DOCSLIB.ORG

Yousef's Story

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Yousef's Story HUMANITIES | ENCOUNTERS Yousef’s story n Cite as: CMAJ 2018 August 13;190:E962-3. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.180131 CMAJ Podcasts: audio reading at https://soundcloud.com/cmajpodcasts/180131-enc This is Yousef’s story. He is an 11-year-old boy whose life has changed forever. In 2015, he was the innocent casualty of a mustard gas bomb shell attack while at home with his family in Mosul, Iraq. This narrative describes the details of his tragedy and explains how I came to know his story while working as a physician providing humani- tarian aid in northern Iraq. Yousef has suf- fered terrible sequelae as a result of that bomb, including severe keloid scarring that has resulted in gross disfigurement. The mental anguish of such scarring at that age dominates his physical defacement, and it has pushed him to attempt to take his own life multiple times. Through the privilege of caring for Yousef, I have become aware of the all-too-prevalent use of chemical agents of war in this part of the world, which is unknown to most Westerners. The unac- ceptable consequences for innocent people of exposure to such chemical gases reminds us once again of the urgency to enforce the international treaties that have been signed for an effective termination of the use of chemical weapons for good. The motivation for governments to do so lies in the powerful Tony Bruno among every nation’s people making this a A description of a shelling and the nature of Yousef’s injury led the author to suspect mustard gas global priority. was involved. Sulaymaniyah, Iraqi trict in September 2015. Yousef’s mother The images of Yousef stayed with me Kurdistan, Dec. 5, 2017 brought him to the clinic in August 2017 for days — they would not leave my mind. and explained that Yousef had been Finally, I tracked down his mother, now have just passed the halfway point of sprayed with “unignited kerosene” during back in Mosul, and set up a second inter- a six-month humanitarian mission in the shelling. She assumed that the unig- view by phone. I prepared a set of ques- Kurdistan. My role here is to help nited kerosene had caused her son’s tions and the interview lasted about an Isupervise and instruct Iraqi physicians burns — not the blast itself. hour. My hope was to be sufficiently dili- who care for about 25 000 internally dis- I reviewed the case three weeks later gent and objective to determine the most placed people and refugees in various and quickly began to have doubts that likely cause of Yousef’s burns. Needless camps in the region. unignited kerosene could have burned to say, recounting the attack was During mission handover, a colleague him to any substantial extent unless there extremely difficult for Yousef’s mother. told me about Yousef: an 11-year-old boy was prolonged exposure. After seeing Certain questions led to prolonged with substantial keloid scarring — a result photographs of Yousef, things did not silences — at certain points, she began to of the artillery shelling by ISIL, also known make sense to me. I felt we were missing cry. We paused, then I pressed on, as deli- as ISIS or Daesh, in Mosul’s Wadi Hajar dis- something. cately as I could. E962 CMAJ | AUGUST 13, 2018 | VOLUME 190 | ISSUE 32 © 2018 Joule Inc. or its licensors She explained that Yousef had been the ing World War I were attributed to chemical ers trying to profit from it as it is littered with weapons, yet the Great War has become synony- HUMANITIES only person at the far end of the room landmines. There is gain for those in power mous with their use. The current conflict in Syria when the artillery shell struck and the wall and Iraq depicts a similar picture. ISIL employs a to keep the population poor, ignorant and crumbled right in front of him. Soon the morbidly brilliant psychological warfare, and dependent. And, despite suffering beyond entire family was gasping for air, and those chemical weapons are the ultimate psycho- what most of us can even fathom, these peo- 4 more severely affected vomited. Outside, logical weapon against all their enemies. ple still hope for prosperity and peace one clouds of yellow smoke rose from the earth day. Yousef’s story was simply my awaken- and were carried downwind. Within min- Groups such as the Organization for