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Thanks from Iraq
The Scientist ^ | Sep. 8, 2003 | Ahmad Al-Attar

Posted on 09/06/2003 12:52:01 AM PDT by Risa

Al-Zahrawi Hospital Mosul, Iraq

Thanks from Iraq

I am a final-year resident in pathology at Al-Zahrawi Teaching Hospital in Mosul, Iraq. I read your article in The Scientist1 (sent to me electronically by one of your subscribers). I thought it was very kind of you to rally your readers and the scientific community all around the world to help us, your colleagues in Iraq! We have indeed suffered and for a long time, not only from the UN sanctions, but also (and arguably more) from the underinvestment in education and scientific research by the murderous regime of Saddam et al. The state of our educational facilities, including laboratories, is unfortunately pathetic. The policy of the former regime was to spread ignorance as much as possible, and, I am sorry to say, they succeeded. Iraqis were indeed once proud of having some of the best scientists in the Middle East, but the decline was rapid since Saddam and his gang had "other priorities" like war, war, and more war.

Now, with the help of coalition forces, Iraqis are waking up to the level of destruction left by the former regime, and they are adamant on rebuilding the country, starting with the pillars of all civilizations--science and education. There have been already many joint projects between the Iraqis and the US Army's 101st Airborne Division that is based in Mosul, to restore the colleges of Mosul to a prewar level and replace what was stolen by the looting craze that swept through the city and did not even spare these teaching institutions. This phase has been almost complete, and now we are looking toward getting the system into the 21st century. A lot of work has to be done, and it will be costly. The former regime has left the country in huge debts, and there are so many projects that have to be funded by the budget proposed by the interim ruling council. Scientific research will certainly have its share, but it won't be enough. We shall need your help ... and we will certainly appreciate it.

For the time being, our labs and scientific institutions would welcome anything you could send us. Please do not be shy to send a 10-year-old piece of equipment or a couple-of-years'-old journals, fearing that it would be of no use. We can use all the help that we get. The lab I work in (The histopathology lab at Al-Zahrawi Hospital) is in a very poor shape. It is poorly equipped, and that would be true of all hospital labs in Iraq. So please, feel free to send anything you want or don't need. It would be appreciated. Your ideas of offering sabbaticals and paying for conference fees would be great too. Many, including myself, would welcome the opportunity of going abroad and learning new techniques in the developed world, an opportunity I (and many others) never had. Now, after liberation, we can look forward to making our country a place where others would love to live. You see, the difference now is that we have hope ... we finally have our country back to ourselves ... a country we can call ours, not Saddam's. Thanks again for your kindness.

Ahmad Al-Attar Al-Zahrawi Hospital Mosul, Iraq Ahmadalattar2003@yahoo.com

1. S. Jaffe, "Rebuilding Iraqi science," The Scientist, 17[14]:22-5, July 14, 2003.


TOPICS: Breaking News; Culture/Society; Foreign Affairs; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: 101stairborne; army; education; goodnews; hospital; iraq; iraqwar; medical; mosul; rebuildingiraq; research; science; scientific; scinetific
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1 posted on 09/06/2003 12:52:02 AM PDT by Risa
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To: Risa
This report will never see the light of day at CBSNBCABCCNN.
2 posted on 09/06/2003 1:01:56 AM PDT by Moonman62
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To: Moonman62
Except for that one little mention of looting.
3 posted on 09/06/2003 1:09:32 AM PDT by Moonman62
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To: Risa
Now, after liberation, we can look forward to making our country a place where others would love to live.

This makes you so proud. With our media bleating like sheep, it's wonderful to hear from the Iraqis themselves that they know we came to liberate them.

4 posted on 09/06/2003 1:18:28 AM PDT by McGavin999
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To: Risa
BTW, I heard that one of the first things the 101st did was to hook them up to the internet. It was a gateway to the world they never imagined. Within days, they were in contact with fellow scientists here.
5 posted on 09/06/2003 1:20:12 AM PDT by McGavin999
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To: Ragtime Cowgirl
More for your "news of Iraq the media ignores" ping list.



