The State We're In, 10 September 2011. Two soldiers, one Iraqi and one Iranian, meet on the battlefield. The Iranian saves the Iraqi’s life, risking his own in the process. That was 1982. Nearly 20 years later, and on the other side of the world, sheer coincidence brings the two men together again in a life-saving drama. Also: host Jonathan Groubert travels to Belgrade and learns about the consequences of war.
Subscribe to podcast feed
Subscribe in iTunes 
Like us on Facebook 
Follow us on Twitter 
Naja Aboud didn’t want to join the Iraqi army. But in 1982 he got conscripted and had to leave his wife and son behind. Just after arriving at the Iranian city of Khorramshahr, he got badly wounded, and took shelter in a bunker full of the dead and dying. Then he saw a light coming towards him. He thought it was an angel. But it was an Iranian soldier.
Rescued by the enemy
Zahed Haftlang ran away from home to join the Iranian army and became a medic. After Iran won the Battle of Khorramshahr, his orders were to search each bunker. Iranian forces were killing prisoners on sight. But when he came across the wounded Iraqi soldier, he decided to save the man’s life – even though it meant risking his own. Yet getting him to the field hospital was an ordeal. Another Iranian soldier wanted to kill Naja... and when they finally got to the hospital, the doctor initially refused to treat him.
Naja was operated on and his life was saved – all because an enemy soldier rescued him. The two men had one last emotional meeting, before having to go their separate ways. That was in 1982. Naja spent 17 years as a prisoner of war in Iran. Zahed also became a prisoner of war. Both men lost their families. Naja eventually moved to Vancouver, Canada.
Then 18 years later, Zahed was working as a merchant marine. He was depressed and suicidal. He jumped ship – at the port of Vancouver. Through sheer coincidence, the two men find themselves in a waiting room together. They start talking...
Naja and Zahed tell host Jonathan Groubert about their astounding reunion, and how they both saved each other’s lives.
'Two Enemies, One Heart' took seven months to produce. Read 'Making Two Enemies, One Heart'
BBC World Service article - Documenting a Tale of Two Soldiers
The Vancouver Association for Survivors of Torture (VAST)
The last Yugoslavs
Show host Jonathan Groubert talks about how a trip he made to Belgrade in 1996 turned into a heart-warming and gut-wrenching lesson in music, nostalgia and the real consequences of war.
Email this Radio Show
Printer-friendly version
An Amazing, emotional and incredible story.
What a great story. You could really sense the precense of a higher being involved here -like in all our lives. Call it by any name you want: Ali, God...If we could just look at our simularities and be open to our differences. I hope this story keeps speading. It needs to be heard.
Many other wonderful people would demonstrate their loving nature to other people--if we would stop labeling "the other" as "the enemy." We already know so many ways to resolve or limit conflict that it's absurd and obscene to resort to war and torture; yet the USA has a larger military budget than ALL other nations combined! Let's all determine to devote our time and energy to limit our own military and promote peace.
Two enemies, one heart---broadcast journalism at its best. Reconfirms why I love this show.
Thanks.
WOW! I consider myself a manly man, but this story made me tear up a bit. It was very interesting, human and uplifting. Great job, Keep up!
I think that was the best radio I have ever heard. I was bawling my eyes out for about the whole second half. I'm an aspiring story collector, and you've reinspired me to keep seeking stories. This one would be hard to ever top. Naja and Zahed are two amazing and hope instilling people. I am totally blown away. Thank you to all.
Dear Matt and Julie: thanks so very much for your thoughtful comments. We'll make sure that Zahed and Naja hear them as well. All the best, Greg
This story touched me deeply. I was a college student in Kansas during the Iran/Iraq war. All the memories of that time came back to me as I listened to this story, standing in my kitchen. The story of these two men flooded my heart with goodness and gratitude for their lives. Thank you for telling their story.
What a wonderful, uplifting story! I am grateful that I was able to be a part of their incredible journey from the horrors of war to a miraculous reunion in Vancouver.
Thanks Bob (and others). We'll let Naja and Zahed know your thoughts.
Post new comment
Please be reminded all comments must be in English, short and to the point - guideline 250 words. Abusive and inappropriate comments will be removed.