Hi All!
I'll send this out with some departing members and hope it makes it. Things are ok here, I want to reassure you, though communications are
down. No internet either for several days. I've been the go between for MD's and the IPT writers to convey stories and testimony of Iraqi
civilian casualties. There are plenty of Iraqi doctors here. I won't be useful in that capacity until the daily numbers increase and they
don't mind my lack of Arabic language.
It's terrible how the markets and neighborhoods are being bombed without nearby military targets. And military targets are surrounded by homes and apartments and collateral damage is unavoidable. It is important
for Americans to see what's happening here, how unconscionable this campaign is. Shock & Awe hasn't happened yet and already, it's
horrific. Baghdad is mostly kids.
I wish that you could be hear and experience this society. It is really wonderful. Everyone is so friendly, warm and generous. And I'm from the
country attacking them. Their lives are a very difficult struggle with the sanctions and a collapsed economy. You would be so impressed also. I
haven't missed my daily bath at home or my warm comforter; my feet aren't cold at night here and I am calmer than usual. It's very
interesting to me.
Bombs drop all day and explosions sway and shudder the buildings where I live and try to carry on with the team, even hospitals are shaken when
they land nearby. Mostly they are in the distance but many are terrible explosions, even then. Electricity went out tonight after a hit and the
generator kicked on. People don't use the shelters in Iraq because the US deliberately bombed one last time with over 400 people incinerated.
Basements of the hotels are stocked with 3 months of food and water. They're prepared and resigned. Iraqis go about their activities as
possible in the daytime and kids play soccer regardless. Many children have witnessed terrible explosions and lost family members. Some are starting new stuttering or muteness, many
can't sleep.
I had the opportunity to leave on April Fools Day but this fool chose the opportunity to stay. I will try to talk as soon as possible.
E-mail and writing is more difficult. I expect Iraq to get the phone system fixed or some other transmission simply because the people need
to call their version of 911. That the US targeted telecommunications is a war crime, in fact, due to the civilian need for this
infrastructure. What else is new?
I miss you all and hope to talk soon.
Love always,
April
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