the ing. It privileged me with spiritual growth. I utes, the family’s eyes began to burn, and Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, a United have been unshackled from the emotional they all lost their vision for hours. Nations chemical weapons watchdog, look apathy that I previously possessed, and from This description — combined with the on helplessly as these attacks continue. my prejudices. I observe with an altered eye photographs of Yousef — led me to believe Public or political pressure is not going to and listen with an unfamiliar ear these days. that the artillery shell was filled with mus- work on ISIL. And if we consider the horrific This is the magic of missionary work. The tard gas. The cutaneous manifestations chemical weapons attacks by Syrian presi- transformation comes within the journey, that mustard gas may cause include, but dent Bashar al-Assad on his own citizens — whether it is felt or not. are not limited to, skin burning and scar- all with the support of larger, well-known The heartbreaking twist to Yousef’s ring. A moist environment tends to pro- political entities — we find that the West- story is that the extensive scarring on his mote the development of these phenom- ern countries, including Canada, are doing neck has made him the target of teasing by ena. In keeping with this theory, Yousef little to stop these atrocities. We seem to other children. The anguish this has caused had keloid scarring predominantly on his have “a willingness to tolerate the morally him cannot be overstated — Yousef has neck, bilateral axilla and groin region — intolerable.”5 attempted suicide three times. The ques- areas predisposed to sweating. I admit, before my arrival, I had only a tion remains: Will he try again before we However, even with this new evidence, vague notion about what was going on in can get him the help he needs? part of me still refused to accept that Yousef this part of the world. I do not think I am and his family could be victims of a mustard alone in admitting that. If I had come Tony Bruno MD MSc gas attack. I suppose denial was easier on across these images of Yousef while in Can- Iraqi Kurdistan my heart. But even a cursory Internet search ada, I would have been horrified, of course, will confirm that Islamic militants have used but for how long? Probably a few minutes. mustard gas on any number of occasions in Then right back to my day. It is a defence References recent years. On Nov. 21 2016, The New York mechanism. It is easier. 1. Schmitt E. ISIS used chemical arms at least Times reported that ISIL had “used chem- Even being here now, I find myself trying 52 times in Syria and Iraq, report says. The New ical weapons, including chlorine and mus- to keep my emotional distance. Once again: York Times [New York]. Available: www.nytimes. com/2016/11/21/world/middleeast/isis-chemical tard agents, at least 52 times on the battle- self-preservation. Of course, it is a balance. A -weapons-syria-iraq-mosul.html (accessed 2016 field in Syria and Iraq since it had swept to friend of mine recommended that I listen to a Nov. 21). power in 2014.”1 Moreover, “at least 19 of TED Talk by Joan Halifax, who is a Buddhist 2. Chulove M. “My body was burning”: survivors recall 6 horror of Isis mustard gas attack. The Guardian the 52 chemical attacks had taken place in nun. She points out that the way to deal [London (UK)]. Available: www.theguardian.com/ and around Mosul.” with life’s horrors is not by turning away but world/2015/sep/02/syria-mustard-gas-attack-my On Sept. 2, 2015, The Guardian reported by acquiring great strength to leave behind -body-was-burning (accessed 2015 Sept. 2). 3. Van Bergen L. Before My Helpless sight: suffering, on a mustard gas attack by ISIL in Marea, mere pity (which is more about yourself) and dying and military medicine on the Western front, Syria.2 Before readers can scroll through aspire to true compassion. She continues: 1914–1918. Farnham (UK): Ashgate Publishing: the article, they find in bold type: “Warning: 2009;184. In Buddhism, we say, “It takes a strong back and 4. de Bretton-Gordon H. Remembering Halabja this article contains graphic images of inju- chemical attack. Al Jazeera [Doha (Qatar)]. Avail- a soft front.” It takes tremendous strength of the ries caused by mustard gas.” A photograph able: www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion back to uphold yourself in the midst of [trying] shows blistering on the back of 31-year-old /2016/03/remembering-halabja-chemical-attack conditions. And that is the quality of mental -1603160612 21074.html (accessed 2016 Mar. 16). Ahmed Latouf — certain patterns are equanimity. But it also takes a soft front — the 5. Geras N. The contract of mutual indifference: political uncannily similar to the scarring patterns capacity to really be open to the world as it is, to philosophy after the Holocaust. Brooklyn (NY): Verso found on Yousef. One photograph could have an undefended heart.6 Books;1998:170.