On Wednesday, January 25th, the United States Institute of Peace held an event, Next Generation of Peacebuilding and Social Change in the Arab World, to explore what connects and divides young Iraqis from across the country. Panelists discussed the youth of the Arab world, gender relations, sectarian and religious divisions, and the profound change that social media has had on the mainstream media and political activity across the Arab world.

Featured events included a viewing of an episode from the first season of Salam Shabab; a panel of the shows creators and producers, who discussed their experiences making the show and took questions from the audience; and another panel of celebrated social and political activists who discussed the role of youth in peacebuilding, the effect of social media on youth, and youth involvement in politics.

As a fan of the show, I was particularly interested in the Production Q&A. The speakers not only shared their experiences working with the youth but also their dreams and goals for the show. It was inspirational to hear the show’s producer, Hussam Hadi, elaborate on their goal of showcasing real kids with whom the audience can identify that speak their feelings honestly in a way the audience can learn from.

The show’s creators describe Salam Shabab as an experiment. They wanted to research the impact of team building exercises on Iraqi children’s sense of self esteem, self awareness, and self expression. They also wanted to develop the children’s personal responsibility and decision making, self efficacy, and an understanding of their common humanity. They exhaustively researched how the participants grew, testing them both before and after their participation in the project. As a result of all their hard work, the youths not only developed those skills, they also enjoyed themselves.

The audience seemed particularly interested in how the boys and girls interacted with one another, if there was tension or an unwillingness to work together between boys and girls. Mr. Hadi assured us that, once they got away from their parents, the kids on the show were absolutely normal 15 year-olds. They interacted well and made friends with each other without consideration of ethnicity, sect, or gender. In fact, the winners from last year who became the Ambassadors of Peace to the Iraqi Parliament were a mixed gender team and included a Sunni, a Shi’ite, and a Christian.

The panel discussion on Youth and the Arab Spring included celebrated activist and blogger, Rami Nakhla; the head of foreign relations office for the Bahrain Center for Human Rights, Maryam Alkhawaja; and Hassam al-Faluji, former lead singer for UTN1. The panelists pointed out that the youth of Iraq have been described as a burden by the government, which often seeks to bar them from involvement with the government. Here are some of the insights that they shared.

On Social Media and the Government:

The world is getting smaller because of social media. People are also becoming more informed. Music and art is becoming more accessible, both of which are big motivators for action and inspire change. (Hassan al Faluji)

In Bahrain, the youth are dependent on social media because they are largely ignored by the larger media. The youth always reach for the impossible, no offense to the older people. (Maryam Alkhawaja)

In Syria, people used the media to meet, the uprising was leaderless in beginning. Social media made it possible to coordinate. Regions formed committees that continue to this day. Seen as link between social media and the people, because the government’s control was crushing other outlets. (Rami Nakhla)

On the revolutions in Egypt, one year later:

Revolutions started out of dignity. We hated the fear, we couldn’t live with it anymore. Politics was a forbidden topic. We knew something was wrong but we didn’t know what. The uprisings gave the Syrian people hope, as did the overthrow of the Tunisian president. The Syrian people are deeply wounded today, we can never go back to the way things used to be. We have a responsibility to them. (Rami Nakhla)

For me, it’s all about dignity. That’s why [the uprising] has continued despite the crackdowns. There was a mind shift: they were too afraid to speak about politics but not anymore. Once the fear barrier was broken, there was no going back. Now, it’s like, if they think it, they write it down and hold to up. (Maryam Alkhawaja)

Fighting for a dream gives your life meaning. Keep fighting no matter what. Social media keeps the dream alive, unfortunately occassionaly the media has a double standard. (Hassan al Faluji)

On Sectarianism:

Leaders brainwashed their people to make their enemies traitors. Many Syrians take bad words and turn them into jokes. (Rami Nakhla)

Joke about it. I have been called an Israeli spy, a CIA spy, and an Iranian spy, so I joke about it by saying that there are a lot of governments out there that owe me money. (Maryam Alkhawaja)

