Day in Iraq

Santa Claus in Baghdad

2007-12-22T23:35:00.000-08:00

As you know that Santa Claus is a very good guy, he gives gifts for the kids and the poor people… Anyway, after he finished his tour in Europe, Australia … etc, he went to Dubai.

He was talking to his deer saying " Am in Middle East now but I haven't been in Baghdad before… I think we have to go there this year? There're a lot of people there who need a smile and a gift for Christmas".

He asked his deer to take him to Iraq and especially to Baghdad; he spent three hours in the sky looking for a house with a Christmas tree (Natural not Artificial), then suddenly he stopped his cart and start shouting " I found one, I found one, I found a house with a Christmas tree", he looked around trying to figure out how he will get inside this house, he said " This house is strangely designed! I can't find a chimney to get inside the house", he looked around the house to find an open door or window he couldn't find any; because all doors and windows have bars to keep the house safe and protected.

Finally he found a whole in the window where the swam cooler is, he put the gifts near the tree and decided to leave when he heard someone was shouting " Thief, Thief " and it is just few seconds when the shooting start using all kind of weapons. Santa Claus felt scared and start running and jumping from house to other and he didn't know what happened, he thought that a war starts.

Few minuets later, Police and Army came; some one was telling them that he saw him putting an IED, other saying that he saw him wearing bomb belt and other saying that he was driving a bomb cart!!

Finally, a Police officer jump on Santa Claus and catch him, then the police and army start beating him, they took his cell phone and there were 400 $ that they took it from him too. And then they said "Well, it seems he is an old crazy guy and let's be kind with old people" so they decided to release him after taking everything from him.

Santa Claus back to the house that he landed on its roof and he couldn’t find his cart, he asked a little kid there " Do you know what happened to my cart?" , kid replied " They steal it" then Santa Claus said " What about the Deer?", the kid answered surprised " Which Deer you are talking about? They are only few donkeys and broken cart, I saw number of mobile vendors for flour taking it"

Santa Claus felt bad, so he decided to walk his way to home especially he has nothing now, he felt tired, so he stopped a bus and tell the driver that he doesn't have money, the driver said " Hey Man, no worries, the life still good" then few minuets of driving and IED blown up in street throw him away in other district where few men where standing, one of those men stopped Santa Claus asking him " Where are you from?" and poor Santa Claus starts telling them his story and they didn't believe him so they torturing him trying to find out if he's Shiatte or Sunni, he didn't know what they are talking about . They decided to cut his head when two of his deer show up with his cart and saved him.

Santa Claus felt so happy, he thought that he is safe now and the nightmare end but after few second of flying in the sky, the terrorists launch their mortars and one of these mortars hit his cart so he jump on one of his deer and runaway ……

Santa Claus finally made it to his home and he Thanks God for that but he decided to resign from his job after his adventure in Baghdad.

His Corpse Brought Happiness to Me

2007-04-20T02:22:00.000-07:00

A lot of people who read the article ( Wish he’s dead) about this lady that her husband kidnapped, wondering “Did she find her husband?”

In just few days ago, I went to my home which I forced to leave it before months ago, and first thing come to my mind visiting this lady.

She dressed in black and with a sad smile she welcomed me, I asked her “ Did you find your husband?” she answer me with tears in her eyes:

“Yes, after long time of searching, I decided to go to Najaf (where Shiatte people bury their dead people) to look for him, and after few days of search, I found his grave. Terrorists killed him and throw his corpse in the river and there was a guy took his body out and bury him, because I think this is his job , looking for dead people in river then bury their bodies in Najaf , he’s doing that for humanity purposes only, I talked to this guy and he said” that he tried hard to contact those dead people families but some of them doesn’t have any contact details in their pockets so I just bury them and if I find their IDs I put their Name sign on their graves and pray for them every night”, I tried hard to give him money to what he did and he refused and said “ God will reward me “ !

Then she said “His corpse brought happiness to me” !

God Bless you!

Nibras

Kid's Sorrows

2007-01-20T03:37:00.000-08:00

Maybe he’s a kid like most kids in Iraq and maybe am sensitive more than normal towards kids.

I was in my way to work when I noticed a 10 years old kid pushing a cart full with gas; it was really cold that day. He was wearing a light coat, covering his head by a peace of tissue.

He touches my heart by this look of poorness and feeling of pain and inability to do that anymore. I asked brother to stop the car! I want to talk to this kid and see what kind of parents who leave a kid in these dangerous roads.

I have a brother turn to 11 years old in Jan. , I try hard to give him a warm bed and best cloths and food but sometimes I feel guilty because I can’t spend long time with him because am busy with work and a lot of things in life.

Why we bring life to those kids if we aren’t able to offer them the best life which any human deserve! I know it’s not logical what am saying but that’s the true, wish I can take all those kids from those careless parents and ask all people to stop bring suffer to this world.

