CPT Iraq Team Report May 6, 2003, 1:30 pm EDT
Sis and Jerry Levin went to visit the Committee of Free Persons. This
committee is trying to recover information about the thousands of detainees
and executions during Saddam's regime. U.S. forces did secure many of the
files needed for the committee's use. At the entrance to the committee
offices, there was a large and emotional crowd of people with photos of
loved ones asking everyone for information on their whereabouts.
The Levins also had an extended conversation with a guard and a curator at
the National Archaeological Museum. They were the only two museum staff
present during the entire three days of looting of the museum. They said
that first of all, several U.S. tanks had rolled up to the doors of the
museum, and then the looters entered. They appealed to the looters to stop
and to respect the country's heritage. The curator then took off his white
shirt, went outside and waved it at the U.S. tanks as he approached them,
appealing for their assistance. The tank crews could clearly see the
looting but refused to intervene. Several of the looters were well-dressed
and giving orders to the rest. The Levins then visited the neighbouring
homes of the other museum staff who had fled earlier during the bombing.
When the staff returned, their homes had also been completely looted.
Sis Levin met with an Iraqi engineer who was seeking a job in the
reconstruction efforts. He was first directed to a company called Titan
(based out of a new office in Kuwait) which acts as the screening agency
for new hires. They interviewed and hired him. He then took Titan's
confirmation of employment to the U.S. administration offices and the
soldiers there said, "We heard of Titan. But we don't really know who they
are. You have to fill out our application here." He then went to the U.S.
military's newly established Iraqi Assistance Mission office and could not
get anywhere near it because of the huge crowd of people seeking various
forms of information and assistance. He will try again tomorrow.
Lisa Martens visited Sr. Bushra, a Catholic nun, at the maternity hospital
where CPT has visited before. She was OK but was upset by news today that a
Shiite family who were friends of hers had all been killed in the bombing.
Before the war, this maternity hospital had been busy as women sought
caesarians to complete their deliveries quickly in advance of the bombing.
They continued operating during the war until an Iraqi army unit moved in
next door in preparation for street battles. After three days the army left
and the hospital re-opened. Now families have no money for hospital
services and are afraid to come because of security concerns, especially at
night. There are gunfights in the neighbourhood every night, she said. So
women have to deliver their babies at home. She asked the U.S. army for
security but they would not provide it. She then hired a security guard but
does not want to arm him. She does not think foreigners like CPT would be
any more help since "looters will just shoot anyone." Lisa's driver
reported that he had seen a car shot at in broad daylight today and one or
more occupants killed. He said, "We need security. We don't care who brings
it. We weren't safe under Saddam and we aren't safe now."
Sr. Bushra said it is also difficult to plan any surgery because of the
unreliable power supply, whether from the city grid, or the hospital's old
generator. They have to give their in-patients candles to use at
night. Lisa said the power was off downtown from last evening until noon
today. This evening only about 20% of downtown appeared to have any lights.
Only about one sixth of shops and businesses are open and busy. "Liberation
is still a long way off."
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