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Statement of Mr Sarkout Mahmoud Kurdish Organizations Network Coalition for the International Criminal Court (KONCICC)
    Statement of Mr Sarkout Mahmoud Kurdish Organizations Network Coalition for the International Criminal Court (KONCICC) www.koncicc.org 25th Session of the Conference of the States Parties The Hague, The Netherlands Mr. Chairman, Director-General, Representatives of Government, States Parties, NGOs, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen: It is a great privilege to contribute to this conference on behalf of Kurdish Organizations Network Coalition for the International Criminal Court. The Anfal genocide was committed during the Al-Anfal campaign led by Ali Hassan al-Majid, on the orders of President Saddam Hussein, against Iraqi Kurdistan in northern Iraq in the final stages of the Iran–Iraq War. The term, “Anfal,” means "the spoils," and was taken from the title of Sura 8 (al-Anfal) in the Qur'an. As a planned process, it was one of the main strategic methods to exterminate Kurds and eliminate the roots of Kurds. It was to destroy and ruin the demographical Kurdistan and Kurdish culture. The campaigns were characterized by mass summary executions and the mass disappearance of many tens of thousands of noncombatants, the vast majority civilians; the widespread use of chemical weapons; the wholesale destruction of some 2,000 villages, including homes, schools, mosques, churches and wells; the arbitrary arrest and jailing in conditions of extreme deprivation of thousands of women, children and elderly people; the forced displacement of hundreds of thousands of villagers; and the destruction of the environment and the rural Kurdish economy and infrastructure. Only 13 victims survived from Anfal, and 9 out of 13 are alive today. Anfal was committed from February 23 to September 6, 1988 in eight stages and damaged more than 31 Assyrian and Christian villages.
    [Show full text]
  • Information Note Mm3.7.2
    MM3.7.2 INFORMATION NOTE Date: February 25, 2019 Request to Raise the Flag of Kurdistan on the Courtesy Flag Pole at Toronto City Hall Summary of the Request Councillor Jim Karygiannis received a request from Sartip Kakaee, Chairman of Kurdish House Toronto, to raise the Kurdish flag at City Hall to mark the 31st anniversary of the Halabja chemical attack. Councillor Karygiannis sent the request on to the Strategic Protocol and External Relations office for follow up. Response ● The request does not meet the stated City of Toronto criteria for a flag raising on the courtesy flag pole. ● The flag identified is an official symbol of the sub-national Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and is therefore not a flag of a nation recognized by Global Affairs Canada. ● Council may choose to bring awareness to violent world events through a member announcement or a proclamation. ● The City has other programs and services that enable groups to commemorate and raise awareness for events of importance. Global Affairs Canada perspective The Government of Canada is committed to the unity and diversity of the Republic of Iraq and it supports Iraq’s territorial integrity. This position is well known to the Government's Iraqi interlocutors, including in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. Canada has a constructive partnership with the federal government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government. The Government of Canada favours a peaceful dialogue in good faith, so as to resolve their differences through continued negotiations. The Government of Canada respects that the Kurdistan Regional Government already enjoys certain decision making powers for itself within the Iraqi federal system.
