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.