The Cycle Continues

On Oct. 25, 2009, twin suicide bombs exploded in Baghdad, killing 155 people and wounding more than 500, making it the deadliest attack in two years. This tragedy, occurring just a week after the Iraqi Voices Amplification Project team returned home, is a painful reminder of why Iraqi refugees are not yet returning home in any significant numbers and why, in fact, more are fleeing their country ever day.

I couldn't help but wonder how many people decided that the Oct. 25 bombing was the last straw, the trigger for them to leave everything they know and start the journey to safety in another country. The question isn't really if the event triggered anyone to leave the country but, really, how many left? Where did they go? Were they injured as they made the journey? What sort of reception did they find when they arrived in their new place?

With elections scheduled for January 2010, many fear an increase in violence in the months ahead. For those lucky enough to survive these violent atrocities, seeking refuge in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon or a number of other surrounding countries is not without its own perils. While these countries have done their best to host the overwhelming number of Iraqis flooding their borders, there are limitations to what they can and will do.

All of these challenges, and more, were apparent to the artists who accompanied us on our 17-day trip to speak with Iraqis, and continue to haunt me as I settle back into my life here. I see the faces of those we met, even when I close my eyes. I think about the freedom I have — to be able to return to my life — while the Iraqis continue with their lives on hold.

All in all, we had an incredible journey, and are now faced with the even more important task of taking what we witnessed and turning it into compelling artistic pieces that will captivate America and amplify the voices of Iraqi refugees. Stay tuned.