Baghdad Girl

Blogging Since 2004

Monday, August 27, 2007

My memories are fading away...

"I wish there is some thing I can do". This sentence I have been repeating a lot these days. Every time I ask about the situation in Iraq I become angry and sad because there is nothing I can do. I wish some one can tell me what can I do to save what is left in Iraq.
I have left my house, my room and my cats that I know nothing about any more. When we left we didn't take every thing in the house with us because it is impossible, that house and every thing in it is a treasure, It was built 35 years ago, and now It is going to be looted just because it is empty and there is no one to protect it.

Some members the guards are checking every house in Hay Al-Jamia, where my house is, these days. Do you know what will they do if they find an empty one?? They close the roads leading to it, bring a lorry and loot every thing in that house. That is what about to happen to my house and it's 35 years of memories.
If the people who suppose to protect the country, are the ones who are destroying it. What future does Iraq still have???
Raghda

posted by Raghda @ 5:16 AM  

65 Comments:

  • At 10:16 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Raghda,

    I don’t have words to express how helpless I feel about the damage that has been done to your country. Just know that I shed tears when I read this post.

    You are doing something very important. Through your blog you have become a friend to people worldwide and have given many of us an insight about your life following the disaster of this war. Blogs like yours paint a true picture of what life is like for young Iraqis. I admire you greatly!

    I hope only the bad memories will fade away and the good ones will remain. Also that someday you will be able to return to your home.

    Thank you for your blog,
    Jane
    >^..^<

    You’ve probably already discovered this site but just in case…
    http://www.randomkittengenerator.com/

     

  • At 10:43 AM , Blogger BJFORD3 said...

    Life can be very frustatrating when there are things that are hard to change or understand. I just try to think of lessons from history. Maybe Iraq and America will both be better off when the American troops leave. When the British left India, something like a million people died in the subsequent fighting. And now India is a better place than it used to be. I don't understand war or politics, or things coming to violence, but these situations are recurring realities and cause horrible suffering. My grandparents left countries behind, too, and they ended up being better off in some ways, or at least enabled their kids to have a better future. So I suggest you focus on what you can change and understand and not on what you can't. It sounds as if your future is bright in many ways, and you have the prospect of continuing your education and are still reasonably healthy and have a nice family and friends. So maybe we should all be grateful for that and not think about things that will only make you sad. Life is too short for that. We both know the rest of our lives could be one more day, and, if that's the case, I wouldn't want you to have wasted it on sadness. When I can't visit the ocean, sometimes it helps me feel better to look at the sky at night. I've been enjoying the view of Pegasus, Taurus, and Orion. In winter the Big Dipper will be visible. The kids go back to school tomorrow here. I'm visiting the school district to see about going back to teaching. Stay well, young friend!

     

  • At 11:19 AM , Blogger Raghda said...

    Thank you both and I am sorry about these last sad posts but someone have to tell the story...

     

  • At 12:48 PM , Blogger BJFORD3 said...

    Dear Raghda, no need for you to apologize. You are entitled to your feelings. It's important that you express them. We're just trying to help because we care about you.

     

  • At 1:03 PM , Blogger Raghda said...

    I know you do, thanks again.

     

  • At 2:43 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Raghda,

    Please don’t be sorry. You have every right to be angry and sad. I’m happy that you have a place to express your feelings and a number of friends out here who are glad to listen.

    My daughter is about to start her last year of college. She’s lived away from home for most of the last three years but her cat still sleeps on her bed. Your cats are probably not far from the place where they were loved by you and found kindness. We have a saying, “cats always land on their feet” and I know you will too.

    Stay strong and keep posting.

    Good luck in the new school year!
    Jane
    >^..^<

     

  • At 7:58 PM , Blogger jarvenpa said...

