Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Blogger War Intelligence

President Bush today used words written by an Iraqi blogger as evidence his new strategy is having an effect in Baghdad. I found this interesting because I have been a regular reader of the blog he referenced, as well as three other english language blogs from Iraq, since days after the war began. I have found them to be tremendously helpful tools for divining the truth of the situation on the ground in Iraq. It is truly astounding to be able to read the words of someone who is so affected by this thing we see on TV that is so far away.

The one blog that has meant more to me than the others is that of a girl from Mosul named Najma. She is the exact same age as my oldest daughter and for the past four years I have seen her struggle with the same life issues that my daughter faces, the main difference being that Najma's difficulties include bombs, tanks and soldiers. In spite of the war in her country, though, many of her biggest concerns and fears are about her grades and the social things that young girls worry about universally.

I have learned a great deal about Iraq, war, cultural and religious prejudice and the news media by reading these blogs. I highly recommend the practice. Here is a list of currently active Iraqi bloggers. Be warned, they vary greatly in their viewpoint from pro-America to vehemently anti-West. Some are remarkable for the way they blog about life just as most American bloggers without ever mentioning politics or the war and some are only about the war.

  • Omar and Mohammed, ITM
  • Zeyad

  • Iraq Pundit

  • Hammorabi Sam

  • Ambassador Fayrouz

  • Baghdad Treasure

  • 24 Steps to Liberty

  • Iraqi Mojo


  • Konfused Kollege Kid

  • Sooni

  • Anarki-13

  • Attawie

  • Caesar of Pentra

  • Morbid Smile

  • Morbid Smile's Photos

  • Alaa, the Mesopotamian

  • Into the Sun


  • Iraqi Roulette

  • Marshmallow26

  • BlogIraqi

  • Faiza

  • Khalid

  • Raed

  • Riverbend

  • Asterism

  • Sooni


  • Sami

  • Najma

  • Nabil

  • The Talisman Gate
  • Ibn Al Rafidain

  • Husayn

  • Beth Nahrain

  • Abu Khaleel


  • HNK

  • Baghdad Girl: Cat Blogger

  • Sunshine

  • Sunshine's Mom: Mama

  • Baghdad Artist
  • 2 comments:

    Anonymous said...

    It was very rare for me to find an American who actually cares about what is REALLY happening in Iraq. Most people just find it enough to watch the CNN or Fox News. People like you, Charles, should try to make the difference. People like you have what I call 'The burden of knowledge'.
    Thank you.

    larryosaurus said...

    Wow, some of these links are fascinating. Thanks Charles, I guess I know what I'm doing this weekend :D