Short Film

This is an interview with me about Iraqis in Jordan, voiced over by my friend, Tara Ridgedell, who produced the short film. The entire text is found in a post below.

An Interview with Me

My friend Tara interviewd me for a class project about Iraqi refugees. The following is the text, just in case you want to learn more about Iraqi refugees.

What is the situation like in Jordan concerning Iraqi refugees?

It is somewhat complicated, as over the past few years there have been many conflicting numbers and statistics. Things have, however, improved for Iraqis here overall. A few years ago, all Iraqis were still illegal and could be arrested and sent to the border at a moment’s notice. It was a scary time and many even avoided being out on the streets for fear of a policeman asking for documents. Now, however, Iraqis can register at the UNHCR, and if the UNHCR finds them eligible, they are granted a registration number and an Asylum Seeker Certificate. This paper allows them to live in the country without fear of deportation. Unfortunately it does not give them the right to work or own property, or any other rights of a resident or citizen.

What events transpired to cause Iraqis to flee?

There are a number of Iraqis that fled prior to the beginning of a war in 2003. These mostly fled as a result of persecution under the regime of Saddam Hussein or difficulties living under the sanctions imposed by the American Government in the 90’s. The sanctions put limitations on travel, trade, and just about everything, depriving many Iraqis from a free and suitable way of life, causing some to flee to Jordan. Then in 2003 the coalition forces invaded, destroying parts of the most populated area, Baghdad, and creating chaos among the different religious sects. You see, although Saddam Hussein was a tyrant, part of the stability of the country resulted from him ruling with an iron fist. He was Sunni, and he controlled the majority Shi’ite population by instilling fear into them. After he was taken out of power, everything was free for all. The long suppressed Shi’ites rose up against the Sunnis. Different groups that had been active for a long time gained leverage due to the lack of security and control in the government. Supporters of Saddam became targets, and it became every group against one another, resulting in unending violence in the form of bombs and personal threats.

How many refugees are currently in Jordan?

About 500,000. The numbers have varied over the years because it was difficult to document them when they were illegal. Now the UNHCR number is much more accurate.

Are any refugees able to return home to Iraq?

Its hard to say, and i do not know as much about what happens after they go back. Some have tried, but find the violence, lack of security and threats still exist, so they return. Others return to find their homes filled with squaters, so they become homeless. Many of them are able to return to live with their families that stayed.

What are conditions like in Jordan for refugees?

Although the poverty here does not compare to other parts of the world, the situation here for refugees is extremely difficult – I think psychologically more than physically. The obvious factors are that Iraqis cannot work legally, which results in poverty and exploitation. Many Iraqis do work, but they are not paid a fair wage, or they are forced to work long hours. Many Iraqis are eligible for aid from the UNHCR and other NGO’s. Based on a number of factors (household income, family size), they may receive a monthly salary (usually a little over one hundred dollars) from the UNHCR, medical care from Caritas, and emergency aid from CARE.

In my opinion, the psychological conditions are more significant. Many Iraqis came from decent jobs…they are not all rural farmers, so living a life at the bottom, where work is menial and often humiliating, is difficult. People once used to supporting their families can barely do so, and all the while they feel like outsiders, never knowing where they will ever be able to live a normal life. On top of that, they are constantly stressed about their case at the UNHCR and if they will be resettled. Nothing is secure or safe for them. Because they are not residents or even have visas, there is no legal way for them to protect themselves from exploition and abuse from landlords, employers, etc. Just think of all the ways you could be taken advantage of or not treated fairly if you had no real documents…no licence or SS number.

Iraqis lived under a regime of control and paranoia. Their every move was watched – there was no freedom of speech, opinion, or political view. The only thing that mattered was allegiance to Saddam. As a result, they only know this way of life. As they wait and hope to be resettled, they are often fearful and paranoid. It takes a lot to get them to trust you, and sometimes it’s hard for them to be honest, because they are only trying to protect themselves the only way they have ever known how.

How long and how thorough is the process/paperwork required to resettle?

The process is extremely thorough in order to prevent those that are not deserving to take the places of those that are…many lies must be uncovered and false documents recognized. Because the situations of the Iraqis are often extremely complicated regarding military service or threats from insurgent groups, sometimes the interviews are not adequate for everything to be explained or understood. So although the process is thorough, it is not perfect.

Would it be possible for a refugee to navigate the process without help from an organization like yours?

Yes. the UNHCR and IOM clearly state that no 3rd party such as ourselves is needed. For some, the process is clear cut, especially if they have documented proof to submit. others, however, have stories that must be explained, which is where our help comes in. We are able to sit with the refugees longer, not being constrained by interview times, so we can fully understand the refugee’s need for resettlement. Many, for example, are refused because of service in saddam’s military, even if they were only chefs or radio operators. these are the kind of testimonies we try to clarify. Also, some are refused at later steps, like with the IOM and specific government embassies. These cases can submit appeals, which we help the refugee with, since they are usually submitted in English.

Do you have any suggestions or recommendations for someone who may want to get involved?

It is very helpful to understand the mindset from which Iraqis come. Understanding the lives they lived under Saddam Hussein is very important because it dictates many of their fears and behaviors. it is also significant to understand that all refugees are not the same. The struggles and frustrations of Iraqis are completely different than those of Burundi or Somali refugees. i would recommend to start with actual people, not books. Start volunteering before you study….the work is too hard if you only care about the issues and not the actual people.