I asked this kid why he is outside home in this cold weather, he replied “its cold everywhere and better to be outside home and get money than staying at home and suffer from hanger”
Big answer for a little kid, I said “And where’s your parents?” he replied with a cold smile” My father is asking me to do that to help him in covering the family expenses”

Then he asked me to buy gas or leave because he’s afraid to talk to strangers, I asked him again “Did you go to school?” He refused to answer and asked me to leave. I said “Am going to give you money weekly if you promised to stay at home safe, and if you show where do you live, am ready to go to your family and maybe help all your family”

He said “And are you going to help 16 kids, sick mom and crazy father?” I shocked when he said that he has 16 brothers and sisters!!

I said “God bless you and all those innocent kids, but please let me help you”, he said “Please leave!”

I kissed his cold cheek and put money in his pocket and left with tears in my eyes to what this kid and all his brother and sisters are suffering! I will pass this street everyday wishing to see him again and helped him.

There is no body to ask for help in that; only God, but wish all parents stop for moment and ask themselves one question “Am I ready to give the best life to this kid before bring life to him/her?”

God bless all those kids everywhere!

Nibras

Wish he's dead

2006-11-28T22:08:00.000-08:00

As usual, shooting or bombs' sound is my alarm to wake up now a day! But this time it was so close, look through window and saw Army everywhere calling to stay at houses and close doors.

And who dare to go out at this time, then they just disappear after checking no. of houses. I was looking from the second floor roof when I met my neighbour, a 30 years lady, had 4 daughters and one son, her husband kidnapped since months ago.

I was always avoid meeting this lady to avoid talking about her husband, I can't hold my tears , am weak in these events and really she need someone cheer up her not disappoint her.

I couldn't took my eyes away from her because she called me and said " Nibras, did you get a copy of Al - Mojahdeen's CD, they distributed it yesterday night on houses?"

I surprised " Which CD you mean?"

She replied " we found a CD of Al Mojahdeen operations in our garden and all neighbours did "
I said" I didn't check my garden yet"

Then she cried " I thought it's a CD of torturing my husband and those kidnappers send it!!"I was trying to take her tears away by encouraging her and start a chat with her about that finally!"

She start telling me the story.........

" He was at office when those kidnappers entered and took him with others. I was at home when his colleagues called me and told me what happened!

I was shouting like crazy till I realized that I should move on and try to find way to contact him. I tried to call him on his cell phone with no success, it was out of coverage for all time.I didn't receive any calls from kidnappers as used in all kidnapping accidents!

I start telling everybody about that to advise me for any was to contact him... Finally one of those families who their son kidnapped before told me about some one can contact kidnappers in these case and he could find way for negotiation.This man was Shiatte and responsible to contact Sunni militias when the kidnapped person it Shiatte . So when a shiatte kidnapped, he call Sunni to see if they have the victim then days of negotiations start till get back the victim to his family or his body if he's dead.

I gave him my husband picture and asked him to contact me as soon as he get any information.Then, a huge number of SMS started threaten me to kill my husband if I won't pay them what they want.

I said I will pay anything just to get back my husband but just give me a sign that he still alive.They refused, then I back to this SHiatte contact telling him what happened... he asked my to wait because he'll contact them and after days of waiting , he back and ask me to get the money ready and meet him in a place when he could give them the money and get back my husband. I said and how I trust them and I don't have any sign if my husband is still alive, he said it's the only option for you or you could give me the money to deliver it to them.

I know he was liar and will get the money and runaway and I know well if the world heard that will think am silly but it was my only hope to get back my husband.

Another days of waiting after giving him the money with no reply! And one day he called me and said go to this place after 4 hours and you'll get your husband back...I hurry to this address fill with hope and prayers to find him alive.

I waited so long , hours , days and month now without hearing anything about my husband or this man! I tried to call him like crazy and tried to find way to meet him with no success till one day his cell phone worked ...begging him to have any information on my husband ... He said I gave them the money and I told you before that I don't promise you anything... From that time and am checking the morgues on daily bases... hope to find his body... Wish he is dead... Wish he is dead... I start envy those families who their members have been kidnapped and got their bodies back when they killed.

*********************************************************

The words lost, couldn't stop crying and nothing to say!!

I get back my courage and said " Please ... hold on ... I know it's hard but hold on and try to stop your pain and a lot of people too ... Please contact police or army and give them the information to arrest those guys who were playing with your feeling and extorting you too.

She replied with crying voice " Nibras , will never kill my husband in my hands" Wish I could tell her that your husband doesn't worth anything for them and maybe he's lying in one of rivers or any area in this country... and you courage to stop repeating that is much important than doing nothing.... Wish I could! But I don't blame her at all , she's human and mother in same time and want to get back her husband.

One day I was reading about one of characters in one of French romans, the world judge him when he said " Sometimes we wish that our close people are dead"!! they consider him wired and doesn't belong to humanity! And what does the world call this lady when she wish her husband is dead?!