Art and music can help overcome: music echos the revolution and gives more power to the people. (Hassan al Faluji)

A final message to all Arab youth:

“Do not believe anyone but Google. Six years ago when the Syrian leader died I cried my eyes out. Several years after that I learned from Google that he had tortured and murdered thousands of people. Never believe anything until you check it yourself.” (Rami Nakhla)

One word: unity. The governments are very good at uniting and standing against their people, therefore we cannot allow ourselves to be divided. (Maryam Alkhawaja)

We all deserve the same chances, everything is possible in this world. (Hassan al Faluji)

Unknown To No One a.k.a. UTN1

Unkown To No One, or, as they are more commonly called, UTN1, is considered the pioneer pop band of Iraq. Having begun in 1999 during the reign of Saddam Hussein they dared to form a pop band at a time when Iraq was dominated by traditional music. UTN1 began as the creative project of band members Art (Artin) and Shant, who later recruited three more members – Hassan, Akhlad, and Nadeem (who left the group in 2009). Completely self funded, they scraped together the money to record their first album in 2000. The band can still recall a time when they had only one instrument – a keyboard, which they used to compose songs together out of their Volkswagen Passat, which doubled as their original practice space.

Although they garnered a strong local following, they lacked professional support for the first few years. In 2002, as a result, in part, of the increasing international focus on Iraq, they were offered contracts by British producers. Unfortunately, politics and international events would prevent them from traveling to the United Kingdom for several more years. It wasn’t until 2004 that they were able to sign with a record label that could really open doors for them.

The band has now released three albums, several music videos (like the one below), and successfully toured in multiple countries. UTN1 recently completed a tour of the US that took them all over the country, including California, Arizona, New York, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

Although UTN1 refers to themselves as a pop band, the prominent use of the piano–once the only instrument they had access to–gives this band a slightly more classical sound. Their repertoire also includes the occasional heavy guitar riff, lending a more alternative/rock sound (I’m thinking specifically of “Tet-thakkarine,” from their 2010 album of the same name).

Part of the impetus for the band’s creative force is the idea that music can bridge cultures, that is why they continue to perform in both English and Arabic (including multiple dialects). Their music inevitably has been inspired by the state of Iraq during the war. Their song “While We Can,” sung in English, was written after their return to Iraqi in 2007, at which point they were shocked to discover the extent of the damage that the war had brought on. “While We Can” describes the never ending fear of living in the midst of violence, but at the same time the hope of a better life and a brighter future for Iraq.

On January 25th, UTN1 will be performing at an event hosted by the US Institute of Peace: Next Generation of Peace Building and Social Change in the Arab World. The event will include three young cultural activists who will speak on social change in the Arab world and will feature an exclusive screening of the first episode of the new season of Salam Shabab, Iraq’s first peacebuilding reality television show, sharing the stories of Iraq’s youth.

The mountains of Kurdistan

I grew up in a wonderful community in Amarillo, Texas, home of the 72 ounce steak, cowboys in chaps and spurs, and plains as far as the eye can see. This idyllic backdrop provided the perfect stage for me to use my imagination by playing ‘pretend’ and dreaming of distant lands and peoples. From trekking the impenetrable jungles of Papua New Guinea while dodging headhunters, or climbing Mount Everest with the Sherpas, to kayaking the Amazon and befriending shamans, my mind led me on adventure after adventure. I would spin the globe, pick a spot, and imagine myself there.

Strangely though, the Middle East was never a place I thought much about then.  All I really knew of the entire region was what I had heard and seen on the news about the Gulf War. As a child, the newscasters and foreign correspondents didn’t make much sense to me, but the videos I saw made an impression. Images of violence, pain, suffering, inhospitable climates, and people who seemingly were nothing like me, resulted in a less than positive perception of Iraq.

