and not to be guided by fear. Can we learn to be courageous?'

'This is a fascinating and passionate account of the Darfur genocide. I highly recommend this book. 'Against a Tide of Evil' is wonderfully written and I hope it will finally make us all realize and understand what really happened in Sudan, in the first mass murder of the 21st century'

'Mukesh Kapila's was a lone voice in the wilderness as the twenty-first century's first genocide unfolded in Darfur... this book is an eloquent testament to his efforts to blow the whistle and prevent evil from triumphing - a struggle that still continues across Sudan'

Mukesh professes to be an objective academic but his work here displays a lack of rigor and is filled with inaccuracies. Probably want check out his next work.

A sometimes difficult read but one everyone should read if they are at all interested in the world around them and to ensure that we learn from the past in every way possible in terms of humanitarianism. A thoroughly engaging read.

This book is something that needs to be read by all that care of Humanity..and if it can also be translated into languages or even used in schools This can relate to many situations even in corporate commercial entities,state outposts where cronyism,greed,and incompetence has seen powerful positions go to underserving individuals that allow evil to prevail...Only if UN had learnt from Serbeca, Rwanda and other places this couldn't have happened and the World gains if peace is everywhere and prosperity as it means more stable markets for any kind of social activities

A powerful and striking book that surprised me with the horrors people are prepared to carry out.

Kapila's shamefully repurposes his selfish grab for fame and recognition as a humanitarian quest for peace in Darfur. Kapila appears to suffer from the "savior complex" and somehow managed to get a publisher to print this rubbish that reads like a college intern's 'dear diary'. Kapila would be wise to reconsider the historical and political context of this crisis. By no stretch of the imagination could this "nonfiction" book be considered authoritative on this matter. I was left wondering how this book made it through the review process.

I am disgusted by the author’s self-indulgence that he repeatedly portrays in his book, and the abuse of this tragic truth to try to “land a bestseller”. It is completely unnecessary and frankly inappropriate how he feels the need to describe that he traveled business class and expected VIP treatment, his need for recognition from the UN (which ironically never happens, although he is “one of the youngest resident coordinators ever hired”), and his presumed entitlement to get “well done” choruses from the entire world. It makes me question his motives for his actions, which seem more self-centered than actual care. Some of the “evidence” seems made up by Kapila, such as the letter he gets from an anonymous writer. I would be very surprised at his or her knowledge about how to correctly address the resident coordinator, and even more so about the necessity of the formality, given the circumstances of the writer’s horrendous experience. This book feels like the author playing his victim role to get the attention of the UN and not be seen as “the bad guy”. The ultimate proof of his desperate need for attention from the UN stems from the fact that apparently, he went back to work for them. Or against them? Having true values, one would never go back to an institution after expressing as much disdain as he did, raising the question why he REALLY is there....from his descriptions, he strikes me as a resentful person, incapable of forgiveness even after 10 years, so why would he now try to “do good” for them? As for style, proper grammar and articulate expression are hard to come by these days, as contemporary world leaders flounder at the mics and to publication. Certainly not my cup of tea!

Purchased for our UMW Reading Program.

This is a very important book for everyone who is interested in (working in) conflict resolution. It gives good insight into the conflict in Darfur and particularly Kapila's dialogues with rebel leaders and victims were fascinating as these provide unique (and sometimes shocking) perspectives that otherwise most of us will never have learned of. As a reader, Kapila takes you by the hand as he openly shares his doubts and considerations against the background of his strong moral, humanitarian convictions. His drive to make the world a more peaceful place are well explained and contextualized throughout the book, and add a very human and personal touch. The personal angle makes it read like a real-life thriller. Once started, I could not lay it down as I could feel Kapila's desparation and determination, identified with these feelings and admired him for it. This is one of the strongest components of the book. However, this personal approach - in which Kapila provides almost exclusively his own perspective on the matter - also makes it difficult to envisage alternative perpectives or courses of actions in light of the decision-making dilemmas he was facing. It triggered my curiousity in gainining insight in the point of view of the counterparts at the UN he most notably criticizes (i.e. Kofi Annan). Why was Annan not more responsive to the plight of the people of Darfur? What constraints did he face? I therefore think the book would have benefitted from a more balanced approach in terms of trying to understand the political context of the UN at the time, and the constraints, interests and perspectives of the actors in it. As good and sincere as Kapila's intentions were (almost the exclusive justification for the decisions he took), as a reader interested in international relations I would have found it very interesting to read his reflections -perhaps in hindsight- on how he could have - if at all - better capitalized on his drivers within the UN and with an understanding of the constraints that the system poses. Nevertheless, I can only recommend this book as it is touching, shocking, and insightful, and also motivating and encouraging in terms of contributing to conflict resolution. This is even more the case if you keep asking yourself what you would have done had you been in his position.

