The Cost of War: the children of Iraq

Starting back with the 1991 Gulf War and Sanctions, many people have been studying the effects of war on children. Thousands of children are killed during the war from violence, diseases, and poor heath care units. Studies show that there was approximately 46,900 excess deaths just in the first eitght months of 1991. Many times when you hear war, you think of only death and violence. The children of Iraq are also effected tremendously mentally. Studies show the children haivng very high anxiety and stress levels along with a never before seen pathological behavior. When asked, nearly 2/3's of the children inside of the Amariyah shelter did not believe they would survive to be an adult. In another study, these numbers are show the following: 50% of children continue to dream about the war, 63% of children find it difficult to concentrate, 66% of children can't sleep at night, and 72% feel sad, or guilt ridden, and need the company of an adult. When asked about their future, 78% of children thought they would lose their family, and 62% didnt' believe they would survive to be an adult. 

Not only that, but in the late 1990's, Iraqi doctors studied an increase number of children diagnosed with cancer. Western evidence found the culprit to be depleted uranium. A 1991 internal document, given by Britain's atomic energy authority to the military, stated that if the DU fired by US tanks during the 1991 war was inhaled, it could potentially cause 500,000 deaths In 2003, San Fransisco Chronical reported from Bahdad that increased deaths in children were comming from cancerous tumors. They continued to report that Iraqi doctors had linked the deaths to exposure to depleted uranium. The Pentagon was quick to release that depleted uranium and increased cancer diagnosis had no relation, although they had no scientific evidence. By January 2002, the Iraqi government informed the United Nations that 1,614,303 Iraqis, including 667,773 children under five, had died from diseases that could not be treated. In late 2003, about 50% of the Iraqi children were suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which is much higher now. In 2003, two BMJ psychologists reported that many children deeply feared the war and children as young as 4 could clearly describe the horrors of war. The report said, "Children are fearful, anxious, and depressed about the prospect of armed conflict, and many have nightmares, and 40% do not think that life is worth living."


http://scroll.lib.wsc.ma.edu:3935/ic/whic/AcademicJournalsDetailsPage/AcademicJournalsDetailsWindow?displayGroupName=Journals&prodId=WHIC&action=e&windowstate=normal&catId=&documentId=GALE%7CA165167557&mode=view

Militia Groups

Although American troops did their best to stop all the various militia groups in Iraq, many of them still exist. In some cases, some of these militia groups are considered part of Iraq's security. Experts fear that security responsibilites in Iraq will be enforced by "diverse group of potentially feuding militias" rather than a controlled U.S. army. Iraqi government goes as far as to funding and training some of these militias to protect Iraq. These small militias are formed of all different types of ethnicity and religions. Most are formed by local tribes, religious leaders, and political parties. Some of these militias operate without permission, and others work alongside the defense ministry groups of Iraq. For example, the Badr Organization, the largest Shiite party in Iraq, is tied directly to Iraq's supreme political parties. A few other militias also have complex relationships with the Iraqi government. The Peshmerga are a Kurdish group whose name literally translates to "for those who face death". This militia believed strongly in over throwing Saddam Hussein. In fact, as far back as the 1920's, the Peshmerga militia was fighting in the Iran-Iraq war and supported back up for the U.S. led interrigation to overthrow Saddam.

The wolf brigade is one of the most powerful, feared, and effective commando units in Iraq. This brigade is composed of roughly 2,000 Shiites from Sadr City. Members of the group earn about 700,000 dinars, or 400 American dollars a month, which is a large amount in Iraqi terms. They are also a very controversial militia in terms of should they belong, or shouldn't they. I would think that the U.S. troops are fond of this commando unit due to the fact that in 2006 they had teamed up and were fighting alongside each other. Although having these militias right now seems as a good help to the Iraqi defense and security of the country, all the different armed militia's being formed can be a deadly thing to Iraq. If these militias continue to e created with no certain and definate alliance to the Iraqi government, you could be looking at a civil war. No order will be made between the leaders of the armed militia's and the Iraqi ruling government.

Thesis Statements

As anger and frustration are shown through the eyes of Riverbend, American troops, iraqi civilians, and revolting thrid parties, we are forced to form opionions of who's anger is right and who's anger is wrong.

With a widespread of anger flowing rapidly throught all of Iraq, death and war have become the dominant force throughout the country.

Due to the voilence and fighting, innocent lives of men, woman, and children are being taken everyday. Iraqi civilians are tested everyday with the question of when will this stop, and will we ever be and independant country again.

Theme: Riverbend's Hatred Towards Bush and American Run Iraqi Government

"The nine dancing puppets-excuse me, rotating presidents- were exclusively selected from the "Governing Council," an interm council chosen by the CPA." pg. 25

"So here is the cast of the most elaborate puppet show Iraq has ever seen (in order of appearance)....."
pg. 26

"The puppett council is perfect because they were brought in on American tanks, they can be rooted out if- or when- it becomes necessary." pg 33

"An interesting development on the much-shaken puppet council-Bahr Ul lloom has suspended his membership in the council......Maybe if Bush doesn't get re-elected, Bremer will give the position to him. Love to have him in Baghdad." pg 39

"There's going to be an American "advisor" for each of the ministries, which is supposed to help. I hope the American advisors are better than the ones Bush stocks the White House with..." pg 49

"I heard/read Bush's speech yesterday. I can't watch him for more than a minute at a time-I hate him that much. He makes me sick." pg 57

"Everyone is asking, "What should be done?." Pull out the American troops. Take them home. Bring in UN peace-keeping troops under the Security Council-not led by American." pg 59

"BUSHMAIL"
"..."fanmail" from George W. "hisself" so i thougvht i would share it with y'all..." pg 69

"After all, the Puppets have been bought-why not buy the stage too? Iraq is being sold piece by piece". pg 77