I've met a refugee who escaped Iraq a couple of days ago

and i was so amazed of his story. I understood, listening to him, that the system we call democracy and then complain and forget about, doesn't apply everywhere. I mean yes it is obvious but it is so different to hear it through a real story while looking at the guy.
He did something illegal, selling alcohol at his coffee shop. Instead of giving him a fine and sending him to court, they bombard his house while his mother was inside. He came home from work at that and they begun hunting him and his brother to kill them. They managed to escape, hide a lot, suffered violence from the police and finally they reached Europe but his brother was very young and socked and at some point run and return there, and they found him and killed him. I asked him something like "why didn't you stay in Turkey for example, wouldn't it be easier for you?" He replied "I was afraid they could still find me there."
It was such a strong story to listen to. It put my life and views in perspective.

This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »

Northwest · M

You mean that a couple of days ago, you met someone, who escaped Iraq a while back?

What you're describing has nothing to do with democracy, it's about the consequences of our (USA) decision to invade Iraq.

Though not a democracy, under Saddam, Iraq was a secular place, where you can sell alcohol, drink, etc. with no repercussions. Following the war, the Bush administration was super proud of the new Iraqi Constitution, which brought Sharia in.

elafina · 36-40, F

@Northwest yes, this is what i mean, he escaped 3 years ago so he was comfortable enough to say his story. He didn't talked straight to me and told me all these, he was participating in a presentation where he and a few others told their stories. After that we had a chance to go for a coffee and we talked a little more.

Why did USA decide to invade Iraq? I am sorry for my ignorance.
I am trying to understand.

Northwest · M

@elafina [quote]Why did USA decide to invade Iraq? I am sorry for my ignorance.
I am trying to understand.[/quote]

Because we had a group of people, who believe in a neo-conservative strategy, of America as the dominating power, and places like the Middle East, serving US interests. George Bush, while President, was not running the show. The poor sap was sold on nuclear weapons, and Saddam involvement in 9/11. It was an easy sell to Congress, because we were looking to kick some ass, post 9/11, so we were vulnerable.

The same thing is kind of happening now, vis-a-vis Iran.

elafina · 36-40, F

@Northwest thank you for that, it is a beginning for my understanding History and the world journey. I don't know what took me so long.
i guess, my lame history teacher at school following the way the media present the news, that twisted drama always pushed me away. and now i'm trying to catch up.

I understand also that there are many stories regarding one story, and depending on from which side you hear it, it can change the Story.

Northwest · M

@elafina Of course. There are truths and there are perspectives.

Even this refugee's story, is subjective and is colored through his perspective, and whether he's Sunni, Shiite or Christian, and some other stuff.

For instance, I question the part of his story, where he explains why he did not want to stay in Turkey. I don't believe his life would have been in danger in Turkey. Bu there are other reasons why he may not want to be there:

1. Economic opportunities. Turks themselves, for decades, have been fleeing Turkey for Western European countries, where they cab create a better lives for themselves.

2. He may be a Shiite Muslim, and as such, he may be discriminated against, in predominantly Turkey.

3. He may have been involved in a militia, which would explain the rage against him in Iraq.

But, none of these things, will elicit the same level of empathy from the audience.

I doubt he's Christian, because Iraqi Christians can get immediate entry to join their families in Scandinavia. The first arrived as refugees in the mid 70s, during Lebanon's civil war. Yes, it was Lebanon's war, but these are Lebanese, who originated from Iraq's Christian Assyrian families, and they're a pretty large, well integrated group in Sweden.

Lots of stuff to ponder....