Rihla #9

---

Article URL : http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2007/feb/06/iraq.topstories3

Article Title: Children of war: the generation traumatized by violence in Iraq

I would like to begin this Rihla by explaining the article I have chosen to read. This weekend has been mainly about honoring and remembering the soldiers who have served in the military. I do not wish to take any recognition away from the soldiers with what I will explain in this Rihla. I just want to focus the lense on another side of war.
Although the people who have served in the military are worth remembering, I believe that attention is also needed on the children of war. Children are among the most affected by war. This can be seen with the war of Iraq. This article tells a story of three children, all of whom are related. These five boys play outside of their home. This may seem like an activity all kids do, however, these children are not engaged in a game of tag or hide and seek. Rather, they are imitating something that may have become normal to them. The boys pretend to kill one another because they do not belong to the same army. This is just one of many ways that children are affected by war and its aftermath.

Many children in Iraq are not able to go to school because the schools are being attacked and teachers are getting killed. Doctors, psychologist are also among the people being murdered. Mothers find it safer to keep their children at home rather than having them exposed to violent scenes. Many children show violent behaviors against siblings and parents. They also suffer from nightmares, trauma, and may become violent in adulthood even vengeful. There are organizations that exist that help youth affected by war such as UNICEF.

It is important to mention not only the people involved in war directly but those indirectly involved as well. The most important are children who have nothing to do with the world that they were sadly born into.

Quarter 1 reflection

As a class, we are doing ok. We can do better. I know I can do better. I want to personally move forward by doing all of the readings that are required for the class. I have not completed quite a few readings, and that is something that I want to work on for quarter two. I also want to take advantage of the encore points more often. It is an easy way to boost my grade. By doing these things I know my grade will have a better turnout, and I will be contributing to a higher class average.

---