    My dear, I am so sorry, and I hope that someday your country and your life will be restored to you. Meanwhile, in telling your story so well you are in a way holding some memories, and sharing them with the world.
    It is hard to leave what you have loved and not know how it is. I grew up in a military family and moved with my parents very very often as a child. I remember all the gardens my mother planted, and then left behind.
    I did however get to keep my cat, a white cat I got when I was 10. It would have been so hard to leave her. She lived a long while, and knew the secrets I told no one else.
    I wish you peace and sometimes joy.

     

  • At 10:28 PM , Blogger Brian said...

    I'm sorry to read about your situation.

    In the rush to create a new Iraqi Army, there was probably not enough attention placed on screening the applicants...

    This is why there are so many problems with kidnappings and other misconduct committed by security forces there.

    There was recently an effort to get rid of the bad apples... but I guess there are just too many.

    I hope the situation improves for the Iraqi people... But there seems to be too many factions (even within religious sects) who are fighting for power. The incident in Karbala yesterday is a perfect example of too much internal fighting within the religious groups.

    The U.S. probably screwed up by getting rid of the original Iraqi Army.

    I hope that Iraq can eventually be a stable and prosperous country.

    I enjoy reading your blog...as well as the Star in Mosul. A Family in Baghdad is also great. Your blogging is providing a perspective that we might not get otherwise.

    Thanks

     

  • At 9:37 AM , Blogger David said...

    Dear Raghda, you have every right to be angry about what has happened to Iraq. I am sorry that you had to leave most of your treasures behind, and especially your cats. I hope that someone is taking care of them and giving them the same amount of love that you gave to them.

    Memories don't have to fade Raghda. If you write them down, you will always have them. You could start with your favorite thing that you had to leave behind. You can write about when you first got it and why it was so important to you. This is just an example.

    I hope that you can return to Baghdad someday!

     

  • At 7:39 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Hi Raghda,
    I think the problem is in you, you must get used to it, i am in baghdad, and me and my family left our house which we lived 17 years in it, it was in AL-Gazalia, we saved some stuffs with help of our neighbours,but after a few days gunmen broken into the house and break everything, what most made me sad is they throw my books, but nothing to do, there is one think that you can do and i am doing it everyday, prey and ask ALLAH to protect you and your family.
    Regards

     

  • At 7:52 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Hi Raghda,
    I think the problem in you not in iraq, what happened is happened, in arabic we say(al faas wiga' bil raas), me too, we left our house which was in algazalia, i lived in it 19 years, everything is gone my books...my CDs... but what can i do, we had been threaten 3 times, till we here, you must consider your self being lucky to get out of iraq NOT BLAMING YOURSELF.you should prey and ask ALLAH to protect you and your family like i always do.

    Regards

    Alphasquare

     

  • At 12:30 AM , Blogger Raghda said...

    Dear Alphasquare,

    There is nothing wrong with me. If it's ok for you to leave your country, well it isn't for me. I am thankful to God for leading me out of the danger and I know that my life is much better than many Iraqis who still there but I can't stop missing the old Iraq, if we all just gave up and move on, Iraq will be lost for ever. So I am here and as long as I am still breathing Iraq’s voice will be heard through me.

     

  • At 4:45 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Hi again Raghda,
    I just wanted to correct this: IT IS NOT OK FOR ME TO LEAVE MY COUNTRY.
    In fact i had more than one chance to leave it., but i didnt because i couldnt.... i really couldnt, once i changed my mind before 4 hours from leaving....and i am really happy, bombed cars exploded in front of me more than once, and i was seeing dead people everyday, i was thinking that people will look at me thrown in a street corner oneday,but things much better now.
    But let's look at the life from an other view, you are just 16, you have much more to live, studying, a wonderfull jop, Love, marriage, having kids and much more... I am sure one day when you hear the word "IRAQ" you will never care.
    Open your mind please, forget iraq baghdad everything. you are sad for something which is gone, it is over, cant you understand it! the iraq chapter from your life is ended, make new friends, buy new cats, i lost my dog her name was "Kutchu", But now i have 4 cats

    Dont be angry to me i am just trying to be honest with you.

