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Dear friends,<br>
<br>
Please find below fragments from a message coming from a PhD student
and reporter from Iraq. I thought such a more personal letter would
usefully complement your reading of the official discourses on Iraq we
read in our newspapers. It just gives the impression of someone
actually living there. I proposed to publish her letter anonymously,
but she insisted on using her own name. <br>
<br>
Cheers<br>
<br>
Teun<br>
<br>
______________________________<br>
<br>
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<p>I really don’t know what can I tell you. American soldiers and
marines, Iraqis are paying the lack of troops in Iraq. The general
situation in Baghdad these days is sinisterly reminiscent of the war.
We keep hearing distant and sometimes not so distant thuds and
explosions that make windows rattle. Helicopters hovering 24 hours a
day almost at palm tree levels and jet fighters screeching high above
with an increasing urgency that makes one cringe from apprehension.
Electric power is almost non-existent and there has been a serious
shortage in petrol since Tuesday, most gas stations have been closed
for days and it's hard to find even on the black market, which means
less electrical generator time for Iraqi households.<br>
<br>
<br>
Fighting seems to have spread to several areas in Baghdad, including my
neighbourhood as it is close to Adhmya. Haifa street, Dora, Amiriya,
Khadhraa', Bayaa', Adhamiya and Zayuna districts have all witnessed
clashes, mostly between hit-and-run armed groups and Iraqi Police or
National Guards. Car bombings are all over the capital and several key
roads and bridges have been blocked, we are used toJ<br>
<br>
<br>
A cryptic threat was circulated a few days ago in both Baghdad and
Ba'quba by insurgents warning people to stay away from "governmental
departments and schools" causing widespread panic. A couple of primary
schools in Baghdad were reportedly stormed by armed men wearing scary
gorilla masks, so schools and colleges have been almost empty for
several days. The air is rife with outlandish rumours and conspiracy
theories, aggravated by the lack of news about what is exactly going on
since most Arab media outlets are more interested in broadcasting about
those what they call themselves resistance or opposition! I wonder who
they resist and oppose? Anyhow life goes on in spite of curfew and
fighting in Baghdad. My sisters go to their colleges everyday. You
could tell Iraqis are accommodate themselves with the new life style in
Baghdad. They pretend to be brave in fact they are scared to death?<br>
<br>
<br>
I returned from Kerbal last month and was greeted by hooded men in a
minibus firing their AK-47's in the air close to the entrance of our
street. The troubled taxi driver dropped me off with my suitcase and
drove away to safety. The minibus went by and then into a side street
where they seemed to have found a target since frantic shooting
followed. Not a living soul was on the street except yours truly and I
froze for a few seconds uncertain on which way to head. A loud metallic
clang behind me got me moving, so I scurried to my destination keeping
as close as possible to the walls while I was reflecting on a friend's
description of what it felt like to have a bullet tear through his
loin. It was definitely not a fun experience but I luckily made it
home. I have been scared stiff to put my nose out of the door since.
This is the fourth occasion in which I get myself caught in the middle
of a shootout and something tells me I won't be as lucky next time if
we follow probability laws.<br>
That’s why I couldn’t continue working as a reporter. It was very
dangerous and put my family in trouble as I got 2 emails threatening me
if I continue writing against those terrorists. I’ve been helping women
in the rural area to know their rights in Islam. It hurts me to see
that those women don’t know what is the difference between Sharia law
and tradition! Let me say they even don’t know what does Islam mean!<br>
<br>
My movement is very restricted because of car bombing and mortar
attacks everywhere and anytime. I don’t go to anyplace alone anymore.
My brother, Ali is always with me.<br>
</p>
<p>(...)<br>
</p>
<p>Ghayda Al Ali<br>
<br>
</p>
<br>
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