    [Show full text]
  • ECHOES of GENOCIDE FINDING JUSTICE | from ANFAL to ISIS | SURVIVOR STORIES ECHOES of GENOCIDE CONFERENCE on the 30 Th ANNIVERSARY of the HALABJA GENOCIDE
    ECHOES OF GENOCIDE FINDING JUSTICE | FROM ANFAL TO ISIS | SURVIVOR STORIES ECHOES OF GENOCIDE CONFERENCE ON THE 30 th ANNIVERSARY OF THE HALABJA GENOCIDE HOSTED BY THE KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATION IN THE UNITED STATES THE NEWSEUM - WASHINGTON, D.C. MARCH 13, 2018 CONTENTS STATEMENTS ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF HALABJA 2 WHAT IS GENOCIDE 16 TEN STAGES OF GENOCIDE 18 BROTHERHOOD OF THE SHAKEN 20 THE POLITICS OF GENOCIDE 22 PESHMERGA UNDER ATTACK 28 THE LAST ‘FIRMAN’ 32 YEZIDI WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH THE PRESS 36 REMNANTS OF IRAQ’S CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY 40 STORIES OF SURVIVAL 46 FOLLOW THE MONEY 54 PURSUING SADDAM’S CHEMICAL FIXER 58 A LEGAL MAZE 61 SPONSORS 64 Cover photograph courtesy of REZA, rezaphoto.org; Illustration (left) by Lukman Ahmad STATEMENTS ON THE 30th ANNIVERSARY OF THE HALABJA GENOCIDE were aimed at eliminating the Kurdish SOMETHING WE CAN national identity. We can never forget NEVER ESCAPE that, for decades, a systematic attempt NECHIRVAN BARZANI was made to eradicate the Kurdish Prime Minister people from the state of Iraq. It is Kurdistan Regional Government something that we can never escape; it lives on in our memories, our literature, our culture, and our politics. It is a part I warmly welcome you all, especially of all that we think and do. Every day in those who have come from far away our region, families sit at dinner with and abroad to participate in this empty seats at the table, once filled by important conference. You are here loved ones who were slaughtered by the for a valuable and noble purpose.
    [Show full text]
  • Timeline: Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament in the Middle East Compiled by Amanda Tapp
    Timeline: Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament in the Middle East Compiled by Amanda Tapp 1949: The Israel Defense Forces find 1960s: Steps to establish a nuclear sources of uranium in the Negev desert. weapons-free zone in the Middle East begin. The Committee for the 1950s: Iran’s nuclear program begins Denuclearization of the Middle East (a with U.S. assistance as part of the “Atoms group of Israeli intellectuals) proposes for Peace” program, which began under the idea first in 1962, publicly stating U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s that the development of nuclear weapons administration. This collaboration “constitute[s] a danger to Israel and to would come to a halt with the toppling peace in the Middle East,” urging the of the Shah of Iran in the 1979 Iranian United Nations to intervene “to prevent Revolution. military nuclear production”. 1953: Iran launches a civilian nuclear May 1961: The U.S. Atomic Energy program initiative with the aim of Commission (AEC) sends inspectors reaching nuclear cooperation agreements to Dimona. The results affirm that with other nuclear-capable states. Dimona only had a research reactor and was not capable of producing weapons- 1955: The United States agrees to sell grade plutonium. This is reaffirmed by a Israel a small nuclear research reactor. second inspection in September 1962. 1957: Israel begins work on the Negev 1963: Israel agrees to buy 100 tons of Nuclear Research Facility, a large reactor uranium ore from Argentina in a secret in the desert near Dimona, which would agreement in response to rising tensions become the foundation for Israel’s between the United States and Israel.
    [Show full text]
  • GWT Coalition-High-Command-And
    Welcome Letter Dear Delegates, On behalf of the Secretariat and all of NAMUN, I am pleased to welcome you to the 2017 North American Model United Nations Conference and am honoured to serve as your chair for the Coalition High Command and Provisional Authority (Iraq). I’m looking forward to meeting you all in person in February, and am anticipating a fantastic conference. With the recent spate of terrorist attacks across America and Europe, and the battles raging across Syria and Iraq, international terrorism and counterinsurgency remain very important topics, and will probably for the immediate future. As such I’m anticipating some fascinating debate and strategies as you tackle this issue staring in 2003. I hope that our committee will be exciting and a rewarding experience for all of you, and I hope that your enthusiasm and knowledge of international terrorism help make this an excellent Integrated Crisis Simulation. Warmest Regards, Shanzae Khan Table of Contents Introduction – 3 Historical Background – 4 Issues – 11 State of Affairs – 14 Suggested Sources – 15 Bibliography – 15 Introduction After the 1991 Gulf War, the United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 687 commanded that Iraqi synthetic, organic, atomic, and long range rocket projects be stopped and every such weapon destroyed under UN supervision.1 The UN weapons inspectors inside Iraq verified the dismantlement of many Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and materials, but there significant compliance issues remained and the inspectors were unable to check every site and verify that Iraq had destroyed all its WMD materiel by their withdrawal in 1998.2 Iraqi-American relations remained quite hostile throughout this period, with no-fly zones imposed over the Northern and Southern parts of Iraq.
