These letters were not originally written with the intention of publication. As is the case with some of our famous literary correspondences. Their publication was decided after Abdul Rahman's death, thanks to the commendable initiative of Souad Kawadri Munif and Marwan. I have no doubt that Abdul Rahman would have agreed if asked. For these correspondences tell a story of friendship. A friendship that predates the beginning of their exchange. Beyond friendship, these letters offer rare testimonies to the process of literary and artistic production and the relationship between them. The two friends fall silent, and their correspondence ceases for months during the American invasion of Iraq. Abdul Rahman breaks the silence, explaining the reason: sorrow and frustration. Abdul Rahman resorts to the popular wisdom, "If it doesn't get ruined, it won't be rebuilt." Marwan, in turn, draws strength from Saadallah Wannous's words, "We have been condemned to hope." A final scene: Marwan in his new studio, waiting for the light to break through the stubborn German clouds: "The important thing is the light," he says. Spring 2011. The light came to us. Mohammed Bouazizi carried out Nazim Hikmet's وصية: "If I don't burn / And if you don't burn / And if we don't all burn, how can darkness turn into light?" Spring 2011. The flood came to us. Fawaz Traboulsi