Good Events in Iraq

2006-11-12T05:30:00.000-08:00

Always when I want to write anything about Iraq can't find good news to distribute over here. Each time when I want to read a newspaper, a crying Iraqi image on first page, bombing news, last update for Iraqi government…. etc which make anyone feel depressed!

And the Media always hide good news in a tiny TV program or Newspaper article and most of people used to read the headlines.

But one thing I really do believe in that, there are a lot of good things here happen despite all the violence events but the bombs smoke is hiding it from our eyes.

Like:

The 2nd annual Kurdistan DBX International Trade Show in Sulymania from 11th – 14th Nov 06, one of big events which reflect the good steps to build new Iraq!
Woman and great positions in the Iraqi Government, free mind and new rights!
Some great people are still going on to serve this country despite bomb blasts.
And those young still have dream in doing sport
What happen now for Sadir city, they were enjoying the reconstruction before… why all are fighting now? And why Media was covering the war and not the reconstruction movement!

"We are happy and pleased that we can gather to support, encourage and promote the participation of Iraqi business women in the rebuilding of the new state of Iraq," said Ms. Azza Khalil Humadi… I like what she's trying to do and her words have a special impact…. Let's improve

A lot of good events, really enjoyed reading it and hope it won't stop one day. Wish all Iraqis can take share in this because Iraq won't rebuild without Iraqis help.

God Bless Iraq and all innocents people ….

Thanks

Nibras

Kiss On Air

2006-11-10T14:10:00.000-08:00

Maybe the title is a little strange for a day in Iraq, but am not going to talk about an attack happen in front of our eyes that day and caused killing two people…

After a busy day at work, I was in my way back home that day, in Karadda when you can live the real bad traffic everyday and near the Ice Cream shop, there were a couple sitting and kissing….

The way is long in this traffic, so I always use time reading when I suddenly hear girls with me yelling, “ Look, the Democracy!”

Maybe it’s something normal for most of people who will read this, but for Iraqis is never happen before in crowded area, Saddam was prisoning couples for that!

A discussion start in the car, one say “ Is that what we call it democracy?” … I said guys it’s just a kiss doesn’t cost us souls like the bombs.

Other said, “ Where are the militias to stop that?”…. Crazy! Now we are calling those guys to stop a people from kissing.

“ How they are not afraid? Maybe one of these bad guys will shoot them for that?”….. Hey c’mon they forgotten themselves now, leave them alone!

And all didn’t stop talking about that till get home and am sure it was the principle event in their day and first news to tell….

I think we need to increase kissing couples in roads to make people feel in peace, and drag them away from these crazy events which happen everyday…. Only kidding but why not?

God bless all people ( kissing and non – kissing in roads) …….

Thanks

Nibras

The Betrayer

2006-11-08T21:40:00.000-08:00

That's what I would like to call Saddam , " The Betrayer" ....

Before one day of announcing Saddam destiny like any criminal in this world, Iraq was getting ready to this event after long years of waiting , maybe it brings happiness to a lot of them but wasn't like this for others.

They declared the curfew in Baghdad , Dialah and Salah Al Din but that didn't stop the shiatte areas from celebrating!

I was listening to local Radio channels and hear people crying from happiness to what will happen to Saddam.

At this moment , an old lady come to my mind, I met her before years in a hospital she was wearing black and fasting at that day, the doctor was asking her to take the medicine but she refused to break her fasting.

She was explaining the reason for the doctor, she said that Saddam killed her only son because he refused to join Ba'ath Party when he was at college so she decided to wear black and fast till she see Saddam die.

It just so simple example to what he did for all innocents people. Now, it's the beginning of the end ... after so long years of suffering , no one believed that this dictator will end one day ....
The history pages will include a lot of things about this killer! And who will take the lesson from that to not repeat it oneday!

I woke up so early that day " The verdict day" waiting the sun rise and declare the end ....

Unfortunately, there wasn't a sun , it was raining.The rain brings many memories for me...

I remember my friend when he back to Iraq and how he kissed the land and say Iraq is mine again!

I remember my Mom when she was always say " Don't let the clouds bring darkness to your day, because it'll rain soon and the sun rise again"

I remember those kids who used to go to school with childish smile because they cut flowers from my garden.

I remember my dearest persons who I lost them oneday because of the betrayer.

This rain make me recall these memories and a lot of things like am alone in this world till the sun appear finally and separate clouds with its rays and bring smile to me.

It was like a new life start again with this amazing weather and tranquility... I felt in PEACE, I forgot Saddam and the trial and what will happen to him, no way! he won't take this feeling from me again.

Please let's end this betrayer from our hearts so we can end him from our lives,he make us suffering enough so let's don't make him do that again.

I wish I was in Tikrit when this lady was talking to one of TV channels and asking to let Saddam free , I wish I was there to say " Please feel in your brothers sufferance in north and south and forget this killer"

You are free now to say what you want and that's enough to not calling for Saddam again!
People will wait till see him die , I talked to a lot of friends who said " We are afraid ,maybe it's the calmness before the storm?!".Even that is right, we are strong enough to hold on like usual till the end because we are IRAQIS and IRAQ deserve everything!

