20 March 2008

2003-2008... Iraq, where to-Part 3

Hi. Today marks the fifth anniversary of the US invasion of my Iraq and the overthrowing of Saddam's regime. On a day like this I can't help asking myself this question : Is there really any hope for the future of Iraq ?! The problem is that the answer to this question is far more complicated than yes or no. Nobody can deny that the security situation on the ground in Baghdad right now is much much better than it used to be before. But also nobody either inside or outside Iraq can tell whether this improvement is temporary or perminant. The security situation on the ground in Baghdad is so fluctuating and so unpredictable. There're times when hope seems so close, but there're also other times when hope seems too far away. But as an Iraqi, I do believe that there's always a place for hope, and that this long night will surely come to an end, soon or later it will, Inshallah ! Another question that's often being asked on such a day : Should the American occupation forces stay or leave ?! As for me, I say that they should stay until they clean up the mess they've taken part in creating in my Iraq. And finally on Such a day I want to send tons of love to my Precious American friends : Anita, Ian, and Amy. With my love. Yours forever, Lubna.

6 comments:

stardumb said...

lubna sweetie,

thanks for sending your love! right back at you!

in regards to reflecting on the role of american forces in iraq, and how the situation is in iraq five years out from the start of this awful war, i know i am not convinced "we have helped" or "iraq is better off." from what i hear people sharing on WHYS and other sources of dialogue, it doesn't seem that the situation is improved overall in iraq--sure, some areas are "quieter," but for each of those, it sounds as if as many or more are unstable. it sounds like the violence still rares it's ugly head far too often and unpredictably, and that it is more openly violent than in the days of saddam.

so i don't see that we've helped. i never saw that.

and i hear you saying we should stay long enough to help clean up the mess we started. thank you for telling us this point of view--we care how you see things. you are a smart lady, and YOU LIVE THERE!

i am with you in standing for hope.

I LOVE YOU.
anita

RosieVanderhoeven said...

Hello Lubna!
I have read some of your postings this past month and my heart goes out to you. It would be hard for anyone to live where you do, but to be a sensitive, intellegent, cultured woman as you are, it would make it that much more difficult given your level of awareness. And this "awareness" is where your sanity lies...as it matters where you let your focus remain. Sometimes the big picture is so overwhelming that we must fix our eyes on the small daily miracles to keep our hope alive. I know you must see these too...and I pray that you discover a smile on the face of a child to brighten your day. And other such "lights" in your dark world. Today is Easter. This is a day I celebrate a man rising from death and proclaiming for me a world that is yet to come that is GOOD and right and fair. Entrance to this new world is not something I needed to earn by good behavior, it is a gift to me, and everyone who believes(not just ONE nation...or ONE religion btw). Anyway, I don't mean to prostilitize...I just wanted to share what Light and Hope I am appreciating at this moment. Blessings to you! Rosie V.

Anonymous said...

Dear Lubna:

I think I should just email you next time, because I want to connect with you person-to-person, even though I so admire and appreciated your blog thoughts. I'm Susanne, Anita's friend and I'm delighted to be "meeting" you, here.

I was touched when you referred to "my Iraq" and also inspired to pray like crazy for your dream of the long night ending and your belief in hope! You go, girl!!!!

I'm off to sleep, now, but I look forward to reading more (and earlier posts -- just read the last one, now).

I wish you safety and security and joy! I also soooo admire that you understand computer stuff enough to create a blog -- kudos to you.

From what I know from Anita, you are a funny, alive, highly intelligent, dear, caring person -- and this, I know directly: your English is amazing!

I don't understand the stuff about "OpenID url" so I hope this gets to you! :-)

Blessings and love,
Susanne

Unknown said...

Hi Lubna,
my name is Lila. I heard about your from Anita, a good friend of ours. she and i studied medicine together north of Boston. I have read a few of your entries. i am deeply touched by your sincerity, tenacity, and optimism. I am so very sorry for all of the suffering that you experience and witness on a daily basis. Please know that people around the world care very much- we just feel so powerless to change things. i wish things could be otherwise. you inspire me to find hope when and where it seems there is none. that is beautiful.

with respect and admiration,
Lila

Unknown said...

Dear Lubna,
Iam a friend of Anita's from India.My heart goes out to you and your people.Sometimes I wonder why things are the way they are for u.Though there are no answers but there is a God above who hears.My prayers are for u, ur friends and ur people.
Just remember that we care for u and Iraq and GOD loves you!

love and prayers,
jeeva

Anonymous said...

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