A well written book, that kept me wanting to continue reading. Mukesh opened my eyes to the Darfur situation and the corruption of the government in Sudan. Even more shocking was the no care attitude of the UN in New York. A must read!!

Excellent read - gripping and informative. Amazing insight into the UN and Sudan.

Fantastic book. What a story.

Great book and great read. One is left to wonder what each of us would have done if we were in that situation. It is a story of great courage and inspiration for leaving the world a little bit better than what it was before

Disturbing reading. But factual first hand reporting

Excellent but not everyone's idea of a good read. Very informative and an eye opener.

Essential reading for anyone who cares about Sudan, the UN and international development. It's also for anyone who has ever pondered our own responsibility to stand against evil wherever we may find it and the difference one committed individual can make. The genocide in Darfur unfolded swiftly and silently even as the international community still echoed to cries of 'never again' about the Rwandan genocide. Dr Kapila provides an unique insight into the political machinations that stopped the UN and its member states from identifying the genocide as soon as they were aware of the atrocities unfolding. He is to be applauded for his tenacity in the face of political reluctance but the book also clearly illustrates the mistakes that still haunt him. As the UN's new man in Sudan, he could have been considered ill-equipped to balance the North/South peace process as the tragedy in Darfur gathered pace but his energy and commitment carried him through what could be considered the darkest period of recent world politics. The book is easy to read and intersperses the crisis in Sudan with incidents from Dr Kapila's past, showing how they contributed to his steadfast commitment that he must act even if it cost him his post and career. There are lessons to be learnt here for the international community, but on this insight, it is to be feared that international political wrangling will always trump saving lives.

This book is a disturbing, heart-wrenching and important indictment of the U.N. and others who allowed "the most successful genocide" to proceed towards Sudan's "final solution." One must bear witness to the atrocities and vow not to be a "good man" who does nothing.

Against a Tide of Evil is a gripping history - both personal and political - that starkly recounts the brutality of the Sudan government in the Darfur and Nuba regions and the indifference of the UN and Western governments until public outcry forced their hands to make token efforts that have still not solved the problems of refugees. Kapila's perspective obliges the reader to consider the moral imperative to act against injustice and barbarity.

Inspiring, unique way of connecting personal story and his political role as the man who blew the whistle on the genocidal Sudanese regime that has now been in power twice as long as the Nazis.