Nothing more to say just God Bless Iraq and all innocent people ... Let's be positive and look forward PEACE!

Thanks

Doves Troop

2006-10-30T04:08:00.000-08:00

This is the true joy in life - being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one;being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; being a force of nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.
George Bernard Shaw

A lot of Iraqis for reason or other forced to leave Iraq one day, they were always looking to be back but in this crazy situation , it become one of the impossible things to happen. So they decided to support their brothers who are suffering in Iraq, we centralized their donation in Baghdad and start buying a lot of things which the family need... Winter is coming so cloths are needed .... we bought also food and some toys for those kids who don't know the joy of playing in toys at all .

And to have the true joy of this Eid, me with no. of friends trooped to South of Iraq ( Hilla , Krabala, Kefail, Najaf , Basrah) to meet those families....We met families who never met before , we just knock their doors and say Eid Mubarak to you and spen time with these families was one of the great things which make us feel the true fragrance of Eid!

Some people were afraid but when we talked they understand that we are Iraqis and we should be one family from North to South!

WE meet a woman with five kids because her husband killed , and she's baking to keep her kids alive.One of Team decided to to fix the kitchen roof. Other family has 4 kids, team spent great time putting on their new cloths and playing with toys.

In Basrah , after we meet families there , they insist to invite us for lunch and was one of great lunch invitations which I won't forget.

Please let's all be one family and start feel in peace in our hearts so we can live with! Thanks for all who donate to make those families feel the joy of Eid and especial thanks for Doves Troop ( Saman, Dina , Ali, Farah, Mageed and Saad )! Next Eid Insha allah we will trooped to Northern area to meet more families.

Thanks

Kids Fight

2006-10-24T21:21:00.000-07:00

I remeber when we were kids, Thuresday was really a different day fo us and especially for boys, thuresday means a short day at shcool and kids dressed in Army Uniforms and repeat the national words for loving our country and leader.

A soldier mean a lot of for any kid, special uniform, interesting weapons, soldier means a hero! not easy to change this image especially from those kids' mind.

For Iraqi kid, he / she witness a lot of wars , fighting is one of their principles now... guns are most of available toys which they are buying. but to see Children' s Gangsters is really not one of good things!

I was in my way to home by car with brother when Children's Gangsters accross my way with Guns toys, hiding their faces and shouting to get out from car. I was laughing because I couldn't imagine one day that a kid accross my way
to steal car!
Then I said It's enough , it was really professional play! But I don't like it, try to play anything else not this Please!

I was thinking in what the families ignore! Kids with guns toys now and tomorrow with real one! Is that what we want kids to learn! Fighting. I don't blame anyone on that because our life fill now with fight and soldiers like a war and even markets fill with these toys but we should be careful and especially for our kids because we are building our future
by them.

Let's keep our kids safe not just their bodies but also their minds Please!

Thanks

Eid Al Fottor ( Break Fasting Feast) in Iraq

2006-10-21T19:56:00.000-07:00

I had never thought one day that I will live a sad feast with all Iraqis.
I was walking today in roads and remeber when we were kids and the feast (EID) come... when wasn't there Ghosts which kidnapped kids and extort their families
, when wasn't there Ghosts which cut people heads and throw their
bodies on roads.... looking for familties and despite all what happen they are trying to have fun with coming Feast ( EID), shopping and buying new cloths for kids with so many gifts...for a second I felt in happiness and said Yes, people still keep going so am alive!

But these Ghosts appear again... and all people run away forgotting the Feast Joy and try to keep themselvies alive .... It was a bombing car in middle of one of Baghdad's markets... Police were calling people to keepaway ... all people felt in terror .. for one second I felt that am going to die ... roads blocked and people left their cars and run.

The Army and Police start shooting for some reason I didn't understand what's it? a bleeding man was running and said go back it's a bombing car!

Do you think that Iraqis will live the feast ( Eid) this year?! and will Iraqis celebrate in Eid with black cloths!!

Happy Eid to all... May God bless you and protect all from these Ghosts.

Terrible Day

2006-10-21T01:30:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of terrible days here but to spend one day seeing dead people, destroyed buildings and hearing people crying from sunraise to sunset is one of the most terrible days which I have ever lived!

It was same Sun which I greet it when the morning start and everything was going Ok till go to work and hearing bombs sounds the usual thing for all Iraqis, but to see bleeding people on morning wasn't the usual thing for me .... I tried to forget that and keep going ... meeting colleagues at work and all repeat same words " She killed - He kidnapped - bomb in this area - fighting in that area" ....etc make me feel tired and pain ....

I forget all that and tried hard to be away from hearing these events but that doesn't mean that I don't want to feel in what all my people suffer from it , No! I just want to keep going ...

What a day at work ... but it end as usual and I was in my way to home with this bad traffic and a lot of checkpoints ... and so near from my home ... Oh God! the whole building destroyed! and people trying to get the dead bodies out from wreck ... it was about 30 dead burning persons there!! Oh God I met most of those people at morning and now they are just a burning bodies!!

