Iraqi Civilians Being Secretly Shipped to the U.S.

By Tim Grubbs
August 1, 2008
International

In a quaint, hometown newspaper article, buried in subsections to meet the ideals of objective journalism while keeping in toe with the corporate media’s angle on Iraq, a reporter tells the story of twenty-seven Iraqis, aged 17-18, who have been brought to the U.S. under secrecy. They have been in the U.S. since July 21, 2008 and have strict orders not to be photographed or allow themselves to be in video or even a physical description released by those with whom they associate.

Who are they? Foreign exchange students, whose famlies back home could face dire backlash if their local communities knew about the trip. Exactly what kind of backlash their families might face is not reported, but according to the article these young Iraqis have spent their time in Gainesville, FL enjoying the company of their host families and experiencing the typical American life: theatre, government, movies, local parks, and of course: pizza.

Apparently, one of the most surprising aspects of American culture to these young minds is how friendly Americans are. Apparently, one of the most surprising aspects of these Iraqis to the Americans they’ve interacted with is how “normal” they are - no ethnic clothing, or trouble speaking English.

While many across the world herald the “War in Iraq” as a travesty of justice and a blemish on modern society, these Iraqis and the Americans they’ve visited are experiencing firsthand the social outcome of such a “travesty.” Where fundamentalist ideologies are pushed aside for the greater purpose of individual freedom, cultural barriers fall exposing the best human beings have to offer - simply living. Since this is being kept quiet, you can be sure this is happening all across the country.