The Contractor: How I Landed in a Pakistani Prison and Ignited a Diplomatic Crisis

No doubt, it’s a well-written book, but there are few points to be noted, In Ray's words:He worked for the American Consulate in Lahore, but no one from the U.S. Govt. could explain/verify his job title to the Pakistani Govt.Ray complained a lot about Pakistani Judicial System, the same system which acquitted him in just 49 days for killing three people.He also wrote and whined about the powerful ISI, the same ISI that helped him in finding a way in the Pakistan's law to get him out of there in just 49 days. The same ISI that kept their own people in jail so they can release him.Also, according to him, he was never tortured in the Pakistani jail and the officers always speak to him politely. I would question Ray, what if an Asian kill three American citizens in public, how the US police will treat that Asian?Google "Pakistani fashion models" or "Pakistani fashion magazines" and you will find out about the Pakistan's sensor policy. Ray's whole story of receiving US magazines with two women lying on a beach and their bodies total blackout is absurd and fabricated.In summary, I think he should be thankful to Pakistani Govt., people, Police, and ISI for going out of their way to close his case in just 49 days. Again, just 49 days for killing three people.

I don't read a lot of these kinds of books. I am more of a sci-fi/fantasy chic. But I do remember this event in the news, and all of the volatile emotions in the media and the political chaos around the world. I am glad I read the book. I was curious. It is NOT one man's rant but a well thought out memoir with historical, political and personal context that I think most people would not have thought of. I see people get caught up in the emotions, the adrenaline -- and righteous opinions start flying as so called "facts" --, but this was a great book about a person who spent his life training to defend his country and what can happen when sh!t hits the fan. How all you can do is your best when everything around you seems to be falling apart. The domino affect of political tensions and agendas becoming a roll in how you end up spending the rest of your life, even if you did the best you could -- I don't know how he endured with such a level head.

Ray's story has far more significance than many admit.This book speaks to a time when our President was struggling with the concept of sending a Military mission into a (So called) friendly foreign nation, without their knowledge, to hopefully discover and kill or capture Osama Bin Laden.Ray Davis was the breaking point that turned Obama's hope that Pakistan was still an ally and on our side, into the absolute knowledge that Pakistan was covertly working against the US and their cooperation was nothing more than a ruse.This book is a Fast read, because it's well written and grabs you from the introduction, so not only will you enjoy it, but you owe it to yourself to see how convoluted the Global War on Terror actually is and why.

One of the best book I have read in a very long time!! Just to be able to hear the other side was great but as I was reading it I would almost find myself in the country with you sounds crazy but you get that since of being there also!! Even if you do t know anything about this story (how could you knot it was everywhere) you will love the book!!! Thank you for you service and duty!

I am in this book. I tried reaching out to the co-author and Ray, but didn't receive a response. Ray didn't interview me for his book, though I spent almost every day with him while he was in jail.

Powerful read from start to finish. Reading this book exposed me to the human side of Ray Davis that was hidden from general public all that long. As an American of Pakistani origin there is nothing in the book that sounded out of the line or exaggerated. The depiction of Pakistani media and justice system by the author is sadly spot on.

Like the fact it is concise.. brings out the duplicitous relationship that Pakistan army has both with USA and Pakistani people. Sad Thia took such a heavy toll on his personal life

Well told, from the horse's mouth account of the incident. Would recommend for anyone who's interested in a quick and easy read.

Quite an interesting book. Was expecting the author to have spent more time in the general population thus getting an insight into the Pakistani prison system. Still a great read but feel bad for the author. Hope one day he gets to become an 'old warrior'.

Item arrived as advertised on time

A well awaited book. It was expected at least by me since 2011. It narrated fairly well but still have missing links. Many questions,rather expectation and curiosity, needs to be addressed and answered. I still believe most of the narrative by Mr. Ray sounds true, but the real politics real faces and actual game being played behind the screen needs to be exposed, about who were those guys, why had they been there, why had they weapons (if they had). I, belonging to same city (Lahore) i know very well that its not a normal practice to carry weapons, and above all pointing towards a stranger (especially) Foreigner. Foreigners (Gora's) are respected and treated very honorably.I want Mr. Ray to come up with another book or extension to current with a more detailed version of what had it all been about, covering what he didn't adress or might have been asked to censor.I do no criticize the duty performed or the way it was performed by Mr.Ray, he might have been righteous in performing his duty,as if i been given the job to protect my country's interest and respectables abroad, and while doing that ( even on my very own soil) i might have protected myself before anything else. So Mr.Ray was right in self defense, but still those loop holes! .Pakistani establishment did all what they could to entertain their diplomatic guest( may be not the best and honest way), but God knows the real truth behind their diplomacy and the facts told to a common person.Generally a good book, nice narration of a diplomatic crisis.I would give good remarks to the writer, being his first book, and salute his courage to recall all that pain he has been through, just to share his experience with us.

I have witnessed the events as they unfolded on Pakistani Media with intense interest and followed the aftermath blame game between politicians and military there. Many narratives surfaced as how the events unfolded. Some are for the first time confirmed by the character at centre stage of the episode in complicated relationship between Pakistan and USA. The memoir is very well written and keeps the reader in grip that can't put down the book till finished. The timing of its publication is awesome as military again is flexing it's muscle to topple democratically elected sitying government these days. It's always melodrama happening there.

In recent times this is one the those books which i cudnt put it down, story of usa military contractor who got tangled in pakistan n how usa government gets him out, very interesting book to read . U get to see pakistan through his eyes .