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Hundreds of Western volunteers have joined Kurdish armies in Syria and Iraq in their efforts to fight the Islamic State. What drives some Canadians to put their lives on the line and take up arms halfway around the world? Are they honourable warriors, idealist dreamers or just plain crazy? Meet two such volunteers: the upbeat Wali and the enigmatic Hanna. Wali is a professional soldier with two tours in Afghanistan under his belt. Bored by his normal everyday life, he is eagerly awaiting to return to the battlefield. Hanna, a media darling, has signed up for the YPJ, the armed female wing of the Kurdish army. Once in Northern Syria, she pushes her way to the front lines to “get in on the action.” Following them to the front line, we encounter others who made the same decision. My War offers a unique portrait of four Western volunteers who have chosen the fighting life. Aisha Jamal.