Mukesh is a truly extraordinary man, and this is a truly extraordinary book. It demands a truly extraordinary response, not just in Darfur and Nuba, but wherever rights are curtailed, people are exploited, and the violent reign. An extraordinary response from those who have the power to bring these abuses to an end. May they also read his words. Yet I have mixed feelings, for this is a deeply disturbing yet also an intensely annoying read. So let's get the annoying out of the way. First, the sensationalist title (and the subtitle....oh yes, and the blurb on the front and back covers). And it isn’t helped by the vaguely ridiculous prologue - an attempted assassination with epoxy resin? Hard to swallow! Mukesh (or more likely his ghost writer) employs extensive use of dialogue with his family, friends and foes to tell his story - a highly effective literary device that creates a compelling immediacy. But in doing so, he fatally compromises this important book. For in attempting to accurately recreate conversations from the past - an utterly unrealistic exercise - it is inevitable that much of the book is simply fabricated. Quite simply, this is journalism, not history. And once you begin to question the historical accuracy of the dialogue, the rest looks suspect. Which is why I am so annoyed. For the appalling neglect of Darfur by the so-called ’international community’ cost hundreds of thousands of lives, with millions more violently displaced, raped, and terrorised. There is little enough to be proud of in relation to Darfur, and the heroic efforts of those few who fought bravely for attention and action must be honoured and celebrated. It is the truth that must be told and heard, not a ’novel based on a true story’. My final reason for annoyance is the somewhat artificial simplicity of the story. Every action is right or wrong. There is little room for ambiguity or complexity. People fall simply into three categories; family, friend or foe. There are no acquaintances. In his world, you are either deliberately kept in the dark (family), utterly loyal friends (most of his closest staff in Khartoum) or devious foes (just about everyone else, including several of the UN great and good; Kofi Annan, Mark Malloch Brown, Kieran Prendergast, to name but three). Had I not known Mukesh, I would probably have given up at the prologue. I would have written it off as yet another example of self indulgent vanity publishing in which the writer positions himself (and it's nearly always him) as the hero at the centre of a major historical event. But fortunately I got past page 14. And the more I read, the more I had to read. Not just because this is written with real honesty, but because this is truly a story that desperately needs to be heard. Putting aside my petty complaints, the overwhelming message of this important book comes through loud and clear. And it's deeply, very deeply, disturbing. I am sickened by the horrific accounts of rape, violence, mutilation, destruction, and genocide. I am disgusted by the complicity of the UN. I am filled with frustrated outrage that those who ordered and led these crimes against humanity still go free - and even continue to mutilate and destroy. Which I was why I want everyone to read this book as a call to action. For apathy kills.

A very readable, at times gripping and passionate, account of the process by which the former head of the UK Government's Conflict and Humanitarian Affairs Department, in the role of UN Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, came to the decision in March 2004 to break ranks with the UN hierarchy (and also the UK Government) to key speak out about the widespread village burnings, killings and human rights abuses in Darfur that had begun in 2003. This courageous stance effectively ended his ability to work again for both the UN and the UK Government. This is a fascinating account that reveals the personal values that led him to take this stance and the loneliness that is the experience of whistleblowers - even when they occupy top positions in large international organisations.

A excellent book which demonstrates moral courage against those around you to do what is right. A thoroughly emotive and inspirational read. Thank you Dr Kapila.

An outstanding book. One of the hardest reads of my life because of the content and the unspeakable things mankind (personkind) continues to inflict on mankind. One of the easiest reads of my life because as the reviews indicated it 'reads like an international thriller' - it is not, what it is a wake up call to us all. It's a 'wake up call' to governments across the world and a 'wake up call' to the UN. Well done for having the courage to write it Mukesh, and more than well done for bringing this tide of evil to the attention of the world.

This memoir of Kapila's time as head of the UN in Sudan is brutal and tragic. It's also suspenseful and I stayed up late for several nights reading to see what would happen next. If you want to learn what happened in Darfur through the story of one man's involvement in that horrible mess, this book is for you. I was left, though, still wondering why it all happened. From this account, it seems the government in Khartoum decided to kill thousands of people and drive them from their homes simply because they were black, which is possible, but I suspect there must also have been political or economic reasons. I finished the book disgusted with the world's response to Darfur -- and especially with the United Nations. It left me puzzling over an organizational culture that apparently thought the right thing to do about the Khartoum-sponsored mass murders and mass rapes and mass displacements in Darfur was to keep quiet to avoid offending Khartoum. I can't see how this could ever be justified, but then I'm a journalist and therefore biased toward making things public. In any case, I'm glad Mukesh Kapila broke the code and alerted the press to what was going on. Unfortunately, it sounds like all the publicity -- and the UN Security Council action and International Criminal Court indictments of Khartoum leaders -- that followed hasn't stopped the killing in Sudan. Maybe the people involved in raising awareness about Khartoum's crimes and providing succor for Khartoum's victims should instead (or also) be raising money to quietly hire a Blackwater-like military contractor to enforce no-fly zones in the parts of Sudan that Khartoum continues to brutalize. And perhaps provide arms and training to the anti-Khartoum forces in those areas so they can defend themselves. Sure, it'd be illegal, but who's going to oppose it with more than just angry rhetoric?

