I took these pictures today while on a mission in the Adhamiya district of Baghdad -- north of the Green Zone, on the east bank of the Tigris. We dismounted our vehicles and had to walk several blocks to access the civil courthouse, where we were to meet the judge and talk with lawyers practicing at the court. Adhamiya is the oldest part of Baghdad, and predominantly Sunni. This was our 7th attempt to visit this courthouse--previous efforts had been scrubbed due to security.
After we got back to the Green Zone this afternoon, I showed the pictures to an Iraqi national who works on our staff. Iraqis can sometimes (or most of the time!) be pretty dramatic, but what he shared with me is important, and so I thought I would share it with you.
He said,
After we got back to the Green Zone this afternoon, I showed the pictures to an Iraqi national who works on our staff. Iraqis can sometimes (or most of the time!) be pretty dramatic, but what he shared with me is important, and so I thought I would share it with you.
He said,
"Look at those faces, at those children. They are the future of Iraq. Remember them in everything you do here. And remember, that in Adhamiya, one of the most dangerous places for Americans in Baghdad, the children greeted you with smiles."
6 comments:
Thank you for the pictures. You know it's funny how American G.I.'s (when they aren't in a fight) are kid magnets and this was true before "winning hearts and minds" was in the lexicom. It was because of the kindness American G.I.'s given to my father after they liberated the Philippines was the reason he joined the US Army and put in 25 years. Keep up the good work and keep on taking those great pictures.
God Bless!!!
Thank you the reat pictures!
You guys and gals are doing a great job over there. We appricate your sacrifices very much.
Thank you and come home safely!
Great pictures--thanks for sharing. May the mission succeed so that these smiling children may grow up in peace. May God bless you and the others who serve.
My Dear Robert,
Poetic, beautiful, and inspiring. Thank you for your service as well as your blog post! A profound dose of humanity in an over-politicized "debate."
Cheers,
Charlie
www.churchillsparrot.com
Thank you and your fellows for your service. You are building a new society and your sacrafices will not be forgotten.
I thought men in uniforms were supposed to be Chick Magnets - as in women, but I think "chicks" really means les enfants, the children, los bambinos. Look how they light up!
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