Enemy Combatant, by Moazzam Begg with Victoria Brittain

Moazzam Begg has known Guantánamo Bay and has come out to tell us the tale. Survivors of concentration camps have a central place in Western iconography and in human history. Begg does not have philosophical depth, but he writes with authenticity and conveys the horrors of his experience.

Begg, who endured three years of brutal incarceration at Guantanamo Bay, was able still to think, argue, observe and record the external and internal chaos.

A former law student, this bearded Brummie has an indestructible soul that is felt as you read his account. All you want to do is welcome him back, hug his book and punish his tormentors.

For four years, various journalists, writers and activists have tried to keep the conscience of the West awake, to remind decent people of the horros of Guantánamo Bay.

Hundreds of the living dead in orange uniforms are labelled "enemy combatants".  The few men like Begg eventually released (without being charged, without apologies, without recompense) talk of beatings, isolation cells, forced feeding, death threats and witnessed murders.

His adventures abroad remain half-explained. For a man of intellect and deep faith, he does at times appear impulsive.

The bulk of this book, though, is a stirring indictment of Bush, Blair and their sordid politics. I suggest readers should buy a copy and post it to our righteous PM. Bags of Beggs pouring into 10 Downing Street - now there's a thought.

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