I lost control and couldn't hold myself from crying ... I was so exhaust and tired and decided to go back home and rest... I locked my room to stay away from all family words about this event.. and tried to get some rest .... but I couldn't locked my ears to hear our neighbour's kids and wife when they were crying because thier Dad is kidnapped and they don't know anything about him!

I remebered my Mom words when she was saying " The land is ours , Iraq is ours"... at that day I wished she was here to say that the land isn't ours today!it's the terrorists' land!

I felt sick with a very hard headache... no way must see a doctor! It was break fasting time in Baghdad at that time, roads empty like a ruin area! To see all those people in hospital suffering increase my pain .... I spent the night at hospital because of high blood pressure!!

It's about 11:30 pm when I first hear my mobile ringing in continous way ... all say same words " Are you Ok Nibras?" , I surprised how they know that am at hospital ... I said " Yeah am Ok , what's the problem to call me at that time?" .... a friend of mine said that there is a blast in one of Army Sites near your area so we got worried about you ....

I fall sleeping without thinking in all what happen that day .... it was 6 am when I woke up and feel better ... I decided to forget everything and fill with hope again to start another day in Iraq but don't know till how long I will use same way to pass this crazy situation!

Wish to all innocent people in all over Iraq peaceful days ... and land will get back to us.

Thanks

Baghdad, Dar Al - Salaam (Peace Land)

2006-10-19T21:24:00.000-07:00

I was watching a program on one of the Arabic channels; they invited a famous singer, they were asking her 20 questions to win a prize. One of these questions was" is Dar Al - Salaam (Peace Land) one of Baghdad's old names?" she waved in her hand surprising and answer "Sure No". I don't blame her if she said No! Because no more Salaam (Peace) in Baghdad.

One day, I was talking to a friend (western but doing business here). He said that he miss his home too much, I said Yes! I can understand your feeling, he replies and how you can? You are in your home with all your people! I said "It's not my home"!

Yes it isn't! The violence and the randomness in everything make it not a home; I miss my home when I can feel in peace and love, not this big mess!

Every sunshine in Baghdad when I greet morning .... wish and pray to this country a safe and peaceful day!

And hope won't end till see my country safe and full with PEACE!

Thanks

Nibras

Ramadan in Iraq

2006-10-04T04:09:00.000-07:00

Ramadan in Iraq (Fasting Month):

RAMDAN, maybe the word is not familiar to some people so I will explain. Ramdan is the fasting month for Muslims; without eating anything from the sun raise till its sunset for one moth, not all people should fast, sick and who want to travel are exception.

After explain Ramadan in few words, let's see how Ramdan in Iraq is? Again! Am going to say BEFORE all restaurants are closed and forbidden eating in front of fasters, most of people went to holy places, special prayers, rituals and also meals!
In fast breaking when the sun sunset, you will find a long table fills with much kind of meals, all family members around it to enjoy their fasting. It has really special feeling (Peaceful one). Then people went to mosques, visit other, shopping….etc.

There is a special game in Ramadan, you see many people play and make matches between different areas called EMHEBES (Caching Ring). Two teams and one ring, first team hide the ring in one of its member's hand and the other team should find it to win, maybe in words it's easy but when there are about 50 persons (100 hands), it will be really hard to find it.

If you heard beat of drums before the dawn, don’t surprise! Kids and teenagers walking in roads and beating drums to wake people to take their meal before fasting and pray.

Yes! A lot of special things in Ramadan but I think you notice that I wrote BEFORE! Let's see Ramadan now!
Its democracy so you can eat in Ramadan no one forbid you to do that at all, people are afraid to go to holy places ( roads and also these places are not safe any more), they do their prayers at home.
After fast breaking, better to spend time at home, who can guess what will happen or what the terrorists hide for us!
Those guys who are walking in roads and beating drums are disappear, who is the crazy who dare to go out at this time ( sure all they will say he's a terrorist want to put a bomb).

It's not safe to practice your religion and go to mosques at night, do you think it's safe to play a game (EMHEBES – caching the ring)!!

Ramadan Kareem (HOLY RAMDAN TO YOU).

Thanks

Nibras

Message to Iraqis

2006-09-22T18:58:00.000-07:00

I spent time thinking in what's the next day in Iraq which I should write about? And in same time feel bad because am always writing sad things …. So I think about new day in Iraq and good one show the good things which happened here after Saddam regime falling.

Am always talking to friends who can see easily that I have bad impact about the x- regime, they always say that before was better and we could feel in peace not like now a lot of death everywhere!

No! It wasn't good before and the proof is what happens now because it's a simple result to what Saddam did in people; so many people outside Iraq – a lot of graveyards – bad services in all sectors – descending in education and many can't count. Iraq was a big prison for his people because of x-regime …
The x-regime make a big stamp on people "Iraqi "… should I say now it was safe there and it's unsafe!