    Yours,
    Alpha Square.

     

  • At 11:34 AM , Blogger Raghda said...

    Dear Alphasquare,
    I am not mad or angry with you but giving up is not what I used to do and I'll never do.I won't give up on Iraq, I can't. And you shouldn't either. do you want to be treated like every one is treating Iraqis now for ever??No I don't think you do and that's way I can't shut up and say Iraq, never heard of...

     

  • At 7:19 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Hey Raghda, greetings from venezuela, i linked you in my blog, good luck in your life and please be strong.

    PD: My english is not very good

     

  • At 2:07 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Hi this is a SMS i changed it a bit i hope you like it:
    People live People die People Laugh People Cry Some give up Some will try Some say hi Some say bye Others may forget IRAQ but never will I

    I started a new blog if you like you can read it

    yours Alpha

    http://myfunnypictures.blogspot.com

     

  • At 7:53 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    hi Raghda, this is um yasmine .. long time i did not post anything..we are in same boat as yoiu are regarding the house. It is so sad when you feel strangers go into your house and touch your things which mean alot to you. We have a House in Dora and now strangers have moved in the house and God knows what will happen...if one day we go back and see if everything is there and the same .. I doublt that...what can we say except Allah Kareem....My Uncle's house in Hay Al Jameaa too and they left it few years ago and they too have no hope in finding it the same. All Iraqis are in the same boat at the this time... Allah have mercy on us.....takecare
    my e.mail is a_nirran@hotmail.com

     

  • At 9:40 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Raghda,

    It saddens and angers me that you have had to leave your home and your cats. And it hurts to think that my own government of the USA has acted so shamefully and caused so much damage in your country. I hope and pray that someday you can go home to a peaceful Iraq.

    You know, sadly, I am afraid to even write this comment for fear that my own government is watching me.

     

  • At 3:42 PM , Blogger RD said...

    Raghda, a better day is coming soon for your country and those who stay and re-build it. There are a lot of bad people killing each other in Iraq trying to create the impression of a civil war. You can trust that the Americans who are there want the best for you, your family and your cats... and they won't be leaving you to be slaughtered... however they will be leaving once your country is stable and can control the outside forces working to keep you from the freedom you deserve.
    Be strong there are many Americans who are praying for you and your entire country.
    -red

     

  • At 4:56 AM , Blogger lscerbo said...

    Dear Raghda,

    I haven't visit your blog in a while, but I always think of you as my friend from Iraq. "I wish there's something I could do." I say that too, and then I think about what I Can do. I try to help people, like my other friend from Iraq. She lives here in America, but her parents and her brother were still in Iraq. They had to leave because of the violence and are now in Jordan and Syria. She is trying to bring them to America and we are helping her any way we can. I hope some day you could visit America.

    You have every right to be angry and sad. Americans love their homes and their country. We call it "The American Dream". I hope you don't give up on your dream. We have a saying here in America "Home is where your heart is." Even if you can't physically be in Iraq it's ok to keep a piece of your heart in Iraq.

    Do well in school. I will be looking for more posts from you in the future. It's important to us to see things through your eyes.

    Love, Lisa

     

  • At 7:20 PM , Blogger David said...

    Happy Ramadan Raghda! :)

     

  • At 8:10 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Things will get better. Try not to dwell on the past or worry about the future. Right now is all you have, it is all any of us have. No matter how good or bad things were or will be, we are here now. I read somewhere that demons feed on negative thoughts, and rob you of your energy. Now, this is just a spiritual way of saying that negative thoughts cause the brain to produce chemicals that make you tired and depressed. Try to not let your mind wander to the bad things of the past that you can do nothing about, or wander to a fearful uncertain future. Right now, you just have to let time pass, so things can work themselves out. And they will. Because God is good and God is in control, and God has a plan for all of his children. What we are seeing play out is evil being rooted out. No matter what anyone's religion or faith, it is a sin to take something that does not belong to them, or to murder an innocent person. God is revealing the intentions of people's hearts. In times of chaos a person's heart is revealed for all the world to see. Yes, there are people who have evil intentions, but I'm sure you are witnessing so many more people who have good in their hearts. We do not hear as much about the good people and their acts on kindness and compassion because the evil is the exception, not the rule. So, don't feed the demons! Try to keep happy thoughts in your mind, so your brain will produce better chemicals.

