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We are on a mission in Sadr City to inspect some of the checkpoints along the newly completed wall. The first part of the mission brings us to the infamous Jamilla Market, an outdoor stretch of shops and home to some of the worst fighting in the entire war. The market suffered heavily. Shop owners are now facing repairs that they could never possibly afford, and it has made an impossible situation even worse for many.
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The new checkpoint is nothing more than a gap in the wall allowing individuals to pass, after being thoroughly searched and often harassed. We watch as one U.S. soldier violently pokes a man with metal detecting wand, asserting his power and control in an inhumane way. One of the soldiers in my platoon comments on how he is out of line and doing a disservice to the Army. Nothing is said or done to stop it, and we continue on our way.
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Walls and checkpoints are often a recipe for human rights violations, as soldiers time and again assert their power, unlawfully detaining and sometimes abusing the civilians trying to pass. For the moment, the checkpoints allow people to access the markets which have been closed for several weeks, which provides money for the shop owners to recover from damage sustained during the fighting. They also give the residents of Sadr City a chance to buy supplies and other necessities they may have run out of during the sustained conflict.
The important events and issues I cover aren't always the subjects that sell to corporate media. These human stories need your support and funding to be told. The cost of travel, food, accommodations, and equipment is substantial. Please consider a subscription of $25 per month to help me tell these stories to the world. -- Thank you -- Zoriah
I have two sons who foolishly joined the navy and the marines. I love them very much and have always been proud of them. Now I fear for them every day, and wonder who will live longest; my sons or myself. I look in the newspaper and see little if any news of the war. What war? Bush plays and "lives his life." Sacrifice? Not him, not his family, not his supporters. The war is a lie, it always was.
Keep telling the truth; show pictures; make them see the truth of the ugliness of war; this war, all wars.
Janet
Bellingham, WA
Posted by: Janet | July 05, 2008 at 04:29
I love your work zoriah. I want to be a photojournalist one day and capture everything that is happening around the world.
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