Stopping for a picture with two local Kurdish men

At that time, I didn’t know about the rich culture of the people there and how their music, art, innovation, and cuisine have made an impact on the outside world. I didn’t recognize the historical importance of the region and that it was the “Cradle of Civilization” where events took place that changed the course of history. In fact, even the world’s first writing system was established in Iraq, enabling history, law, and information to be recorded. I didn’t understand the regime that was controlling the country and its people, and I certainly didn’t know any Iraqis or their stories. I had never stepped foot in their homes, their markets or mosques, or witnessed the things that caused them joy or worry.

As I got older, however, I developed a deep interest in international travel and actually experiencing cultures. I began reading more purposefully and listening to news more critically. Around that time, I also became a serious athlete. As time progressed and my involvement in sport grew, my attention shifted to sport for development. Using sport as a vehicle to impact people and change lives, not just as a game with an end unto itself, was incredibly appealing. In the summer of 2010 I was invited by Global Sports Partners to participate in a project in Iraq, both in Baghdad and further north in Kurdistan.

The trip was fruitful. It gave me first-hand experiences with people that I previously had only known through books, newspapers, articles, and ethnographies. After my time in Iraq was over, I wrote in my journal:

I’m on the plane going to trek in the Kackar Mountains right now, and they’re stuck behind living in a situation they can’t entirely control. If I leave this place and leave my experiences in this book, my trip will be in vain; their stories need to be told…

So here I stand many months later, with a serendipitous opportunity to work with an organization that is striving to make a positive difference in Iraq. The Iraq War has undoubtedly effected countless people at home and abroad, resulting in certain impressions about Iraq and its people, just as the Gulf War initially did for me. I hope throughout the course of this blog, however, that I can provide a more personal insight into the Iraqi people and their country. I want to share what I learned from them, how they impacted me, and how we as Americans have the opportunity to make a positive difference for them. I look forward to it.

Until next time,

Leah

Until next time...

2012 is the year set by the Iraqi government to begin implementing new hiring quotas regarding government workers. The new system would require that 50% of hires in the Ministries of Health and Education be female, as well as 30% of hires in all other government ministries. This echoes Iraq’s already existing quota of 25% female elected officials in parliament and has been impatiently awaited by the highly educated, ambitious women of Iraq.

Iraqi women have historically been represented well in the work force. Women began entering prestigious career paths as early as the 1920′s. During times of war they were often called upon to fill gaps in the workforce. Laws that protect their rights in the work place have been on the books since 1969. They are legally protected from discrimination and sexual harassment, as well as guaranteed maternity leave, time off to care for sick children, and equal pay and benefits.

Although women currently hold jobs in all areas of Iraqi society including universities, hospitals, the army, and the police, the government is, by far, the largest employer in all of Iraqi society. The required quotas are an important step for the entire country because women now outnumber men, and women are solely providing for their families at greater rates than ever before. Imposing a quota on all of the government ministries would open the door for qualified female candidates to enter the public sector and might even give preference to widows with children over men.

Widows, or female heads of households, account for almost 10% of the women in Iraq. Imagine if 10% of the women you know were widows. In a country where men are usually the main breadwinner, widows sometimes struggle to make ends meet. Furthermore, when women enter the work force, they sometimes face difficulty obtaining a position, discriminatory practices from their employers, or hitting a glass ceiling.

Critics of the quota argue that the plan does not explain how it will enforce these quotas, however, many are hopeful that Iraq will once again have the success of its own not-so-distant past. From the 1950s to the 1980′s, Iraq’s system of universal, free education was the envy of the Arab world. Iraq was also the first Arab country to have a female cabinet minister and was known for its high number of female teachers, professors, doctors, and civil servants. Iraqi women had successfully campaigned for the right to vote, the right not to wear the veil, and the right to travel abroad without a male relative (revoked under Saddam Hussein).

Many  professional women lost their positions or left the country during the recent decades of sanctions and conflict. But the new quota system is an opportunity to fight discrimination and give smart, educated women a chance at the meaningful employment that has been promised to them and could set the stage for the next generation of working women.

We at EPIC believe in the potential of Iraqi women and girls. By partnering with Iraqis and Iraqi community organizations, together we can create opportunities for young women to mature into the strong, confident professionals and leaders that Iraq needs.