This memoir of Kapila's time as head of the UN in Sudan is brutal and tragic. It's also suspenseful and I stayed up late for several nights reading to see what would happen next. If you want to learn what happened in Darfur through the story of one man's involvement in that horrible mess, then this book is for you. I was left, though, still wondering why it all happened. From this account, it seems the government in Khartoum decided to kill thousands of people and drive them from their homes simply because they were black, which is possible, but I suspect there must also have been political or economic reasons. I finished the book disgusted with the world's response to Darfur -- and especially with the United Nations. It left me puzzling over an organizational culture that apparently thought the right thing to do about the Khartoum-sponsored mass murders and mass rapes and mass displacements in Darfur was to keep quiet to avoid offending Khartoum. I can't see how this could ever be justified, but then I'm a journalist and therefore biased toward making things public. In any case, I'm glad Mukesh Kapila broke the code and alerted the press to what was going on. Unfortunately, it sounds like all the publicity -- and the UN Security Council action and International Criminal Court indictments of Khartoum leaders -- that followed hasn't stopped the killing in Sudan. Maybe the people involved in raising awareness about Khartoum's crimes and providing succor for Khartoum's victims should instead (or also) be raising money to quietly hire a Blackwater-like military contractor to enforce no-fly zones in the parts of Sudan that Khartoum continues to brutalize. And perhaps provide arms and training to the anti-Khartoum forces in those areas so they can defend themselves. Sure, it'd be illegal, but who's going to oppose it with more than just angry rhetoric?

One man's mission to rid evil This emotionally moving book portrays one man's assignment to stop the brutal barbaric ethnic cleansing genocide is Sudan. I find myself frantically trying to jumble all my feelings into this review, anger, disbelief, stomach turning, and frustration to name a few. Dr Mukesh Kapila is resolute quest to stop the (can't think of words powerful enough) barbaric mass slaughter and soul killing of defenseless human beings. Mukesh Kapila, a UN Chief, calls on all the UN resources to morally assist to help save lives and put an end to these horrific evil acts. Many doors are shamefully shut by the very people who are in a highly paid and powerful position. Silenced, threatened, hindered, patronized, hated, he has to find his inner strength. The story portrays the corruption in these positions and the Sudan Government. The book also has disturbing witness and victim accounts of the massacre. When no avenues are left for Dr Kapila against all his instincts he finds the strength to continue and expose these war crimes on humanity, even at the cost of putting his own neck on the block. I strongly recommend this book, is will test your morals and feelings. Another brilliantly written book by Damien Lewis

I was truly touched by Against A Tide of Evil! In addition to being extremely well written and surprisingly entertaining for a work of non-fiction - and covering the horrendous topic it does(!!) - it also made me reflect on a personal level. It made me wonder if and how one can train in every-day life to enhance our ability to take the right decisions and not to be guided by fear. Can we learn to be courageous?

I heard author speak on World Radio. Such a brave man. More whistle blowers are needed in our vulnerable world

A genuine testimony from the man who witnesses unspeakable massacres in Darfur. Dr Mukesh shows his deep lament about the continuous and mysterious failure of international community for breaking his promises : Never a gain.

This is a shocking account of something which should never have happened. To tell the story at all is incredibly brave, but to have lived it and to have dealt with the continued stonewalling encountered at every turn must have been truly awful. My heart goes to the Sudanese people of Daufur, and to the writer(s). Thanks for doing this difficult and painful work. It's a book everyone should read.

perhaps not an easy beach read but the quick paced narrative is both informative and exciting. it's a shame that it took so long for the world to recognize the horrific events and still we sit idle.

This is a fascinating and passionate account of the Darfur genocide. I highly recommend this book. "Against a Tide of Evil" is wonderfully written and I hope it will finally make us all realize and understand what really happened in Sudan, in the first mass murder of the 21st century.

perhaps not an easy beach read but the quick paced narrative is both informative and exciting. it's a shame that it took so long for the world to recognize the horrific events and still we sit idle.