Iraq Civil War #10 - Day 44
Like this image posted back on March 27th (two days after Maliki declared war on the al-Sadr and the Mahdi), what lends poignancy to a situation we have otherwise grown numb to are pictures that are this elemental.
In the latest evolution of the Shiite civil war, American forces -- with the support of troops from the U.S.-installed, pro-Iranian government -- have so traumatized Sadr City that a mass exodus would surely take place (similar to the previous migration out of Baghdad and other Iraqi cities) if only the people, now trapped and starving, could get out.
This woman's hands gripping onto a truck while waiting for food supplies to be distributed not only powerfully reflect the circumstance in Sadr City, their expression and adornment offer an anguished and detailed personal portrait as well.
accompanying article: Aid Officials Urge Relief For Baghdad Slum (Reuters via NYT)
BNN Iraq Civil War thread
NYT Pictures of the Day, May 8 (nytimes.com)
(Photo: Petr David Josek/AP. May 2008. Sadr City. via nytimes.com)
Has she sold the gems from her rings to get by?
The picture brought to mind stigmata and the cross.
Posted by: Megan | May 09, 2008 at 08:24 AM
What a powerful shot. Truly amazing.......
Posted by: Jessica Salazar | May 09, 2008 at 08:26 AM
The hands have a "supplication" quality to them. The crossmembers of the back of the truck is almost "crosslike" - betraying my own cultural references.
The things that have been done in Iraq with direct or indirect US support and with the wilful ignorance of the American people is mindboggling.
Posted by: Nemo | May 09, 2008 at 04:36 PM
I check your blog daily, more than once. But my nerves can't always stand it. This is one of those times.
But thanks for keeping the images flowing. Please carry on.
Posted by: Michael | May 10, 2008 at 05:36 AM
At 43:25ff in All Quiet on the Western Front (1930):
"Another shell explodes among the onrushing men; the smoke clears away; a pair of hands blown off at the wrists still hangs from the barbed-wire entanglement..."
Still echoing 78 years later...
Posted by: cenoxo | May 11, 2008 at 10:08 PM
Yes, cenoxo, the Great War is still with us even as it passes from living memory. It is worth noting that nearly all the major players of that war and its companion seemed to have figured out the devastating risk / reward profile of these ventures. Except the defunct USSR and us.
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Posted by: dr. sohil momin | May 13, 2008 at 05:01 AM