“Make the impossible possible” was the slogan of the recent TEDx Conference in Baghdad. TEDxBaghdad hosted the National Youth Orchestra, environmentalists, activists, and educators from all over Iraq. For many, it was a dream come true to have their hopes for Iraq’s future displayed publicly and with like-minded individuals.

Unfortunately, that kind of opportunity is enjoyed all too rarely by Iraq’s youth who have few outlets like TEDxBaghdad in which to participate. Even with a growing youth population, the supply of outlets for creative and civic expression haven’t risen with demand.

Activist Muhammed Asaad continues to protest his government's lack of accountability despite threats to his safety

Regardless, young voices are still speaking. Washington Post writer, Dan Zak, recently profiled several youth who have been striving to make a difference in Iraqi political and social life. These individuals included a protester, an elected official, a musician, bloggers, and a social activist. You can read about them and their efforts here. These youth share the goal of a peaceful, prosperous Iraq, after a lifetime of turbulence.

Zak spent seven weeks in Iraq this autumn, interviewing youth from across the country for a series of portraits of young Iraqis as they prepare to inherit a war-scarred nation on the eve of US withdrawal.  Through interviews with Iraqi youth, Zak hoped to capture their feelings about the future of their country, their current political system, and personal security.

What Zak found was a generation frustrated with the inadequacy of their political opportunities. Many of them distrust the legitimacy of the ballot and view their political leadership as a pseudo-regime that deprives them of basic rights. But many of them were also afraid to lose the small, democratic gains they have made. They also worry that their generation will be drawn into the tribal and sectarian conflicts of their elders. They feel angry that the world has forgotten about them and the freedom they were promised 8½ years ago. No Iraqi born since 1979 has known a time without dictatorship, war, or occupation, and they are ready for the light at the end of a very long tunnel.

Zak also answered readers’ questions about his experiences and topics such as theUS withdrawal. His answers further illuminate the difficulties facing Iraqi youth, for example, discovering that your American peers cannot even find Iraq on a map.

These challenges considered, it becomes all the more important to bring youth together and empower them to face Iraq’s challenges. It also reveals how significant it was that we could connect nine young men of differing ethnic backgrounds on our Iraqi Youth Hike and have them make meaningful connections with each other. When Iraqis talk about the next generation, they use expressions like “crossroads” and “tipping point,” which is why it’s important that they be given opportunities to build skills and empower themselves for the fights they will have to face as the future leaders of Iraq.

Youth hikers having fun and getting to know each other while learning

The news out of Iraq has been peppered with reports of violence, conflict, and upheaval.

It’s a powerful reminder why now, more than ever, we must recommit ourselves to creating a peaceful and prosperous Iraq.

On EPIC’s Iraqi Youth Hike, a project you helped make happen, young Iraqis of different ethnicities from the diverse but violent city of Kirkuk came together to learn about nature and each other. They ended the hike as environmental conservationists and friends.

When we asked the young Iraqis on the hike about their dreams for the future, responses included things like “be the best computer programmer” and “become a famous journalist”. But most of all, they said that they wanted a normal life: to find a job, get married, and have kids.

Throughout our experience in Iraq, that sentiment has been echoed over and over again by the the Iraqis we meet: they want a more peaceful country in which to raise their kids, they want to finish college and get a job, and they want to be able to go to work every day and come home to their families every night. In a word, they want peace.

The youth of Iraq have a powerful ability to shape their country and create a lasting peace. With that in mind, EPIC recently released our “Plan to Empower Iraqi Youth to Build a Better Future in Iraq.” Looking at 2012 and beyond, the plan highlights EPIC mission and vision for Iraqi youth and their role in securing a lasting peace in their communities, country, and the world.

EPIC’s work is made possible by the contributions of individual donors. Donate today and be part of empowering Iraqi youth to build a better future in Iraq. In order to do more Iraqi Youth Hikes and reach more Tahas and Kastros, we need to raise $20,000 by the end of the year. Supporters like you have put us nearly halfway there raising $9,000 for EPIC and our youth programs. Can you help us reach our goal?

