“Syria is the problem. Syria is where those weapons of mass destruction are, in my view. You know, I can fly an F-15, put two nukes on ‘em and I’ll make one pass. We won’t have to worry about Syria anymore.” Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX) Texas Republican Congressman: “Nuke Syria”

Two young men in green sports suits walking past us. With a shout of joy and a spontaneity so characteristic of Theresa, she asked them if we could take a picture. IRAQ was written in white letters across the backs of their sports suits. They smiled and agreed. (photo: Cathy Breen)

By Cathy Breen
Damascus, Syria
Sunday, March 6, 2005

As we sped along in a taxi service toward Syria, I tried to take in the beautiful desert landscape, periodically dotted with sheep and tents, while also giving my attention to Gabe who was between Theresa and myself in the backseat reading to us about the history of Damascus. No longer a “multi-task” person as I was in my younger years, I’m afraid I surrendered more often than not to the scenery. I kept thinking “I can’t believe we are on the road to Damascus!”

By Sheila Provencher
Christian Peacemaker Teams

Being in Iraq is so different from reading about it or watching TV. In Amman the week before I left, I felt scared and uncertain. All of my friends, understandably, warned me about going back to Baghdad: It is too dangerous, people kidnapped on the roads, foreigners could put Iraqi lives in danger.

But in Iraq­-even hearing occasional distant “booms” or gunfire a neighborhood away­-this place is most basically Home, home to millions of people. In my neighborhood, the same kids run down the street to shake my hand, my shopkeeper friends test out my new Arabic and give me a thumbs-up. My host family, once threatened, wants me to sleep over again. Iraqi human-rights colleagues are glad that CPT is still here, and they want us to stay even if there is risk.

Last week, I found out one of the reasons why. Horrible things are happening, and too many people feel that there is no one left to tell the story. In the last week, I have seen the outskirts of Fallujah, talked with refugees, and heard several first-person testimonies of countless civilian deaths. The stories are hard to read and to hear.

I also have been reading more about PTSD and returning soldiers who cannot adapt to regular life again after they have killed other human beings in Iraq and/or seen their friends killed.

The following reflection is longer than usual. I am sorry, there was no other way to convey what happened.

Peace and blessings to you…
Sheila