    [Show full text]
  • Shiism and Martyrdom: a Study of Istishhadi Phenomenon in Iran During the Iran-Iraq War, 1980-1988
    SHIISM AND MARTYRDOM: A STUDY OF ISTISHHADI PHENOMENON IN IRAN DURING THE IRAN-IRAQ WAR, 1980-1988 MEHDI SOLTANZADEH DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY FACULTY OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA KUALA LUMPUR 2013 UNIVERSITI MALAYA ORIGINAL LITERARY WORK DECLARATION Name of Candidate: Mehdi Soltanzadeh (I.C/Passport No: R19245432) Registration/Matric No: AHA060041 Name of Degree: Masters in Education Title of Project Paper/ Research Report/ Dissertation/ Thesis ("this Work"): Shiism and Martyrdom: A Study of Istishhadi Phenomenon in Iran During The Iran-Iraq War, 1980-1988 I do solemnly and sincerely declare that: (1) I am the sole author/write of this Work; (2) This Work is original; (3) Any use of any work in which copyright exists was done by the way of fair dealing and for permitted purpose and any excerpt or extract from, or reference to or reproduction of any copyright work has been disclosed expressly and sufficiently and the title of the Work and its authorship have been acknowledged in this Work; (4) I do not have any actual knowledge nor do I ought reasonably to know that the making of this work constitutes an infringement of any copyright work; (5) I hereby assign all and every rights in the copyright to this Work to the University of Malaya ("UM"), who henceforth shall be owner of the copyright in this Work and that any reproduction or use in any form or by any means whatsoever is prohibited without the written consent of UM having been first had and obtained; (6) I am fully aware that if in the course of making this Work I have infringed any copyright whether intentionally or otherwise, I may be subject to legal action or any other action as may be determined by UM.
    [Show full text]
  • Kurdish Reflections on Genocide Memorialization for Anfal
    Remembering the Past in Diasporic Spaces Toivanen and Baser Remembering the Past in Diasporic Spaces: Kurdish Reflections on Genocide Memorialization for Anfal Mari Toivanen University of Helsinki Bahar Baser1 Stellenbosch University Diasporas engage in a variety of practices and activities to commemorate past massacres and genocides that might have led to the formation of the diaspora in the first place. In this process, certain massacres can be constructed as the “chosen trauma” and consequently become a central element in commemoration practices and identity formation. In this paper, we discuss genocide memorialization in the context of the Iraqi Kurdish diaspora in Europe. We focus specifically on genocide memorialization of the Anfal Campaign (1986–1989) that was orchestrated by Saddam Hussein’s regime against the Kurdish population in Northern Iraq. We examine how collective remembering for Anfal takes place in the diasporic space, what diasporic articulations and representations of Anfal as the chosen trauma are produced in commemoration practices and how these genocide memorialization processes differ from those in the homeland context. How do Kurdish diaspora communities in Europe commemorate Anfal? How do diaspora narratives relate to collective memory and identity? What spatial and generational dynamics are at play in these processes? Key words: Anfal, diaspora, genocide, identity, Kurdish, memory In this paper, we focus on genocide memorialization in the context of the Iraqi Kurdish diaspora in Europe. We examine commemoration practices undertaken by diaspora Kurds to remember the Anfal Campaign2 (1986–1989) and Halabja chemical attack (1988), which were orchestrated by Saddam Hussein’s regime against the Kurdish population in Northern Iraq.