Make a tax-deductible donation before January 1st and support peace in the New Year.

So much is possible in Iraq and, ultimately, its future will be determined by its youth. Show the young people of Iraq that people like you believe in their power to build a peaceful Iraq. Donate to EPIC today.

Earlier today, President Obama and Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki of Iraq held a joint press conference to discuss the future of US-Iraq relations. Both sides took questions and then journeyed to Arlington National Cemetery for a wreath-laying ceremony to pay respects to Servicemen and women.

Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and President Barack Obama

The withdrawal of the United States military signals a change in relations between the two countries, one that President Obama says will be a “normal relationship between sovereign nations.” Obama declared that ours would be a strong and enduring partnership and promised the Iraqi people: “You will not stand alone.”

Obama promised that the United States would work to strengthen the institutions on which democracy depends: free elections, a vibrant press, strong civil society, professional police, an independent judiciary, and transparent institutions that serve all Iraqis without discrimination.

On the subject of youth development, Obama cited one program in particular: the Fulbright Program, which provides Iraqi students and professionals with funding and resources for undergraduate or graduate study in the United States. It was his hope that friendships and shared experiences between young people of both countries would pave the way for rich exchanges and positive relations for generations to come.

As a new chapter emerges in the relationship between Iraq and the United States, EPIC sees an increasing need for a vibrant and independent civil society and the organizations who have been, and will continue to be, doing the hard work to shape the future of Iraq. Building a lasting peace in Iraq is in the interests of both the United States and Iraq. Getting there will take a community of support.

Donate to EPIC today and contribute to peace in Iraq.

As a self proclaimed art & history nerd, there are few things that make me as ecstatic as the discovery of new objects of historical significance (I was obsessed with the Staffordshire Hoard for weeks and don’t even get me started on Anglo-Saxon decorative arts). Which is why I’m writing this in celebration of my fellow art & history lovers in Iraq and the successes of the National Museum in Baghdad, which recently opened a new exhibition on cuneiform writing.

When the museum reopened permanently in 2009, Iraqis, eager to learn about their history, teach their children, or just enjoy going to a museum flocked to the site. Students of Iraq’s past have a wealth of history at their disposal. Not only was Iraq the birthplace of civilization (Mesopotamia, 3000 BCE) but it was also home to dozens of empires over the millennia. Please see this ridiculously cool video! All of part of what we now understand to be Iraq was at one point controlled by Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Macedonians, Romans, Byzantines, Sassanids, the Umayyad Caliphate, Seljuks, Mongols, the Ottoman Empire, and finally Imperial Britain.Iraq’s National Museum holds the largest collection of Mesopotamian artifacts anywhere in the world. After the disastrous looting of the museum following the American invasion in 2003, having lost roughly 15,400 artifacts and works of art to looters, the museum experienced a near-miraculous revival. About 8,500 of the looted artifacts have been recovered in an inspiring display of international cooperation involving numerous organizations and individuals.

Man standing next to relief sculpture of winged genie and servants bearing cups

But to the lovers of art, and even the casual appreciators, the National Museum of Iraq is more than a museum; it employs hundreds of people in its day to day operations, provides funding for archaeologists to resume excavating, resources for students, inspires and educates kids, and contributes to the character and grandeour of Baghdad. After all, what would Washington, DC be without the National Gallery, Florence without the Uffizi, or New York City without the Metropolitan Museum of Art? (I’m not picking favorites, those are just the only cities I’ve lived in.)

And since I once wrote a paper on the figural decorations at the palace of Ashurnasirpal II (King of Assyria 883-859 BCE), I’m going to include some pictures.

