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A note from our Iraqi producer
We are overwhelmed by the positive response to Hometown Baghdad. Every note and every positive press mention that we receive shows us that not only did our participants want to speak to the world but that the world wanted to hear what they had to say. And the conversations that have sprung up in the blog’s comments, both argumentative and friendly, tell us that we need dialogue and understanding.
I want to post this note that we received from our Iraqi producer Fady after I sent him one particularly nice feedback letter. He writes:
Dear all -
I am extremely moved and inspired by all the warm feedback that we are getting on several blogs and websites. It is giving me energy and strength to bear the nightmares that I am living and the ones I dream of at night. It was an honor for me to help in bringing out these messages from Baghdad to the outer world, despite of all the dangers we face everyday.
Thank you, Mike, for keep sending me the feedback.Best,
Fady
Baghdad
Tags: iraq, baghdad, vlog, war, peace
Posted by mike
Tell a Friend
April 3rd, 2007 at 1:01 pm
Gentlemen,
One of your videos is featured prominently on YouTube’s front page. As a result, the “view” numbers are skyrocketing, along with the comments. Expect this website’s “view” numbers to increase dramatically soon, and with it, the world’s “chatter.” The world can see you now guys. Congratulations!
Here’s a video of a brave and lovely Iraqi woman that I think everyone should see too. Cheers guys.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=WJ4aXEAr0KI
April 3rd, 2007 at 1:11 pm
Hi
I just discovered Hometwon Baghdad on youtube and have passed it on to a few friends. I think what you guys are doing in Baghdad is absolutely wonderful, particulalry so as I work on media as a tool for human right/development, and you are showing courageoulsy every time what it is about. Am amazed.
I also met an Iraki woman last year on my way to Aman from London and it was one of the most moving moment in my life. We cried, laughed, thought and finally hugged. Am not sure she’s alive still but she’s alive in my heart.
Keep safe, keep alive, we need to hear what you have to say.
Take care
Myriam
April 3rd, 2007 at 3:24 pm
excellent work and kudos to everyone involved - this is very interesting stuff!
it’s great to hear the “real life” of what’s going on out there and what is on people’s minds. please keep doing what you’re doing!
- ytc
April 3rd, 2007 at 4:24 pm
Adel, Ausama and Saif, you are heros…
Saif, this project alone, worth staying in Baghdad and posting, you are doing a great job.
God bless you all and bless Iraq
Sermed
April 3rd, 2007 at 9:54 pm
Adel, Ausama and Saif-I want to thank you for these videos. I have linked to them on my blog and I will post the links to them on other forums I write on.
If it werent for the war, you would be exactly like other young people around the world…with the same dreams and desires that all young people have.
Thank you again. I pray for peace in your hometown and homeland soon. I pray every day for this.
April 4th, 2007 at 11:47 am
Thank you so much for sharing your lives with us. Yoyr courage will be remembered. I wish you the best in everything. The wirld is rooting for you and all Iraqi’s.
April 8th, 2007 at 10:17 am
I am so very grateful that you guys are doing these videos. As an American, one of the most frustrating elements of the US media coverage is how little we see or hear about how this terrible occupation is impacting the lives of normal Iraqi people.
Most Americans have turned against this war, but usually the reason given (by the media & the politicians) is the impact on US soldiers and their families Hardly ever, if ever, does one hear any acknowledgement that the heaviest burden falls on Iraqis. Hopefully these video diaries will help to change this.
I am not saying that Americans don’t care or think about the Iraqi people–in fact I know they do, since this is what often comes up in private conversations here (how it seems that the US invasion has made life more dangerous and oppressive than it was even under Saddam). The problem is that it is never seriously talked about in the media.
This project is terribly important–and I really hope these videos go viral. Your courage is trememdous.
Speaking of courage, I have one question–do you have any fears about becoming so public on the internet? Do you worry that the “wrong people” might see these videos and come after you? What do you do to protect yourselves on a day to day basis? I would love to see a video that addresses this topic because my sense is that what you are doing required great bravery.
God keep all of you well and safe.
April 8th, 2007 at 12:16 pm
Ausama, Saif and Adel are so brave and it’s hopefully opening the eyes of the world to the everyday life of these three men, and other Iraqis. Also to the team and everyone involved, thank you for taking the time and allowing people to watch. Your bravery is inspiring and this series is a rare glimpse into the real Baghdad.
Jasmine.
April 8th, 2007 at 1:26 pm
I think what you are doing is so important. I was moved and captivated by the humanity you so courageously display every day. I wish you all the best and look forward to future posts. God bless.
April 8th, 2007 at 7:05 pm
Great job
April 9th, 2007 at 12:45 am
From the US-
I love this site! And I love the brave guys making it happen. I will be praying for you and the poor soldiers serving on all sides as pawns in this sick game being perpetrated by power hungry men with no souls. People ARE the same where ever you travel and where ever you go. You guys are my heroes! The Grand Illusion of racism and division must die!!! PEACE.
April 9th, 2007 at 2:43 am
Each video, though short, smacks you in the face with authenticity. After watching a few of these, I doubt that this unfortunate phrase, “We’ve got to fight them over there so we don’t have to fight them over here.”, would flow so easily off the tongue.
April 19th, 2007 at 9:51 am
Please know that you are not forgotton about, your videos show that even in the darkest situations human beings can make choices in favour of life. Thank you, I will keep watching and share your site with friends and family.
May 25th, 2007 at 7:07 pm
I saw your work mentioned and portrayed on Danish National television - they advertized for it and put out a link.
Keep it up guys and girls, I pray for You that you will live to see the day where Iraq is safe and peaceful again - We are millions who follow You in our thoughts. Soon the scarce Danish Troops are being withdrawn from Basra - perhaps withdravel could be the only solution right for evrybody?
Take care in Baghdad - Bismillairrahmanirrahhim