Lost sons of Iraq

After the fall of the Soennie regime of Saddam Hoessein in marsh 2003, separation reigns in the war inflicted Baghdad. Mainly the forgotten suburbs which do not receive a dime from the government know a harsh poverty. Families have lost fathers and sons by trying to escape the north western Sadr City trying to build up their lives on the trash dumps of Oubeydy. Their sheep graze on the trash and its inhabitants are neglected. Their children cannot go to school because the fear of being kidnapped, raped, tortured and murdered is still very much alive since both Al Qaida and Jahesh Al Mahdi cause many civilian victims.

The presence of the US coalition forces is both accepted and condemned. Some families are terrified when the army will leave in the course of 2010-2011 because they now feel protected. Some collaborate with the US as interpreters. Some say the prime minister is doing a great job while others think the government is very corrupt. Fact is that the slums surrounding Baghdad do not receive any services and poverty is growing day by day. The US 82nd Airborne division sends out daily patrols in order to establish order and help with water and sewage projects. The first American NGO has already established in Baghdad to provide wheelchairs to the disabled.

Both parties are having a hard time. Victims on both sides are a fact of life. I met dozens of mothers who lost their sons and I listened to the stories of the American soldiers who lost their friends, remembered by a tattoo, as to never forget.

The Americans built their bases on the ruins of Saddams’ legacy and are still facing a difficult mission: to bring democracy. While risking their lives providing wheelchairs to the paralysed children of Iraq – caused by IEDs, mortars, car and suicide bombs, they loose friends along their way to freedom. Since its invasion in March 2003, almost 4727 US soldiers died (source: Associated Press Count). The road is paved but will Iraq be ready to stand on its own feet while militia is watching?

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