    [Show full text]
  • Toivanen Journal of Genocide Research
    The Politics of Genocide Recognition: Kurdish Nation-building and Commemoration in the Post-Saddam Era Dr. Bahar Baser, Research Fellow Dr. Mari Toivanen Coventry University/ University of Turku/ Stellenbosch University CADIS-EHESS, [email protected] [email protected] Abstract This article explores the genocide recognition politics (GRP) with a specific focus on Saddam Hussein’s Anfal Campaigns (1986-1989) against the Kurdish population in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). In the context of a pending referendum on independence in the KRI, this study investigates the evolution of GRP in relation to secession, nation-building and commemoration as well as the social, political and economic drivers in the process. In addition, the study zeroes in on the internationalization of genocide recognition claims via diaspora lobbying and the KRG’s bureaux of representation in Europe. The results are based on extensive fieldwork conducted with KRG representatives, diaspora entrepreneurs and other stakeholders between 2012 and 2016 in Europe and Iraqi Kurdistan. The KRG’s genocide recognition claims are not explicitly associated with secession, but instead are employed to legitimize local rule by referencing collective trauma and shared victimhood. In this way, Anfal – as the ‘chosen trauma’ – has become a component of (local) nation-building mechanisms. Nevertheless, recognition claims can become instrumentalized for succession so long as the political circumstances in the region become favourable to Kurdish independence. In the diaspora context,
    [Show full text]
  • The Origins of Overthrow Hegemonic Expectations, Emotional Frustration, and the Impulse to Regime Change
    The Origins of Overthrow Hegemonic Expectations, Emotional Frustration, and the Impulse to Regime Change Payam Ghalehdar Thesis submitted for assessment with a view to obtaining the degree of Doctor of Political and Social Sciences of the European University Institute Florence, 20 March 2015 European University Institute Department of Political and Social Sciences The Origins of Overthrow Hegemonic Expectations, Emotional Frustration, and the Impulse to Regime Change Payam Ghalehdar Thesis submitted for assessment with a view to obtaining the degree of Doctor of Political and Social Sciences of the European University Institute Examining Board Prof. Christian Reus-Smit, University of Queensland (supervisor) Prof. Jennifer Welsh, European University Institute Prof. Roland Bleiker, University of Queensland Prof. Michael Cox, London School of Economics © Payam Ghalehdar, 2015 No part of this thesis may be copied, reproduced or transmitted without prior permission of the author Acknowledgments I remember quite vividly how I was glued to the TV on February 5, 2003, when Colin Powell, George W. Bush's first Secretary of State, presented the US case for regime change in Iraq in his much-anticipated speech to the United Nations Security Council. Owing to its significance, the meeting was broadcast live on German TV, a fate not shared by many other UNSC meetings. It was that time, when I was, like many others, closely following the unfolding events eventually leading to the invasion of Iraq a month later, that stoked my interest in a topic that I have remained fascinated by ever since, and embarked on researching in 2010 when I decided to do a PhD; a decision I have hardly ever regretted.
    [Show full text]
  • Halabja English
    KURDISTAN REGIONAL GOVERNMENT 16 March 1988 29° Anniversary WE WILL NEVER FORGET CHEMICAL HALABJA ATTACK HALABJA Kurdistan Regional Government Representation in Italy COMMMODO LOREM FRIGILLA ADIPISCING Crimeagainst HUMANITY Halabja , March 16th 1988 The attack took place during the closing days of the Iraq-Iran war, also known as Persian Gulf War. On March 16th, 1988 in the town of Halabja, a small city of about 70 thousand people located in Iraqi Kurdistan, 240 km northeast of Baghdad and 15 km from the Iranian border, the Iraqi regime, led by the Dictator Saddam Hussein, made a horrendous massacre. For several hours, Iraq's air force bombed residential areas of the city with a lethal chemical compound, a mixture of mustard, hydrogen cyanide and nerve gas. HALABJA Kurdistan Regional Government Representation in Italy MASSACRE OF HALABJA 16MARCH 5.000 civilians lie on the ground after the use of chemical weapons In that attack at least 12.000 people were later radically changed its version and often killed while, the survivors, had to struggle cited the “Halabja case” to demonstrate the for many years against various diseases possession of chemical weapons by the and physical disorders, such as colon and Iraqi regime and justify military intervention. skin cancer, cardiac and respiratory Chemical weapons were used by Iraq a few problems and blindness. months later, after that an agreement of ceasefire was signed with Iran. Furthermore, in that area, there have been several cases of genetic malformation. On August 25th, 1988, during the “Final Despite today this episode is recognized by Anfal Operation” the Iraqi regime attacked all as a crime against humanity, at that time the Kurdish region of Bahdinan, making an the International Community did not lift a extensive use of mustard and nerve gas.