Please let's start again and again but on strong and clean bases even we fail 1,000 times, let's make something and stop moaning and waiting other to do for us…..That what I always say and hope other hear.

I know it cost us a lot of blood and souls but I am sure that most of Iraqis feel the same about loving their country and wish the best for its land.

It's hard and will takes long time but Iraq deserve everything good not like what we see now…. Let's declare cleanliness day; it's easy and will not cost us anything and we will have clean Iraq not like what we see of big mess because of army and police who make us feel that we have a battle every day.

Let's declare green day; it will not cost us anything but we will have Green Iraq like before… flower more better than a bullet and seeing red color in flowers has a great impact not like in blood! Let's fill our hearts with peace so we can get a peaceful life.

Maybe it's rare now a day and most of people frustrate but I can see hope in Great Iraq again in spite of all what happen here … and all should keep this hope for a new Iraq ……

For me I have Iraq again and will work hard to make it great and peaceful again even by simple things which bombs smoke hide and am sure the Sun will raise!

Thanks

Nibras

US Army

2006-08-13T01:53:00.000-07:00

I hesitated before writing about US army because I have friends who I really care about , don't want to misunderstand me, but what I'll talk about is real feeling for peaceful people.

I was sitting at home when I heard a big sound of some thing falling; it was last days of Saddam end, Saddam's statue in our area destroyed by an US tank, I couldn't believe that because one day before that , the area was controlled by Iraqi army, where all those soldiers gone?!

So it was time to go out and see what's happening there?! Most of people were out there looking to those soldiers with all those stuff on their bodies, weapons and different vehicles, just like what we always watched in TV. Soldiers were yelling "Saddam is gone, welcome to freedom?"

Yes people do believe in miracles but not in that, Saddam give Iraq so easily and for nothing. Am one of those millions people who didn't think before in that, he was the immortal legend for many people.

No let's back to US army… Yes! Finally those brave guys do it and end the dictator, that was people think about US army when first see them and especially when they destroy big doors for Saddam's palaces and let them enter to see what their president kept for many years and people suffering …..

Day after day, those soldiers enter roads and all people especially was kids waving their hands and when they stopped, people make circles around them to talk to them.
I remember when they buy bread from a baker in our area and all say" look they are eating same bread which we eat" and people decided to share them food so friendly and soldiers give them different things, sure they are come with freedom which we never heard about it before or feel in it.

I think all the world remember when the US army destroyed first statue for Saddam in middle of Baghdad and how the people welcomed them with flowers" they are the chosen guys who liberate Iraqis!!"

It's not so long time when this friendship start changed and those soldiers start point their weapons to people like enemies… what happen?! There is something calling terrorism which those guys afraid from it and what's the terrorism?!!

Terrorism means killing me and you with no reason just because those terrorists believe that America is their enemy and now our country is the battlefield…. We are the victims and we must find way to survive "leaving our country is the only solution" and let them fight and back again when everything is end…. And really that's what happened so many people run away from bombs, shooting, kidnapping and the most terrible things which no one can imagine it.

And let's back again to US army in this period after the friendship end and the real war against the terrorists start and see what they were doing?!

They are in our houses checking it " that's Ok we are flexible, let them do what they see better for all" ….

They are blocking roads and make people waiting for hours for reason or other" that's Ok we can understand that, they have long vehicles which need time to pass in roads"

They are enter houses in force make the big noise and all kids crying and women shouting when they take their men and cover their heads in plastic bags…" that's OK maybe they are terrorists, let them do their job"

They are crashing cars in their way and shooting any one comes near from them "that's Ok we can understand that too, maybe it's one of terrorists in these cars which coming close to them".

But till how long people will understand and be patient for all that, please let’s understand things from this side not just think that those people don’t follow instructions or keep big hate inside them for US army …..

Thanks for all to share me thoughts because really we want to clear many views here.

With Best Regards

Nibras

Iraqi Hospital

2006-07-21T04:03:00.000-07:00

One day I went to a big hospital in Baghdad to get a paper show that my mother die before 4 years because I need it to follow up in some official offices… For the first time when you look at the hospital you think it is a military site because so many soldiers surround the hospital to keep people inside it safe … they faced attacks before by unknown guys ….

The emergency hall full with wounded people … always there is less in no. of doctors and medical equipment and so many people die because doctors can't save them with these poor equipment ..

Most of injuring people bombs or shooting …. So many of families crying to lose member of them.

I was waiting someone in the archive of the hospital to provide me with details when I saw an old lady with two young men crying and shouting, they were looking for one of the wounded people by bomb… the doctor was so busy to answer her and he couldn't recognize who's her son… she get in the hall and looking for her son like a crazy till she find him lying on floor and bleeding till death …

Oh God! It was the worst day in my life to see those people dying so easily … I got the paper after hours of pain and crying to see those innocent people suffering …pray to God to keep all safe and well.

It's one of biggest hospitals in Baghdad which receive so many cases everyday!! How about others!

