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
ZeyadIraq PunditHammorabi SamAmbassador FayrouzBaghdad Treasure24 Steps to LibertyIraqi MojoKonfused Kollege KidSooniAnarki-13AttawieCaesar of PentraMorbid SmileMorbid Smile's PhotosAlaa, the MesopotamianInto the SunIraqi RouletteMarshmallow26BlogIraqi
FaizaKhalidRaedRiverbendAsterismSooniSamiNajmaNabil The Talisman Gate
Ibn Al RafidainHusaynBeth NahrainAbu Khaleel HNK
Baghdad Girl: Cat Blogger
Sunshine
Sunshine's Mom: Mama
Baghdad Artist
2 comments:
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.
Wow, some of these links are fascinating. Thanks Charles, I guess I know what I'm doing this weekend :D
Post a Comment