Local Iraqi's War Perspective (Memphis)

WREG TV ^ | March 28, 2003

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Local Iraqi's War Perspective March 28, 2003

By: Christine Connolly

Memphis-- For 200 people in Memphis, Iraq isn't just a place on a map it's their homeland...and for the past nine days they've watched in horror as it's torn apart.

Ali Al-Haidari understands the magnitude of death and devastation Saddam Hussein is capable of--he's felt it. "He killed my mother's uncle because he said he is a Freemason he didn't kill him he tortured him to death," says Ali. Which is why Ali is watching the war in horror certain the worst is yet to come..in the form of chemical and biological weapons. "He's going to see himself in the corner. He's going to use it because he used it before on his own people, so what's the difference between now and then," says Ali. The difference for Ali is that he won't experience it. He escaped Iraq six years ago immigrating to America as a political refuge...but, much of his family is still in Baghdad. "They are terrified they don't know what to do. They ask us just tell us what to do I can not answer them, I am praying to god, god save them from tragedy," says Ali.

Ali says Saddam's army is holding civilians in Baghdad hostage...using them as cover so American troops can't tell who is a soldier. "You don't know whom from whom you see and that's why I'm saying it will be a long war," says Ali. Ali says the troops won't give up not because they're defending Saddam, but because they're defending their soil.

Ali formed a movement to push for a democratic government in Iraq...he hopes that the war will end soon and his people will get the democracy they deserve.

[Ozarkie]

God bless him. I'm originally from W. Memphis Ar. and know the area well. I'm glad to see somebody from Iraq in that area speak up.

[cookcounty]

"they don't know what to do......."

Drop 100,000 AK-47s on the Shiite areas of the city. Get the arms into the right hands.