Just another day in Baghdad
Today is just another day in Baghdad. Like any other day. Every day you come to expect the same news. It's no surprise to hear that one of your neighbors moving to another province, running away, running for their life. Looking for security and safe work, because many professions have been targeted by gangs or fundamentalists or the resistance or insurgents.
Today I gave my small daughter a lift to her school because the school bus driver had moved to Karbala province. I am not sure why he left Baghdad, but I suspect he was threatened by anonymous groups -- groups that only know the language of threats and guns.
After dropping off my daughter, I ran into an American roadblock. People stood next to their cars, waiting for the road to open. They were blocked in by other cars behind them and could not move back. One of the drivers was getting agitated. He turned out to be a university student on his way to an exam. "If I don't get there on time, I won't be allowed into the examination hall and will fail my exam," he said. I was lucky. With my small motorcycle, I could get out of there and take a detour. This man's future was put on hold because of a roadblock.
Then, suddenly: BOOM! An explosion. The policeman began to talk into his radio and then said, "OK, they destroyed the IED; the road is clear now."
I made it to work, about 20 minutes late. But I wondered whether the student got to his exam in time.
*The names of NBC local journalists in Baghdad are not being used in order to protect their identity and security.
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Thank you for doing this story about the reality of this senseless war. You all seem so moved and truly concerned. I love Richard Engel and all his reporting.
I would love to adopt all three sisters! Is there anything concrete we can do for them. Please let us know.
Mary and Mike Ring
mary and mike ring, Wall, NJ (Sent May 27, 2006 11:13:24 AM)
Richard,
Please get this story out. There are many orphanages in Iraq and world leaders need to see this. They must realize the consequences of their decisions. The term "Collateral damage" is not one that must be used lightly. I was in Iraq as a civilian (outside the green zone) and saw many beautiful children (ages 5 onward) in the streets as vendors, selling gasoline, polishing shoes, etc. You will be amazed at their math skills. They had a lot of pride in them too. ( they were very shy to accept even a drink that I offered them without them doing some service) May God bless these chidren. We would like to make a contribution to the orphanage, kindly send me the contact information and how we could send some donations. That child in your story will become a doctor and/or a teacher and will be always be grateful if given the opportunity. May God bless you and keep you safe while you do this important reporting.
Regards,
Tony Vaz (Sent May 28, 2006 12:12:53 PM)
"This man's future was put on hold?" Rather than whine about the inconvenience of a roadblock or of personally taking your daughter to school, why not thank the soldiers who put their lives at risk to destroy the roadside bomb? Your concerns seem to pale in comparison to theirs.
Raymond Higgins, Glen Burnie MD (Sent May 29, 2006 1:37:16 PM)
Thank God that the Americans were there to destroy the IED or that college student might have had a worse problem than a failed exam. I hope he was able to reach his exam on time but I can assure you it was not worth dying to be there.
Keith Hopper (Sent May 29, 2006 10:26:36 PM)
How can anyone suggest this man is "whining" when as Americans and Canadians we have no idea what everyday life is like for him. How about some compassion? For both sides?
nicole orser (Sent May 30, 2006 10:53:56 AM)
In reading Richard's article on the orphanage, I would like very much to correspond with the children there. How can I get the address? Keep up the good work and articles on the life of the parentless children of Iraq.
Dee Smith, Streamwood, IL (Sent May 30, 2006 12:18:34 PM)
I WATCHED THE EPISODE ON MSNBC A FEW WEEKS AGO AND WAS MOVED BY THE STORY OF THE ORPHANS(AS I ONCE WAS) AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW I CAN CORRESPOND OR CONTRIBUTE TO THEIR HEALTH, SAFETY, EDUCATION, ETC.
WILLIAM WHITE (Sent Jun 28, 2006 4:19:02 PM)
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