kathleen
Being able to see the light at the end of the tunnel but not being able to reach it, that is how Abu Omar (and many other Omars) must have felt. Not only did he together with his family have to flee their hometown in a life or death situation, they also spent their days as illegal immigrants living in slums.
When Abu Omar saw his one and only hope of starting life afresh in America, his key to bringing himself and his family out of misery and poverty, it was shattered right before his very eyes. All because he was suspected of paying the ransom fees, actually meant to save his children’s lives, to a designated terrorist organization such as Al Qaeda or Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, denying him resettlement.
Only if evidence is provided that the terrorist he paid the sum of money too are not on the State Department’s list will he then be able to qualify for a 0.5% chance of starting a new life in America but sadly he has no evidence whatsoever to set himself free. When life seemed like it could not get any worse for Abu Omar, it just did.
I feel that it is very unjust to judge people by their name for instance killing all those “ Abu Omars” in Iraq, or forcing them to change their name, the thing that is given by their parents which they value. In addition, the United States should consider modifying their laws on the entry of Iraqi refugees into their country and be more understanding towards them, by doing so, they would really help make a difference in the lives of many these refugees.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Friday, March 30, 2007
The Price of a Name is DEATH- March 26(Newsweek)
melissa
Who would have thought that their names would cost them their lives? Certainly not people in Iraq, whose names are "Abu Omar". "Abu Omar" means "father of Omar". It means that you probably are a Sunni and your son as well. All Omars in Iraq live in constant fear as the country faces daily bombardment- bombings, resulting in displacement of a large proportion of its population and migration to neighbouring countries.
In this article, a real-life story of an "Abu Omar" is depicted. Abu Omar fled his homeland after learning about tragic incidents experienced by his relatives. Now, his entire family and himself are reduced to being refugees, living in dilapidated conditions without basic needs like a place to rest.
Being able to leave Iraq itself is quite a miracle. With terrorists reigning the Iraqi kingdom, Abu Omar was alleged to have paid them a sum of money in order to safely escape to other countries. This "material support" has in turn eusured that his children will come to no harm. Although he has indirectly saved his children from the jaws of death in the future- as they are Omars as well- he himself is unfortunately not assured of his safety. If he had paid money to terrorist networks like Al Qaeda, he may be denied resettlement, depriving his family members of a proper, respectable place to reside in.
I feel that what Abu Omar did- flee the country was justifiable. His main concern was his family, he did not want them to live in perpetual misery and therefore lead meaningless lives. Although he may have robbed them of a citizenship, I believe that they will be self-sufficient since they have survived in the chaotic and unsystematic country of Iraq for some good long years.
The issue of terrorism has always and will continue to be a prime issue actively discussed by countries around the world. I hope that one day, terrorism-stricken countries like Iraq would gain independence and its people will lead more joyful lives; and that governments throughout the world will be rid of corruption, be clean and ensure prosperity and stability for its people at all times.
Who would have thought that their names would cost them their lives? Certainly not people in Iraq, whose names are "Abu Omar". "Abu Omar" means "father of Omar". It means that you probably are a Sunni and your son as well. All Omars in Iraq live in constant fear as the country faces daily bombardment- bombings, resulting in displacement of a large proportion of its population and migration to neighbouring countries.
In this article, a real-life story of an "Abu Omar" is depicted. Abu Omar fled his homeland after learning about tragic incidents experienced by his relatives. Now, his entire family and himself are reduced to being refugees, living in dilapidated conditions without basic needs like a place to rest.
Being able to leave Iraq itself is quite a miracle. With terrorists reigning the Iraqi kingdom, Abu Omar was alleged to have paid them a sum of money in order to safely escape to other countries. This "material support" has in turn eusured that his children will come to no harm. Although he has indirectly saved his children from the jaws of death in the future- as they are Omars as well- he himself is unfortunately not assured of his safety. If he had paid money to terrorist networks like Al Qaeda, he may be denied resettlement, depriving his family members of a proper, respectable place to reside in.
I feel that what Abu Omar did- flee the country was justifiable. His main concern was his family, he did not want them to live in perpetual misery and therefore lead meaningless lives. Although he may have robbed them of a citizenship, I believe that they will be self-sufficient since they have survived in the chaotic and unsystematic country of Iraq for some good long years.
The issue of terrorism has always and will continue to be a prime issue actively discussed by countries around the world. I hope that one day, terrorism-stricken countries like Iraq would gain independence and its people will lead more joyful lives; and that governments throughout the world will be rid of corruption, be clean and ensure prosperity and stability for its people at all times.
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