Regards

Iraqi Student

2006-07-20T12:50:00.000-07:00

Iraqi Students!

Really I don't know how those students doing their exams in these crazy events…
First they should study in this hot weather because always there is an electricity crisis …not safe to go to their schools at all …They should go so early because they can't guess roads, maybe blocked!!

Spending days and nights studying and hearing this news of dying their people everyday …

Am just thinking which dream they have!! Being doctors to spent days looking for people dying in front of their eyes because the medical equipment so poor!!
Or Being engineers to build and other destroy everything easily!! Or being teachers to see those innocents' pupils suffering …. What a dream it is?!
When I hear their results in exams, just feel happy for them in spite of all these bad things because their are doing great and keep going and fight everything…

Keep going Iraqi Student!! Always there's a hope ………..

Thanks

Sunni and Shiatt

2006-07-20T12:27:00.000-07:00

Most of time asked by some people if am I Sunni or Shiatt and always have same answer " I am Muslim" …

Let's make a simple comparison between both:
- Both believe in same God " Allah".
- Both has same religion " Islam".
- Both has same prophet " Mohammed".
- Both has same holy book " Quran".

So what's the problem now which makes both fighting … My grand – mother always said that we lived together and we didn't hear about this dispute before between Sunni and Shiatt like what's happening here now.

She told me that people was living together (Muslims, Christians and Jewish) in old Baghdad… now let's try to analyze the problem here ….

Sunni and Shiatt live together till now, some militias using some ignorant from both sects to make a big dispute for some reasons, sure by paying them a lot of money (Unknown source) and for some reasons I couldn't understand it.

When the holy shrines bombed in Samarra all sat that's Sunni do that but they were just fools to think like that because this holy shrine guarded by Sunni for so long years and it's belong to all Muslims not just Shiatt …. So I see this dispute made by those militias and always increasing it…..

We live together Sunni and Shiatt and most of them understand that's just a play and other using them ... but really don't have just a little pray that all of them can understand that so the problem will be solved…

Really there is a lot of ideas explain why all that happen in Iraq but can't find the real reasons for it…

Thanks

Social Life in Iraq

2006-07-20T10:18:00.001-07:00

When we say social life that's mean:

- Meeting friends.
- Special Parties.
- Going to shopping.
- Holidays and weekends.
- Trips and picnics for special places in the country….etc.

All points above and many other things else, Iraqi people start forgetting do it now and become a memories now!!

You always hear people blaming other if they met " why you don't come to visit us" and always same answer" It's a street fighting out there which make us stay at home all day".

Before wedding was a big party full with people in Iraq, now it's a small one include a little number of people because of most people afraid to go out there!

Shopping mean "buy what you want as soon as possible and back to your home".

Don't make me remember holidays or weekends which mean other days of curfew and sitting at home behind locked doors.

To be honest I forget last time when I went for a trip or a picnic!!

Thanks

Iraqi Goverment

2006-07-20T10:13:00.000-07:00

First thing to do for any government established in Iraq, take a tour around the world … which their tickets cost about hundred thousands of USD…and leave people dying like ants and calling that " Establish new connections with other countries" …always the government start new plan ( same style of last one , just different in names"…The new plan called "Together toward the head"

Safe days, cold summer (if the government established in summer), enough gasoline …and so many promises… and as usual that mean for people a lot of bombs everywhere and always oil and gasoline crisis ….

God bless the government, always care of people in very special way!!!

Iraqi People

2006-07-20T10:08:00.000-07:00

You can divide the Iraqi people according to their feeling in three parts:

- So many of them frustrate from all what happen here…
- Most of them afraid from their day which maybe will start or end by a bomb, shooting, kidnapping….etc.
- And a big part of them are so angry from these crazy events….
-
People here don't have social life and if they meet together, their meeting will be like a news channel because nothing to talk just about killing, shooting, kidnapping, bombing…etc.
Shopping, having vacations, picnics..etc are the last things which people think about if they do!!!

Thanks

What's Happeing ?!

2006-07-20T09:27:00.000-07:00

Let's describe what's happening here in few lines of words:

- Terrorists increasing their operations in Iraq by killing hundred of people everyday and call that "Jihad".

- Army and Police facing these attacks by many check points in roads which make them an easily prey by shooting or bombing …etc.

- The government start new plan to control the situation (always there's emergencies) for one month …this is the only solution for them nothing more.

And who's the victim of all that, sure the innocent people who die without any reason … and in which way (By Bombs) so no one can find any part of their body…

That's what's happening here in few words… this is the FREEDOM and DEMOCRCY.

Thanks for all….

Things Mixed!

2006-05-28T10:53:00.000-07:00

I was in my way to work today morning, hard traffic jam as usual and I hear hard shooting! I thought one of governmental or VIP guys pass the road.

Shooting to open roads was really crazy! It was an ambulance with three police's cars; I couldn't see persons in the ambulance but guys at police's cars were bleeding and other seems they died!

