CONFLICT & RESOLUTION
A near miss in Iraq highlights the reality of life in a conflict zone for Ammar Al-Kahachi (Year 12) Taking life for granted
A s a Year 12 Dulwich College student, born and raised in Baghdad until I was 10 years old, I can honestly say that conflict and resolution are close to my heart. Iraq’s place in the Human Development Index (which reflects education, life expectancy and income per capita) has plummeted in the past two decades, moving from 76 th in 1990 to 126 th by 2002 as a result of conflict, corrupt government and lack of democracy. I went back to Iraq three years ago: a life-changing experience that made me reflect on how I now take my day- to-day life for granted. It was exciting for me to go back — to see my school, visit the places where I grew up and be around my family. But underlying the joy, there was worry, even fear for my life. You have to understand that just leaving the house puts you in danger, due to bombs placed randomly in the streets of Baghdad. Thankfully, over the years the number of these has reduced quite drastically but bombing still occurs in some areas. I have one memory of going with my family to visit my grandmother’s house and being stopped at a checkpoint in the street. When it was clear that we weren’t carrying any
weapons we were allowed to drive on. A few minutes later we heard a bomb go off. We all looked back in shock, realising with horror that the checkpoint had been blown up. I wish I could explain how I felt but I can’t seem to find the right words to describe my sadness. After this incident I found myself questioning many things in life. I had lived through the Iraqi war in 2003, but I was very young then. This single event completely changed my mind-set, showing me how precious life really is. I do reflect sometimes on how lucky we were. If, for any reason, our trip had been delayed, I wouldn’t be here writing this article. I do also think about those lives that have been taken: children, teachers, scientists, artists and many more. Individuals who might have changed the world for the better. Because of the incident, I have, sadly, grasped the true definition of death and how final it is. I would love to see change, to see peace of mind and equality for those who live in Iraq. But to get there, the Iraqi people must stop ‘hoping’ and must stand up for what they think is right. A sustainable, safe future with opportunities is what they deserve – and what they must demand.
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