    [Show full text]
  • Kurdistan Regional Government
    Received by NSD/FARA Registration Unit 04/13/2021 9:45:52 AM KRG-US March 2021 newsletter 1 message Kurdistan Regional Government - USA <[email protected]> Wed, Mar 31, 2021 at 6:16 PM Reply-To: [email protected] To: [email protected] Kurdistan Regional Government Representation in the United States Washington D.C. Welcome to our March 2021 Newsletter Later she helped mobilize the French government to intervene in defense of the Kurds who were fleeing Saddam Hussein’s forces in March 1991 after an uprising against the dictatorship. Her efforts, in parallel with those of others in London and Washington, led to a military-humanitarian operation that saved the lives of hundreds of thousands of Kurds k who feared Saddam Hussein would use chemical weapons against them. s v a In fact, this April, we will be marking the 30th anniversary of that intervention, March is always a month of poignant and known as Operation Provide Comfort, notable events for the people of Kurdistan, which was soon followed by the and this past month was all the more establishment of the no-fly-zone over remarkable. Kurdistan. In many ways, the existence today of a stable, tolerant, and free Besides the various anniversaries, Kurdistan Region in Iraq is a direct including the birth and death of the consequence of the humanitarian action by legendary leader Mustafa Barzani, the the United States, France, and Britain. anniversary of the genocide in Halabja, and Newroz the 21st, this year, the month of There will be events hosted in Erbil, March heralded two significant visits and Washington, London, and Paris to mark the tough negotiations over the Iraqi federal anniversary of this extraordinary budget, which was finally passed by the intervention in April and later this year.
    [Show full text]
  • The Halabja Genocide Table of Contents
    THE HALABJA GENOCIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION 1: Pre‐Attack Prologue Section Summary Item 1 ………………………………… Memo: Authorization to Stockpile and Utilize Chemical Weapons Item 2 …………………………………………………. Memo: Instructions to Avoid Using Chemical Weapons Item 3 ……………………………………. Memo: Circulation of Rumors About a Halabja Chemical Attack SECTION 2: The Attack Prologue Section Summary Item 4 ……………………………………………………………… Memo: Instructions on How to Attack Halabja Item 5 ………………………………………………………………………….... Memo: Results of the Halabja Battle Item 6 ……………………………………………………………………………. Memo: Instructions for the 1st Corps Item 7 ……………............................................... Memo: Instructions for the 1st Corps (Complete) Item 8 ………………………………………………………… Memo: Instructions to Use "Special Ammunition" Item 9 …………………………… Telegram: Informant Intelligence on Enemy Intentions and Casualties Item 10 ………………………………… Memo: Troop Morale and Halabja Battle Successes and Failures Item 11 ……………………………………………. Memo: Approval Received to Use "Special Ammunition" Item 12 ……………………………………………. Memo: Approval Received to Use "Special Ammunition" Item 13 …………………………………………….. Memo: Approval Received to Use "Special Ammunition" Item 14 ………………………………………………….. Memo: Suggested Targets for "Special Ammunition" Item 15 ……………………………………………. Memo: Suggested Targets for Conventional Ammunition Item 16 ……………………………………………………… Memo: Informant Intelligence on Enemy Positions THE HALABJA GENOCIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION 3: Post‐ Attack Prologue Section Summary Item 17 ………………………………………………….... Memo:
    [Show full text]