Iraqi Kiwis pray war is averted

By DITA DE BONI and PAULA OLIVER

Iraqis in New Zealand can only pray that a regime change in their homeland is achieved without war, says Munjid Umara.

Iraq-born Dr Umara, who arrived as a refugee with his family two years ago, says many Iraqis are torn between their opposition to Saddam Hussein and their fears of what might happen if the United States and its allies wage war on Iraq.

"All Iraqis remember what happened in 1991 [the Gulf War]," Dr Umara said.

"The US came in and destroyed everything and they destroyed the Iraqi people. But when the people started to rise up [against Saddam], the Americans withdrew and kept Saddam Hussein healthy and safe. Everyone knows this in Iraq, and no one wants to see it happen again."

Dr Umara, who was last week elected president of Auckland's Refugee Council, is in contact with many of New Zealand's 2145 Iraqis. He says even in New Zealand, most are afraid to speak out because they fear Saddam's secret service is keeping tabs on them.

"Iraqis have all suffered so much in their lives that they want to come to this country, which is so peaceful and beautiful, and just live quietly and in peace."

The picture the former professor of engineering paints of modern Iraq resembles George Orwell's fictional "Big Brother" society.

Iraqis were watched by secret police on every street in every town and village, he said. Families were afraid to speak frankly in front of their own children for fear of being dobbed into authorities. Foreign media was restricted, telephones tapped and money from the country's oil production went to Saddam's inner circle.

Non-Muslim minorities had an even harder time than the general population. Dr Umara and his family, who live in Glenfield, on Auckland's North Shore, are Sabian Mandaeans, a tiny, pre-Christian faith based on the teachings of John the Baptist. Mandaeans and other minority groups, including Baha'is, make up a disproportionately high percentage of Iraqi refugees around the world.

But despite the hardships, Dr Umara is adamant the Iraqis are suspicious of American intentions as tensions rise over a potential war.

"It would not benefit the Iraqi people - only international petroleum companies. It will be exactly the same as what happened in 1991 - 45 days of bombing, shelling, no water, no shelter, and then schools and hospitals without chairs or other basic supplies."



Emad Al-Zubaidi, who brought his family from Iraq seven years ago, said he feared for the safety of relatives left behind.

"We can do nothing. We can only pray for them," he said. "We worry for the innocent people. They have been suffering for a long time."

Mr Al-Zubaidi, an architect in Iraq, has been involved in helping to teach Arabic to young children since he came to New Zealand.

Mr Al-Zubaidi was in Iraq in 1990 when his country invaded Kuwait and was later bombed during the Gulf War.

He said one of the first targets for the bombings were power generators and he and his family were without electricity for three months.

They dug holes for water and used candles for light.

Mr Al-Zubaidi spoke to his mother in Iraq two days ago and learned that people in his home country were afraid.

"I just hope it doesn't happen, for my family's sake. There are a lot of innocent people and children."

Further reading:
Feature: Iraq

Iraq links and resources