The book Hawija (Aspekt, 2022) edited by Jip van Dort, Lauren Gould and Marrit Woudwijk, aims to reflect on the consequences of remote warfare, as explored through a series of articles by professionals, politicians, and experts.

I co-wrote the book chapter ‘A long black night’ (‘Een lange zwarte nacht’) with Marrit Woudwijk. It delves into the aftermath of the June 2015 bombing in the Iraqi city of Hawija by Dutch forces, highlighting the severe disconnect between official narratives of precision strikes and the brutal realities on the ground. It presents first-hand accounts from Hawija residents, who describe the devastating impact on their community, including loss of life, destruction of infrastructure, and enduring psychological trauma. The chapter examines how the Dutch government's framing of the event as a necessary and targeted military action contrasts sharply with local experiences, ultimately questioning the ethics and accountability of such military interventions.