    Here is another site that I bet you will find many pretty kitties: www.flickr.com then "search" for kittens and cats.

    May these words comfort your broken heart:

    Psalm 91

    Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
    This I declare about the Lord:
    He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.
    For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.
    He will cover you with his feathers.
    He will shelter you with his wings.
    His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
    Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day.
    Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday.

    Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you,these evils will not touch you.
    Just open your eyes,and see how the wicked are punished.

    If you make the Lord your refuge,
    if you make the Most High your shelter,no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home.
    For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.
    They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
    You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

    The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.I will protect those who trust in my name.When they call on me, I will answer;I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them.
    I will reward them with a long life
    and give them my salvation.”

     

  • At 4:08 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Please know that most Americans do not want the military in Iraq.It is that the leaders are against what the majority of the people now want. It is known even in some other prophetic writings though that Iraq will be restored so hang on, Raghda. Hang on to God because he will not abandon you. As for the cats when you return there may be many cats who look like yours and you will take some of them in, the grandchildren of your cats. I hate it that there is no way to stop the violence at this point. Stay strong and maybe someday we will all meet and share cat stories together.

     

  • At 12:09 AM , Blogger field of dreams said...

    Hi Raghda -

    I'm sorry you've had to leave, but glad you are safe!

    Do NOT give up on Iraq! It is your home, and it needs you to believe in its future. YOU are the future of Iraq.

    I have no words to make it better. A lot of mistakes have been made - mostly by people who really want the best for Iraq (both Americans and Iraqis). Hopefully, they will be able to fix the mistakes so that Iraq will once again become a great nation, but this time, full of free Iraqis, with a voice in their government and their future, in which they can be safe.

    I have no words to take away your pain, but please know I pray for you and your country every day.

    I love cats, too. I have 13 of them. So I know how you must feel after leaving your cats behind. I know there are other people like you and me, and I'll bet they will take your cats in and adopt them. And remember, cats are very resourceful and smart!

    Here's a site I found for a cat rescue organization, with some great pictures of kittens and cats.
    http://www.TheRomanceClub.com/angels

    Take care of yourself and your family.

    Hugs:)

     

  • At 8:35 PM , Blogger seoul. said...

    Hello Raghda! I randomly found your blog and it really effected me. I am an American and i have a boyfriend in the U.S. military in Iraq. However, i do not agree with what we are doing, and the damage we are creating to your country and your people. I dont even know how to react to your writing... because apologies will never make up for what we've done. I hope one day you'll be able to return to iraq and this mess that my country has created can be resolved. Keep writing and dont listen to anyone who tries to tell you different. Let the world hear your voice. these mistakes that our (my) president has made, will go down in history forever. write back please!

    ohh
    and i found this
    http://www.thecuteproject.com/images/items/1538.jpg

     

  • At 2:33 AM , Blogger Raghda said...

    Dear seoul,

    Thank you so much for your beautiful words.

    Dear everybody,

    Thanks for your support and Happy Ramadan( I know it's late, blame school).

     

  • At 3:55 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    just started a blog on global politics and would like to correspond with bloggers in the Middle East :)

     

  • At 5:13 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Raghda,

    It sucks to be caught up in the situation that you find yourself in. I thought I read that you and your family went to the UAE. Why would you go back to Iraq until this is settled? Most of these people are trying to comfort you by telling you that America is some kind of evil rouge enemy that is somehow abusing your peaceful, innocent, home country, but what you are learning to deal with is the intracity of global politics. You are on the point of what has become the latest iteration of world power struggles.

