More from Iraq

More letters from Iraq

The people of Iraq are interesting. Many work here on the compound in a variety of positions. Some were previously employed here prior to the war, some since the war. It is rather sad to hear the man working as a translator was previously a college professor but can no longer teach now. He described to me the University is technically still open but most of the faculty and students are too frightened to attend. Then last night I heard the militia again attacked the University and killed more staff. I have not had a chance to talk with him yet today.

The people working here are generally friendly. Most greet me with "Hello Mister". I respond back, or sometimes first, Kafahoulek (which basically means How are you today and is a standard greeting). They are a poor people, most wear the same clothes each day. Some of the men have suits, but seem also to wear the same everyday. The clothes are clean and well cared for. Self pride in a land of chaos. I know food is limited, especially milk. Gasoline seems generally plentiful, but the gas stations are apparently run by the militias and present risks for the citizens each time the fill up. Still seems to be a number of cars, not in good shape but run well and I have heard there is a thriving and fairly efficient underground market for auto supplies.

I watch the workers here at times. The living quarters here were once probably nice but now quite run down. I have heard many say the decay began to be very bad about 10 years ago, with the war adding more. Interestingly, most of the Iraqi's, and staff whom have been here for awhile, very clearly point out, the first two years after the war, life was relatively stable and improving. the last two years, things have gotten much worse. Many theories.

The workers obviously take some pride in their work and attempt to run a good business. How many times can one clean a carpet though which should have been several years ago discarded? Cleaning with limited supplies and poor equipment, making do with creativity and effort. Again, self pride in a land which has lost so much. Impressive and sad at the same time.