Posted by Rachel on: 03.20.2007 /
BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) — Mustafa Karim, a fourth-grader, now lives with family members in a squalid camp in eastern Baghdad where displaced Shias go after fleeing their homes, often after relatives have been killed.
The young boy’s eyes fill with tears when he recalls the circumstances that led to his exile.
“They killed my father and uncle in front of my eyes,” he says.
He then breaks down sobbing. He can no longer speak. The anguish is unbearable.
Such stories are not uncommon in Iraq four years after the U.S.-led invasion. Health officials say the daily hardships — bomb blasts, gunfire, killings of family members and sectarian violence — are taking an increasing toll on Iraq’s children.
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Comment by: trissa
1 03/21/07 7:34 PM | Comment Link |A great movie that somewhat touches on this subject is “Turtles Can Fly”. It was the first film to come out of Iraq after the invasion. The movie follows a bunch of kids who support themselves by disarming landmines in Northern Iraq.
Comment by: Janice
2 03/23/07 5:08 PM | Comment Link |Trissa, I almost rented that movie tonight - instead I picked up Red Dust.
As far as what happens to these children, thats a big topic. In one regard they may be in a better place eventually, not withstanding the loss of family members and friends…..and they may not.
Comment by: Rachel
3 03/23/07 7:08 PM | Comment Link |Welcome, Janice! I hope you will share your thoughts with us after you watch “Red Dust.”