Iraq

A letter of plea to the president of the United States of America  from an American in Baghdad by Kathy Kelly

A page from a diary from Iraq by veteran peace activist Kathy Kelly describing the horror and havoc caused by the American-led war on Iraqi civilians.

When Muslims think of Baghdad, they don't think of Saddam Hussain. Tyrants like him come and go. They think of their glorious past: the legends of Caliph Harun Rashid; the libraries of this great city, which were the largest in the world; literary classics like the 1001 Arabian Nights; and one of the greatest Islamic scholars of all time, Imam Abu Haneefa.

War appears inevitable. But, I continue to hope that the cloud will lift. Perhaps Saddam will yet turn tail and run. Perhaps reason will somehow still prevail. I along with millions of Americans will pray for the safety of our troops, for the innocent civilians in Iraq, and for the security of our homeland.

The media in your city will be looking for local Muslim reaction to the war on Iraq in the coming days. A press release, issued as soon as possible, can not only help them get your points across in a clear and well thought-out manner, but it can also be a way to alert local media that you are ready to be interviewed.

The harrowing health statistics don't factor in the psychological and emotional difficulties of just trying to survive in Iraq. Women have dealt with the fallout with strength and perseverance.

Let us not forget what we are talking about. We are talking about going to war. We are talking about thousands-possibly hundreds of thousands-of innocent lives being lost. We are talking about casualties almost inevitably among our own forces.