Summary

This chapter proceeds chronologically from the previous. Slahi opens the chapter by describing preparations for the wedding of his niece, and elaborates on wedding customs in Mauritania. Interestingly, a girl’s mother has the final say in whether a match is suitable for her daughter. He relates dating expectations in Mauritania to the United States to avoid otherizing the Mauritanian practice. He notes that marriages are frequently not registered with the Mauritanian government. Older males do not attend the wedding, so after transporting guests Slahi joined some friends at a gathering.

While there, the DSE called Slahi, asked about his whereabouts, and said he needs to arrest Slahi again. Slahi left the gathering and met the DSE and his assistant, and they drove to the jail. Once alone in the jail, Slahi secretly called his family to tell them of...