I felt so bad and couldn't believe that one day I will see like this in my life! Blood slips from cars and see people dying without any reasons just because they are police officers.
I always holding my camera but really today couldn't take a picture for this situation at all, it was so painfull.

It is a battlefield between terrorists (who really can't understand what their reasons to do that) and innocent people (Police officers, army and civilians).

Things now get terrible and hope reducing and that is not good to live and go on in this life!

I can't understand things anymore and no options for us anymore!

Thanks

Nibras

Adhmyia Fight

2006-04-18T08:30:00.000-07:00

Some times trying to be a little away from Iraq news even I live in middle of it, it's just a way to reduce tension in life.

But all the time, can't hold myself to feel pain on those innocent people who die everyday and to see Iraq wound still bleeding….

Nowadays destroy and blood happen again but in another area in Adhamyia ….

Killing people without any reason by armed persons, kidnapping other and kill them after hard torment were the most terrible things in this area.
Iraqi Forces decided to control the area to keep people safe like many areas in Iraq, armed persons without any identity tried again to enter the area so the fight start at the night, people didn't hear just shooting.

So like these fights repeated at nights. Most of people in this area are Sunni (Even I don't like to call people like this because we are Muslims if we are Sunni or Shiatt), people in this area supported by other in Faloja , so they decided to help them, so the fight now happen between three sides ( unknown persons, Iraqi forces, supporting people) and innocent people between them , just hearing shooting and afraid to go anyway.

Iraqi forces not enough to stop that; US army must be there so they can control the situation.

Now Iraqi Forces & US army against the other two sides, supporting side against Iraqi Forces, US army and armed persons, armed persons against supporting side , Iraqi forces and US army, crazy what is a PLAY!!!

How to solve that?! People leave their houses again, like what happen in Faloja!!

This is a result of everybody carry a weapon and fighting with it on what he is believe in without care to anything else.

Everyday pray to God to help all people in my country on this situation, hope one day can hear our pray to have a peaceful place and stop Iraq bleeding.

Thanks

Nibras

Children of Iraq

2006-04-10T06:20:00.000-07:00

Most of time when I read on some authors, philosophies, scientists, artists, musicians…etc , found those people start a hard , poor life , suffering from many things in their lives, but they worked hard to make some thing to the Humanity in spite of all that.

Now I am looking to Iraqi children and how they live which make me think in future and said "Am sure many of them will be greatest persons and offer some thing to the Humanity".

Let me talk to how a child lives in Iraq….

Going to school is one of the important things which each child must do; terror of kidnapping is one of the hard things which each family faced, bombing cars, bombs and shooting make all families drive their children to school and some moms stayed at schools till the day end to ensure their safety.

Vacations for them mean staying at home, watching TV or playing football at home, nothing in their vacations called trips or anything joyful. Child is lucky if he had a PC or PS to spent time playing.

Most of Children now talks in politic and said this leader is good and that is not, and know the difference between the occupation and freedom and many things I don't remember I heard about it before when was a child.

But when I see those children go to school in these conditions, I feel in HOPE that the future will be better than which they live now.

For all people around the world who said that there is no life in Iraq , I said all the future will be in Iraq , not just because it is my country but because it has a great people fighting to make a life there ( Iraqis and not Iraqis).

Thanks

The Calm Day

2006-03-20T09:53:00.000-08:00

Hi!

Maybe the title is a little strange for a day in Iraq but really today was a little calm and without traffic- jams , bombing cars , shooting or Police and Army forces!!

There is no. of reasons which make Baghdad today a little quiet in some area, like most of Shiatt in Karbala City to practicing their religious rituals as well the following curfew days make people a little lazy to go work or open shops …etc.

Maybe it is really strange that I am criticizing the quiet day in Baghdad but really I used to spend long time in traffic – jams in my way to work or watching Police and Army forces blocked road and must wait till open, and some thing becomes funny for me that I wake up early on bombs sounds like a clock alarm and said Yes it is morning!

The above picture is to a very vital road in middle of Baghdad; when I say it is vital that mean everyday it is full with cars and make you wait long time to pass through it, but today it is so quiet just like what you see in picture.

Hope Baghdad will be always quiet because of peace not fear to go out!!

Hope we will meet in another Day in Iraq!

Thanks

Message to Friends

2006-03-19T11:11:00.000-08:00

Hi!

Many friends are really interesting to know what happen in Iraq and want to know the situation away from Media, so I decided to write here about life and how we keep going in spite of these hard conditions.

Each time you will find a Day in Iraq, maybe you will not find most of it joyful but I want to say there are many times full with happiness which keeps us going on this life.

I would like to say Thank You Phil to push me to write here and wish Leif was here, he ask me one day to write a book about life here and he said that there are many around the world wish to know how you think in these conditions.

For people who don't know me, I would like to introduce myself:

Nibras, Iraqi female, born in 25th Dec 81, am working now and my wish in this life is "See all people around world live in Peace".

Thanks for all to be here and share me thoughts.

Nibras