    It used to be political dogma that separated the masses in the modern age, but that having failed in the last decade, we are back to religious dogma attempting to separate us.
    We in the USA have a group of people who view anything we do on the world stage as evil because they perceive that as the most powerful nation at this juncture, we need to coddle less fortunate nations. These people are idealistic and ignorant of politics and the world order. The enemies of your country and ours are the same people. They claim to only want to set up a utopia of Islam in Iraq, but look to what they've done in the past in Afghanistan to look at they want for your country. The Iranians bought into it for a while, but now find themselves helpless to change it without outside help. If we attempt to help in Iran,,,,,then we're again raiders trying to invade another country. I think Iran made their choice and they've got to man up and fix their issues, but we are in Iraq now, and if your country is going to ever normalize,,,,,,your countryman need to man up and as a people choose the 12th century or the 21st century. It's all up to the citizens of Iraq at this point,,,,,,,take it or leave it.

     

  • At 8:30 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Selam Dear Sweet Raghda,

    I can't explain how helpless and the pain I feel reading your story. It's good you write so people understand what is happening. People need to know from a real human. Write all your memories down that you can. Close your eyes and remember your sweet cats, then write all you can remember about them. Keep writing Raghda.

    Ramadan Mubarak

     

  • At 10:51 AM , Blogger David said...

    Happy Eid Raghda! :)

     

  • At 8:55 PM , Blogger Mindy said...

    Happy Eid, Ragda

     

  • At 9:54 AM , Blogger AMG said...

    I'm so sorry for what my country has done to you and yours. I truly weep every time I read a story like this, and there are far, far too many. In an odd way, I feel just as helpless. I'm horrified and ashamed at what my countrymen and -women are doing to your country in the supposed name of democracy, and it's as if there's nothing I can do to stop it. What can one young American do? Like the anonymous poster below, so many of us are just scared to speak out too loudly about what's going on.

    But I can - and I do - pray for you and your country to find peace, and I pray that your family finds peace as well and that in the not-so-distant future you can return to a peaceful Iraq.

     

  • At 12:21 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Dearest Raghda;

    I am so sorry about what has happened in Iraq. I am so sorry that you had to leave your home and your cats behind. I wish I could change what has happened, but we cannot.
    I am so proud of you for rising to the challenge and doing well in school. Hopefully, one day you will be one of the many educated women that will rebuild Iraq and make it a great place (again) to live and raise a family.

    I have two cats (one calico and one white, fat one with grey spots). They are not too happy with me right now, as we also adopted a new dog that likes to chase them!! (Perhaps, the fat one will lose a little weight!).

    Please take care and know that people all over the world are hoping and praying for a better world and a peaceful Iraq.

    Thank you for sharing your life with us,

    Tracy
    Colorado, USA

     

  • At 8:56 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Dear Raghda-- The NY Times has been running an article about Baghdad's cats and how they are survivors in war. There are some pictures too. Many of them are fed and sheltered in the Green Zone by American soldiers. If you go to NYTIMES.COM I think you will feel a little better about the cats of Baghdad. Love, msiris

     

  • At 4:35 PM , Blogger le radical galoisien said...

    "My memories are fading away..."

    I can empathise as a fellow teenage immigrant away from home .... but I know this sentiment is all the more poignant for you because while my home country is relatively safe, yours isn't ...

    Do you think it is possible to be patriotic/nationalistic for a nation you have never stepped a foot in? But it is through bloggers like you, Riverbend, Sunshine, et al. that makes me have this strong sympathy for Iraq.

    My home country -- Singapore -- is being ruled by a rather authoritarian government. It just held elections May of last year ... the same old arrangement, where the government manages to gerrymander the constituencies such that even though the Opposition took 33% of the vote they only got 2 out of 84 seats. I tell myself, "I will go back and reform my country!" I keep convincing myself that I have the will and ambition to effect true democracy and civil rights in my home country.

