Author and former
political history professor of the University of
Hawai‘i at Mānoa Steve Tataii moved to Hawai‘i in
1976 to study political science.
He has written many documentary and opinion pieces,
including a local documentary play called “The Trial
of Lili‘ūokalani” in 1977. He is well-known for
works addressing current issues in his home country
of Middle-Eastern Kurdistan.
In a recent Ka Leo O Hawai‘i interview with Tataii,
he talked about how his three books (Independent
South Kurdistan, Iraq Wars and Kirkuk Kurdistan)
will bring awareness to the community, particularly
college students. |
Steve Tataii, U.S. Representative Candidate in the
2002 elections |
|
Ka Leo: Why did you choose to write about
Kurdistan?
Tataii: I chose
to do so because any descent human being … should
have tried to do so since the 1920’s unjust
partition of Kurdistan for its oil. I did so to
ensure the deterrence of other crimes against
humanity. I wanted to educate people about the many
atrocities and genocides committed against these
people.
Ka Leo: How long did you work on this
three-part series?
Tataii: To write
three books during the past four years has been a
heavy undertaking. I have been identified as one of
the authorities on the subject not only here in
Hawai‘i, but to a great extent among my other fellow
ethnic Kurdish scholars around the world and even in
Kurdistan.
Ka Leo: What would UH students find most
interesting in your books?
Tataii:
Independent South Kurdistan is about the main events
taking place from the post-King Kamehameha days to
Hawai‘i statehood in 1959. It goes on further to our
recent political developments since that time, which
also includes some of the Hawaiian music and
cultural key points. There are several photos from
the injured Kurdish civilians, which are less
gruesome and bloody than what I preferred to fit in
books because most of you have probably seen the
photos of war victims enough in the news.
Ka Leo: What were some obstacles you
encountered when writing these books?
Tataii: The will
and energy to do it. This giant project was not easy
to start. It took a lot of sacrifices of time and
personal interests, tedious and vigorous readings,
serious planning and lots and lots of patience.
There have been times that many non-Kurds have tried
to undermine or dismiss the attention needed to be
given to these vital human rights’ situations.
Ka Leo: What advice would you give an
aspiring non-fiction writer?
Tataii: Be
focused and well organized in your writings; never
feel overly-burdened with you project; choose a
topic you’re most familiar with, enjoy reading about
and don’t mind sacrificing quality time in its
making.
For more information or to set up a book forum,
visit
http://www.tataiiforcongress.com or
contact Tataii at 845-5716 or tataii@msn.com.
kaleo org
3 New
Current Event books about Kurds and Kudistan by
Steve Tataii , 1- Independent South Kurdistan after
15 years of Self-Rule, 2-Iraq Wars, 3- Kirkuk
Kurdistan. Review of the books, obtain your copy
online.
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