Iraq in the U.S.
By. RIVADENEIRA, GABRIEL and GORE, GITICO

“I didn’t agree with what happened”

 On March 20, 2003 the United States invaded the Middle East. This invasion was criticized by many people. It was stated that the United States of America, started the attack purely for oil.  Other criticisms even go as far as saying the U.S. is simply “interfering in another country’s affairs,” similar to the Vietnam War.  Amidst the accusations and the mud slinging between political parties, one has to wonder how this war affects a citizen of Iraq.  If you turn on to any television news program such as Fox or B.B.C., it is clear that there are some people in Iraq who do not appreciate our presence in their country. However, this is only one part of the population. Surely, that is not the case completely, right? What  about  the  people  who, even  after  the  attacks,  still  perceive America  as a good country? Iraq and the struggle of its people are closer to home than one would expect.  Perhaps, there is a way to find out whether our presence in Iraq is appreciated.

Mustafa Ahmad, currently a student at East High School, was born in Iraq in 1992. Mustafa  was  a typical  native of  Iraq  except  for  his  desire  to  move  to  the  United  States. He also studied English while he was in Iraq. However, he wasn’t prepared for the events to come.

September 11, 2001 was the day the terrorists attacked various sites throughout the United States of America. Mustafa  and  his  family  watched  as  the  United  States  endured  their  day  of  infamy.

“I  didn’t  agree  with  what  happened,” stated  Mustafa, “I  always  saw  America  as  a  good  country.”

So began the war on terrorism. So began a short period of backlash against Middle Eastern Americans or anyone else who resembles Middle Eastern Americans in the U.S.. The  United  States  sent  its  military  to  take  care  of  Al’Quieda  and  bring  down  Osama  Binladen. Shortly after the U.S. attacked Afghanistan, we began invading Iraq.

Mustafa witnessed war first hand.  At night, he heard a cacophony of war sounds such as:  helicopters, fighter jets, humv’s, tanks, and soldiers began seizing control of his city.

“ I  heard  gunshots  during  the  day  and  during  the  night. Airplanes dropped bombs all over the place.”

“I was scared for my family and myself”!  This would be  his  daily  routine  for  some time to come. When  asked  about  his  feelings  toward  America  after  our  invasion, Mustafa stated  “ America  is  a  good  country, but  Iraq  wasn’t  safe  for  me  anymore.” It  was  then  the  question  came  up “If  Iraq  wasn’t  safe  anymore  where in  your  mind  was  a  safe  place  to  live?” His answer “the United States.”

Eventually, Mustafa and his family moved to America. The only problem was adjusting to new customs while maintaining old values and traditions. Mustafa and his family decided to adapt America’s customs such as: Christmas and Halloween. Although  he  faces challenges  and  disappointments, Mustafa  still  manages  to  lead  a  great  life. Mustafa  Ahmad,  one  of  many  talented  and  special  students  at  East  High  School.