    But of course, what are teenagers to do, especially located away from home?

    But the world is shaped by people with ambition, I think. If one has right and sensible ambitions, then one can make a real difference to the world. So I keep telling myself. But I suppose abusive militia commanders are driven by ambition too ...

     

  • At 9:24 AM , Blogger Girl said...

    Hi, I like your blog very much, that is why I'd like to invite you to be a part of a girls community . I will write a review about your blog and will put your link there. I also have a social network like digg, it is called NICE there you can add your posts.
    I would be very happy if you joined us! :)

     

  • At 9:58 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Cheer up, Baghdad Girl.

    A lot of progress is being made in Iraq. What the Americans and local Iraqis have built, the terrorists have tried to destroy, but together we are having success in getting rid of them. Check out Michael Yon's blog in which he reports the Islamic Iraqi Party saying Al-Qaeda is defeated. He also reports on other positive changes currently taking place in Iraq.

    Be patient. Nothing worth doing is easy.

     

  • At 10:23 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    INSTEAD OF THIS SAD FIGHT

    Instead of this sad fight outside
    I´ll sit beside thee now;
    Thou art my joy, my special pride,
    For which I make the vow:

    Though crucial are affairs of state
    I´ll not neglect my love,
    True though the crisis has grown great
    And problems born thereof.

    To wrap myself into the cause
    Neglectful of this sweet
    Proximity, reveals the flaws
    Of politicking´s beat.

    The evil men promote their ways
    Nor none can insulate
    Himself entirely, from the craze
    Secure and lock the gate.

    An evil lurks within the land
    That souls are best resisting,
    Yet I would feel a reprimand
    And sense eyes over-misting,

    Did I not spare that little time
    For us to be together--
    Horrible, dangerous this clime,
    But that´s the usual weather!

     

  • At 6:43 PM , Blogger nobody said...

    My heart goes out to you, your family, your friends, and all your countrymen and women. I am from USA, I do not like what has happened to your country, though I would not know if its worse or better because of my governments actions. Clearly they had no clue the harm they were going to cause. Not all Americans think as George Bush does, Some Americans have good hearts and understand we are all Gods children. I would have liked to visit your country before I die, and now I fear I never will. I have always had a warm spot in my heart for the all Arabic people and hope that my governments actions have not given such a bad impression that all Americans will be judged as arrogant and bad, some Americans have good hearts. I hope you have a good life, I hope things work out for the best of you and your countrymen, and not just for my country.
    Gene
    PS: I love cats too.

     

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  • At 5:31 AM , Blogger Brian H said...

    Well, it's 3 months later, and Baghdad is AQ free, JAM is being crushed and evicted, and Baghdadis are streaming back into the city as fast as the buses and planes and cars can carry them. What are you doing? Whining still?

     

  • At 1:09 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Dear Raghda,
    I just came upon your blog. It's December 2, 2007
    I can hear the despare in your writing. I hope things will continue to improve in your world.
    Your people must strive for the kind of life you deserve.
    A quote comes to mind,
    "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." (Edmund Burke)
    We must all make a difference in this world!
    We only have one go around.....

    I love cats also.
    I have 4. As I type, my Maisy is sleeping on the computers scanner.
    He looks just like Garfield.
    We got him at a shelter. So we didn't name him . He already was named. Not sure I would have picked Maisy. But seeing he was already 10 years old, I couldn't change it at that point.
    He's a lover. Someone must miss him.
    I pray that your "babies" have been adopted also.
    Please know that the world cares about the situation in Iraq!
    I will keep you in my prayers
    Anndee

     

  • At 2:31 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Raghda-
    I'm so sorry about everything that has happened to you, especially leaving your cats. It must be terrible to have to leave your country, and have preople ripping up your old house, and everything you don't want to think about. I wish you luck, strength, and deaf ears to those who tell you different.

