Michael Ware witnessed some of the most violent battles in Baghdad; and was kidnapped three times. He was one of the few Western journalists to live full-time in Iraq during the war, embedded with U.S. forces, insurgents, and terrorists.  Leaving the war zone and resettling in Brisbane, Michael has had to 'consciously attempt to reclaim his life'. Further information Originally broadcast July 2012. Content warning: This interview contains distressing content. Please listen with care. Michael released a film in 2015, Only The Dead, based on more than 250 hours of his personal footage from the front lines.  If you need help, you can call Open Arms, 24-hour crisis support for Veterans and their families on 1800 011 046 https://www.openarms.gov.au/  Or you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14. https://www.lifeline.org.au/  This episode was produced by Michelle Ransom-Hughes. The Executive Producer was Pam O'Brien. Carmel Rooney is the Executive Producer of the 20th Anniversary Collection. You can read all about the Conversations origin story on the ABC News website. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-03/richard-fidler-reflects-on-20-years-of-conversations/105495784 This episode of Conversations touches on Saddam Hussein, ISIS, IS, Islamic State, embedding, Australian Defence Force, ADF, Baghdad bad boys and Al-Qaida. To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you’ll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.