Check out our new website!

The Arab American Center – aacamman.com

2nd Annual Pumpkin Carving Party

My roommates and I dressed as the “Pekin Chinks” (Pekin, Illinois). The second picture is with a couple of my colleagues.

This year’s party dedicated to Michael Jackson!

Thinking Through Pascifism

Sometimes the most difficult part of writing about issues and controversies is the the way it makes me question the opinions I state or the causes I support. Thinking a certain way about something is one thing. It is my own personal opinion in my own personal space. Broadcasting that to a number of people makes it much more of a commitment. That commitment can be frightening, because it often becomes a label. I may be anti-war, but that does not mean I am ignorant of national security issues, intelligence data or even the positive things that have resulted from war. I may be a pacifist, but my pondering and analyzing does not always fit into one box.

I talk to Iraqis everyday. Some of their stories convince me that the fall of Saddam’s regime was absolutely necessary, others have suffered far more as a result of the war. I have read a lot about Afghan women. The oppression under which they lived while the Taliban was in control is horrendous. Would I have wanted that to continue? Of course not, but many civilian lives – a significant number being women and children – have been taken as a result of coalition forces since 2001.

When I write about protesting war, I am in no way certain that the coalition troops’ absence from places like Iraq and Afghanistan will ultimately be more beneficial for the future of those countries. I am certain, however, that if there are other means to achieve peace, freedom and security other than warfare, these means are well worth being explored. Not only that, they deserve and demand our attention, especially during a time when America is making a tradition of war: Eight years in Afghanistan and six years in Iraq. We continue to call offense defense,  we continue to increase troops.

I am not against liberation. I am not against justice. I am against violence as the end all strategy. I am against death. I am against valuing some lives more than others and acting as God to decide who is  worth losing in order to reach even a respectable goal. I long for and pray for and agonize over the people in these countries that suffer under horrible regimes and insurgent groups, but I do not wish war upon them as a way to end their strife.

As Chris Hedges said, “war is a force that gives us meaning.” Unfortunately this is true, but it does not have to be.  I want American society to find meaning in something greater and more creative than the grandeur and antiquity of violence as a means of resolution. So I will hold on to the little naivety and idealism I have left, and for now I will continue to protest war.

Send President Obama a Message: End the War in Afghanistan

October 7th marks the eight year anniversary of the war in Afghanistan. Send a message today and tell President Obama and Vice President Biden that you do not want America to continue in this war.

Since “Operation Enduring Freedom” began in Afghanistan, over 1,400 coalition troops have died. The number of Afghan casualties – direct and indirect deaths due to coalition warfare, insurgent activity and displacement – is even more devastating: Over 12,000. The death of the average individual affects 4 other people, whether family members or close friends. The end result of war is ultimately bondage to pain, suffering and grief, not freedom.

The war in Afghanistan has been detrimental not only to the lives it has taken, but also to the economic commitment it has required of the American people. Did you know that 56% of the fiscal budget for 2009 goes to past and present military spending? The total amount of money Americans spent on the war since 2001 is over $200 Billion, which results in an average of $850 per year per tax-paying citizen. We are compromising our economic stability and future during a very fragile time when war is the last place that money needs to be allocated.

By continuing this war, we are putting more of our troops and Afghan individuals in harm’s way. The recent election scandal in Afghanistan proves that the current corrupt government is not capable of creating a platform for democracy. Not only that, but the terrain, both physically and politically, of Afghanistan is even less suitable than Iraq for the political restructuring that the American government seeks to implement.

President Obama and Vice President Biden are reconsidering future tactics for the war, especially regarding the increase of troops. Use your voice and tell President Obama and Vice President Biden that you do not want America to continue in this fruitless war. Let’s put a stop to America’s continuous involvement in war and plead for peace, hoping for a more prosperous future for both Americans and Afghans.

New Tat and The first Rain in 6 months in Jordan

Hang up your guns!

ابو محجوب

Mahjoob is a Jordanian cartoonist that I absolutely love. These are just a sampling of his extensive archives, and some of my favorites. Political cartoons are truly an art form. You can check out all of his stuff here.

hang up your guns

“The return of violence to Iraq”

Israeli settlements

“50 pieces of the heart” (Palestine in the middle)

When does negligence become recklessness, and when does recklessness slip into wanton callousness, and then into deliberate disregard for innocent human life? – David Landau, The New York Times, on Israel’s January war in Gaza

“Don’t be sad, God is with you” (Iraq)

torture

As we act, let us not become the evil that we deplore. – Rev. Nathan Baxter, dean of the National Cathedral

كلنا اللأردن  ”We are all Jordan”

Happy Eid

Ramadan is coming to a close. For the past month I haven’t gone anywhere except to work until after dark, I haven’t had anything to eat or drink in public, and I have only worked part time. It’s a strange thing for an American when an entire country shuts down to fast all day and stay up all night. There have been many long nights with the Qu’ran being recited from the Mosque across the street, and many long days staying inside because everything is closed. Now we get an entire week off of work as Ramadan ends and we celebrate the Eid. The picture on the left was taken at McDonald’s. The ad, “I know what I’m having after Iftar” has been very popular this month. Iftar is the breaking of the fast at sundown. It is actually the Arabic word for breakfast.  I did have a brownie sunday after Iftar the other night, and it was delicious.