Iraqi Women Speak Out About Georgies Liberation of Iraq

A Job Well done Georgie

You know, sometimes I feel that death will be the best solution to end all this suffering, because except for some trees and a river, there is nothing still beautiful in our lives. The only consolation is my Faith in God that the reality of this life is not as we see it. The only fact is that all people will die one day and God will pass judgment on us for what we have done in this world.

November 2006, Baghdad

Dear Gael,

When I received your email, my memory quickly returned to the beautiful days I spent with you. I did not feel them well until I returned home because when I was in the U.S. I was feeling only like a messenger who had a special duty delivering his message to the people. All that I thought about in that time was how to declare to all I met what was
really happening in my country. You know some times my children asked me about my trip—about museums or buildings or streets. I told them that I could only focus on the meetings & speeches that I was giving. The only holiday on that trip was when you took us to the river. I really appreciated your efforts to make us feel rested.

I was all the time following your activities in CODEPINK, but after the declaration of Bush two weeks ago that he will not pull the troops out of Iraq even if only his wife & his dog believe that this is correct, I realized there is nothing we can do with this crazy man. I still receive e-mails from people in US that I met during my visit. They tell me how they sympathized with us. But I don’t know how all this will turn out.

You know Gael, before the war I was having my simple life with my family. I was having just humble wishes to educate my children, to see them married, to see my grandchildren. I wanted to help poor people and to take care of my parents. You know all these things evaporated with this war.

I pray every day to God to keep my children alive. Education and marriage are now luxuries. And even when we do go to school or get married, it is colorless, as is everything in our lives. I am thinking day and night about those poor widows and orphans that were created by Bush’s bringing his democracy to our country and I am doing my best to help them.

You know, sometimes I feel that death will be the best solution to end all this suffering, because except for some trees and a river, there is nothing still beautiful in our lives. The only consolation is my Faith in God that the reality of this life is not as we see it. The only fact is that all people will die one day and God will pass judgment on us for what we have done in this world.

Gael, please give my best wishes to all CODEPINK members I met especially Medea who met me when I first arrived in the airport. She was waiting for me with all her pink clothes. I hope I can visit you again to say thank you to all those wonderful women who are fighting against their government to bring peace and love to the entire world.

Regards

Rashad

You can read learn more of her story in this interview, which includes these wise words: "In these last three years, the U. S. has just listened to its own voice, but I think it is time to listen to authentic Iraqi voices. If you listen to the people who are in the midst of the conflict, they will help you better understand how to end the violence and suffering because they have firsthand knowledge and experience."

This Thanksgiving as we count our blessings, let's also remember to listen to Iraqi voices like Rashad's, and acknowledge the suffering of the Iraqi people under US occupation, a horrible repetition of the aggression and violence that marked the first Thanksgiving. Let's use this time of gratitude to pledge anew to work for peace.

We will be sending funds raised by some of our locals to support Rashad's Knowledge for Iraqi Women Society; you can add to this by clicking here. If you contribute $100 or more, we will send you a copy of our new film, Iraqi Women Speak Out, co-produced with Deep Dish TV, featuring interviews with the Iraqi women's delegation.