Photo By Liesl Marelli | An Iraqi boy plays in a school that is under construction in Kharma, Iraq, Aug. 27. He...... read more read more
AL ANBAR PROVINCE, Iraq - With curiosity apparent, they watch heavily armored American Soldiers driving and walking through their neighborhoods. From a distance they appear the same as any group of American children; watching, sometimes waving, and occasionally even venturing closer. This is Iraq, however, and life for these children is different.
Recently, outbreaks in violence in Al Anbar are much less frequent, but it is still an active combat zone. Only on some unfortunate occasions does the sound of gun fire or attacks play out like an orchestra. The insurgency is increasingly focused on the Iraqi police and government so fighting continues, however reduced, in the same streets and districts where Iraqi children live, play and go to school.
American Soldiers travel through Iraqi neighborhoods protected by the gear they wear and the vehicles they drive. Iraqi children have no such protection and instead of protective gear, they display a colorful array of clothes similar to many American children.
Despite the chances of violence erupting or the intimidating sounds of military vehicles topped with weapons, many Iraqi children are friendly to Soldiers and interactions are good considering the language and cultural barriers.
"Iraqi kids are the same as American kids, they love getting their picture taken, always have smiles on their faces, always asking questions about your gear, and like to have fun," said Maj. Clay Taulman, 3rd Battalion, 157th Field Artillery executive officer.
He said communicating with Iraqi children is hard but "as soon as you make an initial connection then the smiles start."
Using a combination of verbal and nonverbal communication, many times Soldiers are able to interact with the children, and both the Soldiers and children walk away with a friendly smile.
"I do not believe these kids know any different environment to live in. They have been brought up hearing the explosions, gun fire and emergency service sirens," said Taulman.
The province has calmed significantly in recent years but the sounds of war have not stopped yet. It's important for Soldiers to maintain a friendly posture with the children because they will either be America's future allies in Iraq or end up on the other side of the battle.
Our goal is to remind them we are on their side.
| Date Taken: | 08.27.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 10.12.2009 08:25 |
| Story ID: | 39980 |
| Location: | AL ANBAR PROVINCE, IQ |
| Web Views: | 182 |
| Downloads: | 135 |
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