Mohamed and I Return to Iraq
This post is contributed by Dr. Diane Hassan, author of “Angels Among Us Even in Iraq”, who is currently participating in “On Loan at You Served” as a guest blogger.
When Mohammed and I arrived at Baghdad International airport, we were met by Hashim and several family members. As we were collecting our luggage, a cousin leaned over and whispered, why did you come back, for freedom I whispered.
Things were the same in Baghdad as Hashim drove rapidly to our home. I gazed out the window looking at the various places we passed, people were in the market, shops were open, business as usual. One almost doubted the formation of the coalition.
Iraq was use to war, they had just completed a long war with Iran. Nothing prepared us for war with a super power.
My neighbors,were in the garden, when they saw us arrive, they came over to welcome Mohammed me home. I could tell the wonder in their eyes, why did I return when I was safe in America.
After settling in, Hashim returned to the office the next morning, Mohammed went to school. Life was the same. I would listen to the Iraqi news and hear about the troops in Kuwait. Saddam was settling in Kuwait. I listened to the voice of America every day at 12 o’clock, in order to hear what was happening around me. I heard Saddam had taken hostages from Kuwait and brought them to Baghdad. I knew they would be alright. Saddam would never hurt foreigners, he had enough Iraqies for that.
Every day family members of the hostages would talk to their love ones. I was attached to these family members, they were talking to Iraq as well. The hostages were freed..all the American news casters that came to Baghdad to interview Saddam were gone.
The coalition was coming to free Kuwait and in every Iraqi heart, free Iraq..Freedom is not Free…