Lamassu: Neo-Assyrian period, reign of Ashurnasirpal II, Excavated at Nimrud (ancient Kalhu), northern Iraq. Alabaster (gypsum), Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC

This 13 ft tall sculpture depicts a creature known as a Lamassu. In industry terms we would refer to him as “apotropaic,” intended to ward off evil. Lamassu have alternately the body of a lion or bull, the wings of an eagle, and the head of a man. The stylized beard indicates age and wisdom, while the six-horned headdress indicates a magical or supernatural status. Lamassu have 5 legs: they were meant to be viewed frontally, standing proudly and imposingly, or from the side, from where they would appear to be striding forward. All around the body of this creature are cuneiform inscriptions praising the king’s greatness.

You can see some of this art for yourself with the National Museum’s interactive virtual tour. Although only part of the museum is currently open to visitors, the unceasing efforts of the museum staff have already taken this museum back from the brink of ruin, I expect great things from them in the future and I can’t wait to visit.

There is always someone on your holiday shopping list for whom finding the perfect gift is nigh near impossible. Slippers are too impersonal, Superman undergarments are too personal, and you got them the Justin Bieber Christmas album last year.

You need a gift that says you care and that you know they care, too. That gift? The perfect one? It’s a gift to EPIC.

Make a donation to EPIC on someone’s behalf and we will send them a personalized “Peace in Iraq” card explaining your gift and how it supports youth and peacebuilding initiatives in Iraq.

A donation to EPIC on behalf of someone is a gift that lasts longer than a pair of slippers, it’s a gift that lasts a generation. Donating to EPIC helps empower the next generation of Iraqis today with the tools they will need tomorrow to create a lasting peace.

This year, individuals like you made generous contributions that enabled EPIC to carry out some of our most exciting work to date. Our first Iraqi Youth Hike program brought together nine disparate young Iraqis from Kirkuk for an outdoor adventure. During the program, the young hikers formed friendships that transcended ethnic or religious backgrounds and grew an appreciation for the environment and gaining new knowledge.

In the next year, with your help, we’ll do more Iraqi Youth Hikes and develop programs that empower young women with leadership and teamwork skills through sports.

Right now, you can give the gift of simple joys like playing outdoors and the gift of lasting peace not just to your friends, family, or favorite neighbor, but also to young Iraqis. Give to EPIC and know that your gift will be remembered not just by those who receive it, but by a generation of Iraqis.

Give the gift of peace this holiday season.

Yes, but only if communities come together. Today in Iraq, there are not enough opportunities for that. Moreover, in a country where nearly 70 percent of the population is under the age of 30, young people must be a top priority of peacebuilding efforts.

In 2011, those ideas developed into a vision for an exciting new phase of EPIC’s work: youth and peacebuilding initiatives on the ground in Iraq.

While making that vision into a reality, we’ve seen a 5-fold increase in individual donations to EPIC since 2010. In addition, EPIC’s Board of Directors and I have personally donated more than $17,000.

At the end of a long day of hiking, Mohammed Q. shows off the strength of Iraqi youth. Photo by Ali Arkady of Metrography.

Those contributions allowed EPIC to implement its first on-the-ground youth and peacebuilding initiative in Iraq: the Iraqi Youth Hike. Offering a program of discovery and adventure, the Iraqi Youth Hike brought together a group of young Iraqis from the divided city of Kirkuk. The youth participants formed important friendships that helped–and will continue to–foster greater understanding and cooperation that can reverse the trends threatening to tear their city apart.

But let me be clear. This new phase of work requires a lot more resources and organizational capacity than we’ve required in the past.

That is why I am announcing an emergency year-end appeal.  To continue EPIC’s mission of empowering Iraqi youth and promoting peace in Iraq, the Education for Peace in Iraq Center must raise $20,000 by the end of the year.

For the New Year, EPIC and I resolve to carry out more Iraqi Youth Hikes, reaching young people in war-torn Kirkuk and across Iraq. We are also developing a new program to empower young Iraqi women through team sports and leadership skills.

Iraqi youth need our support. And to meet the challenges of educating and supporting more than 21 million youth, Iraq needs organizations dedicated to building a lasting peace like EPIC.

You can help by making a charitable year-end contribution to EPIC today.