6 posted on 09/06/2003 1:39:53 AM PDT by FairOpinion
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To: Risa
What a touching article Risa. Thanks so much for sharing. I sent it to many others.
7 posted on 09/06/2003 1:41:38 AM PDT by Gracey ( All your base are belong to the Terminator)
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To: Risa
His e-mail is noted. I think I'll drop him a note of appreciation.
8 posted on 09/06/2003 1:42:53 AM PDT by Gracey ( All your base are belong to the Terminator)
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To: Moonman62
This report will never see the light of day at CBSNBCABCCNN.

Don't send it to Dan Rather, he's already deeply saddened. It might give him a stroke.

9 posted on 09/06/2003 2:45:59 AM PDT by FlyVet
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To: Moonman62
This report will never see the light of day at CBSNBCABCCNN.

Let's see if it makes Rush on monday. I think it will.

10 posted on 09/06/2003 4:04:47 AM PDT by chainsaw
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To: Risa; Ragtime Cowgirl
What a beautiful post, Risa!

Ragtime Cowgirl...((((ping)))) This is a winner!!

Now, after liberation, we can look forward to making our country a place where others would love to live. You see, the difference now is that we have hope ... we finally have our country back to ourselves ... a country we can call ours, not Saddam's. Thanks again for your kindness.

These words really touched me. This gem's on its way out en masse. I also have his e-mail addy in my address book. :-)

11 posted on 09/06/2003 4:59:10 AM PDT by radu (May God watch over our troops and keep them safe)
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To: Risa; radu; FairOpinion; MJY1288; Calpernia; Grampa Dave; anniegetyourgun; Coop; ...
Risa, thank you for sharing this letter. The first-hand accounts from Iraq cut through all the spin and confusion. Fair, radu - thank you for the pings.

What the CPA and the Iraqi people are doing is epic, and good:

8 Statement by Ambassador Bremer - Address to the Iraqi People ~ CPA | Amb. L. Paul Bremer

If you want on or off my pro-Coalition/anti-wanker ping list, please Freepmail me.

8 Unapologetically Pro-Coalition News Links and Articles

12 posted on 09/06/2003 7:03:25 AM PDT by Ragtime Cowgirl (Critics, peddle your quagmires elsewhere. Coalition and Iraqi allies are saving many lives in Iraq.)
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To: Risa
Great post.Hope they get some help!Let freedom ring!
13 posted on 09/06/2003 7:06:53 AM PDT by MEG33
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To: TxKid
ping
14 posted on 09/06/2003 7:30:46 AM PDT by TxBec (Tag! You're it!)
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To: Risa
You see, the difference now is that we have hope ... we finally have our country back to ourselves ... a country we can call ours, not Saddam's. Thanks again for your kindness.

Hear that Liberals ... They now have HOPE .. Thanks to our military and for the strong leadership of President Bush

15 posted on 09/06/2003 8:43:45 AM PDT by Mo1 (http://www.favewavs.com/wavs/cartoons/spdemocrats.wav)
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To: Risa
BTTT
16 posted on 09/06/2003 9:19:22 AM PDT by Right_in_Virginia
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To: Mo1
Our beloved soldiers made this happen. We can never repay them for their sacrifices and bravery. We can only keep them in our prayers, fly our flag proudly and live our lives well so their efforts to keep us safer at home will not be in vain.
17 posted on 09/06/2003 9:38:05 AM PDT by Peach (The Clintons have pardoned more terrorists than they ever captured or killed.)
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To: Ragtime Cowgirl
Put me on your lists! (if Im not already - hard to track all the lists you know!)

Gum

18 posted on 09/06/2003 9:51:04 AM PDT by ChewedGum (http://king-of-fools.blogspot.com)
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To: Peach
Our beloved soldiers made this happen. We can never repay them for their sacrifices and bravery. We can only keep them in our prayers, fly our flag proudly and live our lives well so their efforts to keep us safer at home will not be in vain.

You are 100% Correct ... God Bless them all

19 posted on 09/06/2003 10:17:31 AM PDT by Mo1 (http://www.favewavs.com/wavs/cartoons/spdemocrats.wav)
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To: Risa
Yours was the first post I have read today. Hearing of this man's pride and gratitude -- What a way to start the day! Thanks.
20 posted on 09/06/2003 10:37:39 AM PDT by Mad_Tom_Rackham
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