    Yours Truly,
    Lizzie

     

  • At 6:46 PM , Blogger Mike Reardon said...

    Hi Raghda,
    I am an American with children in high school and college. My heart goes out to you and your family. You should know that almost all educated Americans are ashamed of, and angry at our leaders who started this terrible war in Iraq.
    It is nice that you are writing about yourself, please continue to do it! I hope you continue your studies. They say that every problem creates an opportunity, perhaps one will find you. I wish you much success and peace in your life.
    P.S. We have 3 cats, and wild coyotes outside that cannot catch them. Cats are much tougher than you might think!
    Mike
    Massachusetts, USA

     

  • At 6:07 PM , Blogger The Blogwalker said...

    Raghda,
    i just realize that we are in the same age.
    but the situation and life we used to live are diff.
    im sorry.

    its good and really good that you have a spirit and a tough mind set.
    'never give up', the spirit that you have to hold it tight.
    be strong!~

    and lastly,
    im linked your page from mine.
    hope you don't mind.
    : )

     

  • At 11:35 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    raghda-- greetings from new york city, ny. we love your blog. good luck!! :]

     

  • At 8:10 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Hi Raghda,
    I first saw your blog when you were 13 and from time to time you and your cats would cross my mind and I would pray for you. I am so sorry that you had to leave your home and especially your cats. I have had cats for many years and they were all 'family' to me. I pray that you will be able to return soon to a free Iraq (and your cats!). I am American, and believe me, we do NOT wish any harm to your people - we are all more similar than different after all. We believed we were doing the right thing for your country and your people and we still have hopes that sooner rather than later your country will be peaceful and flourish once again. The devastation to Iraq is sad but can be overcome and Iraq can be better than ever before - don't give up hope. I fully understand your anger and sadness but pray that kindness, hope, love and CATS are the primary things you think about. I'm sure you will grow to be a strong young woman because of and despite your experiences. I will continue to keep you and your cats in my prayers. Stay strong!
    With love,
    Ann Marie =^..^=

     

  • At 12:49 PM , Blogger  Ilia Konovalov said...

    I hope your country will be ok soon!
    I pray for all people who suffer.

     

  • At 7:25 PM , Blogger Dana Huff said...

    Raghda, I was thinking about you today and hoping you are safe and well. It has been a while since you posted. You don't have to apologize for feeling sad. You have every right to your feelings! I hope school is going OK for you this year.

     

  • At 12:55 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Raghda,

    I wish to help but i'm just like you, i have nothing but words and tears which are not even close to be enough, i'll keep praying for you and for Iraq.. hoping that all the bad things happening now will be turned to be joy and all the people suffering from this situation will forget about all the bad things and be able start their lives all over again.

    thank you for sharing that with the world...

    yours
    SomeOne

     

  • At 10:33 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Who is responsible for the current situation happening Iraq? Iraqi Government, USA troops, Saddam Husein, National Guard, Qaeda ?
    Any Answers... I think it is a complex problem... The only solution to this problem that all Iraqis understand the truth. Thanks

    Haidar

     

  • At 5:31 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    your living in Iraq? very good people from Iraq. I live in Brazil...congratulations.
    http://seletun.blogspot.com/

     

  • At 9:20 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Raghda,
    Our hope for you is that you may return to your home, soon, free of the tyranny of Saddam Huesein, free from the fear of radical Islamic terror and free to elect your own government. Who knows? You may be the President of Iraq someday. Know that the vast majority of Americans feel the same as you do about most things of the heart.
    Remember this: Freedom is worth fighting for and freedom is not free. If good men and women do nothing only evil will prevail.
    Give me liberty or give me death is more than just words. The right to live a life of freedom is worth fighting and dying for because a life without freedom is no life at all.
    The USA is not perfect by any means but they are paying in Billions of dollars and, much more importantly, the blood of young Americans much like yourself.
    Look to the future young lady and fight for your freedom alongside those who are fighting for you and your country.
    God bless you.

