The Bells Does Not Ring Any More in Iraq

I was born at 1957,since then every time I go upstairs in my house I

see this view ,it hasn't being changed much since that time ,I even do

not aware of the exact locations of the houses and buildings ,but I

used to see it as such ,but every time I am there I see one,two or

three of my friends,we used to wave to each others ,Hi ,Salam in my

local language and it means peace .

In 2003 my country Iraq ,was occupied .

I have stopped to go upstairs,there is snipers every where ,the spy

crafts never left the sky ,and the patrolling helicopters.

time by time I have stopped to see my friends I used to see them

upstairs,during the nine years of the occupation ,some estimated four

million have immigrated from Iraq,among them are my friends,Muslims

and Christians ,and because the Christians are about 5% of populations

,I have lost every christian friend I have ,Non have stayed and ,only

less than five Muslims friend have stayed in my town .

Now there is only one month for the last American soldier to leave

Iraq,and I dare to go to upstairs again,there is no snipers,and

helicopter any more,I still see the same view ,the houses of my

friends,but they are empty ,or sold for cheap ,or rented to a resident

guard,I still see and hear the minaret says loudly God is Greater ,it

does not changed to US is greater ,but I hear no Bells from the church

,there is no prayers anymore ,and there is no Christian or Muslim to

wave Hi ,and the Highest Christian authority in Iraq have stopped to

celebrate the Christmas any more .

Yes,the occupation army will leave but they have stolen my memories

and Christmas.

A beautiful photograph.  Not a happy story.  

First i see a lot than i read your story, and now the picture is empty.....

Time heal all wounds they say , but i know that's not the truth....

Cheers Dolf

Saad,

Lovely image of rooftops and minarets. pray that peace can return to Iraq.

Your friends are not near you, but they will be with you forever. And nothing can and will change that. Hello from an another citizen of the world.

Good for you to have such a wonderful view all your life Saad!

Best regards!

PDE

A beautiful composition with perfect color tonality and very effective dof. Your emotional write-up has enriched the photograph with feeling tones. Best regards. 

Beautiful view and colors, Saad. DOF is perfect.

Best regards
Eystein

Hi Saad,

Quite a documentary, an image supported by a first hand description.

Well shot.

Best Regards,  Mike