By Cathy Breen
Voices in the Wilderness
Baghdad
October 14, 2003

The roar of helicopters circling low overhead as I write is unnerving. It is so hard to concentrate. One is filled with a sense of dread wondering what is going on.

Yesterday we had a most unexpected visit from two prestigious Shia Imams from Hilla, the site of a holy shrine. Bearded, tall and stately, they were cloaked in black robes and turbans. They know of our group as one of the Imams is the brother of a friend of ours, someone who is a constant guest at our house. Haythem, “just happened” to return home and, after greeting them with the utmost respect, he sat down willingly to translate for us.

The clerics represent the religious/political direction established by Muqtada al-Sadr, sthe son of a famous Shia leader. One is the chief of the Sadr office in Hilla, the other an Imam in one of the mosques there. They came with an invitation for us to attend a press conference this afternoon in Najaf, to be followed by a demonstration on Friday in Hilla.

We have a 7,000 year old history, with a religious history that dates back 3,000 years, they related, and we don’t want the Americans to imagine that we will give up our history easily. They do not recognize the current government. “The governing council is an American council.” They want to shape their own future, and for this reason they are seeking to create a “shadow” government. “Asking first for the help from God, using the weapons of faith” but also “needing the help of our brothers, of humanity.” They said that to date they have not found any groups working for “humanity” in Iraq. “Someone who doesn’t share the people’s sadness, doesn’t share in humanity.”

They explained that they might face difficulties in Hilla at the demonstration. “American forces are distributing papers saying that no one has the right to demonstrate without advising the U.S. forces beforehand, or they will be punished. Naturally, we will not take permission from the forces as it would mean recognizing their legality.” They think that force might be used. We agree that this is a likely possibility.

We asked what they imagined our role to be. They said that they want us to convey their voice and message to the world. We explained our position on non-violence, and stated that we don’t work with violent groups. What ensued was a lengthy and enlightening discussion on the beliefs in which our positions are rooted.

At one point they asked whether we could reach the pope with their voice. They would like to greet him, to discuss with him their views. “We share many of the same origins.” Would such a meeting be possible? “We are not terrorists,” they explained, “but it is difficult to get out of Iraq.” I said that this was not outside the realm of possibilities, but suggested that they might first want to meet with the Papal Nuncio, the holy father’s representative here in Baghdad. thinking that we might be of some help to arrange such a meeting. We parted with the understanding that we would try and contact the Nuncio.

Some months ago I had the opportunity to meet with the Papal Nuncio, Fernando Filoni, together with Cliff Kindy and Tom Cornell. I remember him for his compassion, courage and convictions. This morning Neville, Cynthia and I set out to the Papal Nuncio to find that Fernando Filoni is still here. Unable to meet with us at that moment however, we were graciously received by his colleague Msgr. Jean-Francois Lantheaume. Though he was on his way out, he took some time to visit with us. In our conversation he said that he felt that there would be an Islamic revolution if the occupation forces were to leave now.

While the Nuncio would be willing to receive the Imams, he felt that it would be better if they would first meet with Msgr. Wardoni, the Patricarcal Administrator in charge of the local Chaldean church. When Cynthia and I arrived in the late afternoon to meet with him, we were told that he was sleeping. We decided to join the Chaldean mass which had just begun. After the mass we were greeted by several women who approached us timidly with questioning expressions. The first woman I spoke with said to me in English “We are very very frightened.” A couple of others asked us if it would be possible to travel to the United States. Some of them asked us where we lived and asked if they could come and visit us.

As we were shown into the bishop’s office, there was an Italian reporter speaking with him. Before she left she told us that there had been a suicide bomb at the Turkish embassy that afternoon. Msgr. Wardoni told us that he had met on various occasions in the past with people from Voices in the Wilderness. One got a feeling from him of deep sadness as he spoke of the current situation. He cannot understand how the Americans could have caused such bedlam and destruction in his country. He felt that we have no understanding or respect for their ancient civilization and culture. He feels that it is worse now than under Saddam. When I asked him what he felt might be done, he said despondently “I don’t know. It is so complicated.” He went on “Sometimes I argue with God. I say Why has this happened to us? So many wars?' And then I look at the cross [and he looked at he cross on the opposite wall above the door and he chuckled] and I har God saying,Be quiet now, just keep loving me.’”

He will speak, he said, with the Nuncio about the Imams’ request. They are open and willing, and in ongoing discussion with Muslem leaders. But we must be cautious, he said. Yes, people are very very fearful.

We got home to find Neville and Ed at the kitchen table. They had returned from the press conference in Najaf, and were understandably very tired. But their mood was somber. The roads, they said around Karbala were blocked by the Polish coalition troops. It seems that two major Shia factions were mortaring each others headquarters. A friend told us that we would do well to stay close to home in the next couple of days.

It is with a heavy heart that I greet you. cathy