     

  • At 1:43 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    bueionRaghda you're such a sweetheart. Know that you're not alone and that there Iraqi's like you all over the world, who feel each other.
    I left Iraq when I was 14, during the first Gulf War. Now I'm an English teacher, a Masters Degree holder and a novelist. Did all of this made me forget Iraq> Noway, it still lives in my vains...and I am writing a novel about the Iraqi children to show the world what happened. you were probably not born then, but I was. I was 12, and the world will see what I saw.

    Keep writing...

    Love
    Zainab

     

  • At 12:31 PM , Blogger BJFORD3 said...

    I hope you're well. In today's local newspaper, there was an article about a woman in Baghdad working to save stray cats. Her website is BaghdadCatRescue.com . A link to the newspaper article is http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080430/NEWS03/233681797#disqus_thread

     

  • At 4:06 AM , Blogger Raghda said...

    My dear friends,

    I miss you so much and I hope you won't forget me.

    I am fine. My summer holiday has just began. I done very well in my final exams and I think I'll take my marks soon.

     

  • At 9:41 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Bravo Raghda
    so young and so strong keep being like that you will reach all what you want.
    success
    Lily

     

  • At 5:30 AM , Blogger Unknown said...

    What really baffels me, is much of the vilence we witness has some connection to Religion, though with no exception all religious teachings emphasis brotherhood, tolerance, love etc all mothers bring up children teaching how to be gentle etc, yet what has all these teachings lead to, the hate and distruction of each other, non tollerance, where are we going wrong -learn history, get educated just love humans, the world may change - give religion a rest.
    Shanthi Rai

     

  • At 1:22 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    I am sorry to read all this, it is very moving.

     

  • At 12:10 AM , Blogger onix said...

    memory does that a lot to most people. personally i think there are more important facts to remember then the looks of a house a cat, a furniture.
    That kind of things (who said what when trying to get the world aggressive against irak eg.) seem to be still easier forgotten.
    Fl with having a better memory then the usual.

     

  • At 9:17 AM , Blogger Madhura said...

    Raghda, i've never posted a comment before but have been a regular reader...i'm a cat lover too from India...i know that feeling of helplesness when i look at Kashmir or Manipur or Nandigram...why don't you post anymore? do let us know how you are

     

  • At 12:51 AM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    I have just found your blog. For me, Baghdad, and your world has always been some kind of Arabian Nights mystery. I keep on reading your blog to unrevel this mistery, and to see the people behind it.
    Thanks for writing this blog.

     

  • At 4:18 AM , Blogger Leslie Bocobo said...

    Dear Raghda, I hope this note finds you in good health and in a safe situation considering your last post was dated August 27, 2007,that's more than a year now. I am so moved am so sad by your post. I don't even know if you still read your blog. Hope you are ok. May God protect you and your loved ones always.

     

  • At 4:09 PM , Blogger Ameer Hassan said...

    Dear Raghda

    How can we console you? You are not the only one… you are one in hundreds… They can demolish your sweet home, rob you off your little kittens, they can crush your childhood pleasures, they can turn off that smile even on the day of Eid… But you can survive… Let these bleak days purge you and make you imperishable… I wish you and other children of your country a better future! Your prayers…. your tears… your woes won’t go unanswered.

    Raghda, my little sister, I appologise to you on behalf of the humanity… for the atrocities they are committing against you and your childhood…. I wish I could appologise to every single Iraqi child… If I could wipe every single drop of their tears!

    I feel your pain… you know nothing about the politics… the war… the war-mongers… the greed… the terrorism... the extremism…. suicide… the West… the East… Sunnism... Shiism… Kurdism…

    Raghda, forgive the grown ups…. the merciless butchers… they have lost their senses… they cannot see the dreams you see… they can’t sing the tune you hum… they can’t pat your kitten…

     

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