Tracy Barker provides a deeply troubling look at what passes for business as usual behind the banner of reconstruction, and the kind of dehumanizing atmosphere that sits in the wake of war. And yet, her memoir is an uplifting example of a modern day David and Goliath. "Boys Will be Boys" should be read by all those who care about understanding sexual violence, and uncovering paths for healing. A military wife and mother, Tracy Barker expected to face dangers working in Iraq for KBR/Halliburton, but not from her fellow American employees. "Boys Will be Boys" serves as not only the outrageous account of KBR/Halliburton's attempts to suppress her allegations of abuse, but as a small, haunting window into the military contracting business and the disturbing atmosphere at KBR "green zones" in Baghdad. Tracy Barker's story first made headlines around the country in 2008 when a Texas judge rejected her request for an open court case against KBR/Halliburton for a sexual assault claim, writing, "Sadly, sexual harassment, up to and including sexual assault, is a reality in today's workplace." In 2009, she won her claim in arbitration. In spite of egregious attempts to quiet her, with tremendous courage, Tracy refused to be silenced and came forward with her horrific story of the multiple assaults against her and her eventual rape while working as a contract employee in Basra and Baghdad.
