Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4.2/5)
Genre: Political Humour, Journalism, Memoir, International Relations, Non-Fiction

Book Review:
For over four decades, Thalif Deen had a front-row seat to history. As a journalist covering the United Nations, he witnessed some of the most dramatic moments in international diplomacy, from Cold War confrontations to the emergence of new nations. But he also saw the other side of the UN: the human, often hilarious side that never makes it into the official records. No Comment! And Don't Quote Me on That is his delightful collection of these behind-the-scenes stories, a book that reveals the personalities and peculiarities of the world's most important diplomatic body.

Deen takes us inside the corridors, committee rooms, and the famous delegates' lounge, where the real business of diplomacy is often conducted. He shares anecdotes about the larger-than-life figures who have strode the UN's halls: from Nikita Khrushchev, who famously (or apocryphally) banged his shoe on his desk, to Mobutu Sese Seko, who, when asked about being one of the world's most corrupt leaders, indignantly replied that he was only the fourth richest. We meet a cast of characters that includes kings, queens, presidents, prime ministers, and a host of eccentric diplomats.

The book is a treasure trove of political anecdotes, some funny, some revealing, and all of them illuminating. Deen has a sharp eye for the absurd and a keen ear for a good story. He writes with the warmth and wit of a seasoned raconteur, sharing tales that range from the sublime to the ridiculous. We learn about the diplomatic battles over seemingly trivial matters, the protocol gaffes, the off-the-record comments that were never meant to be printed, and the moments of unexpected humanity that punctuate the high-stakes world of international politics.

No Comment! is more than just a collection of jokes; it is a unique and valuable portrait of an institution that shapes our world. Deen's years of experience give him a perspective that few can match, and his book offers a glimpse behind the formal facade of the UN, revealing the people who make it work. It is a must-read for anyone interested in diplomacy, journalism, or simply in a good, entertaining story. As the title suggests, it is full of moments that will make you laugh, and stories that you'll want to quote to your friends.