At the bureau, we got an invitation to witness the return of 701 archaeological pieces from Syria, so our rotating reporter, Shashank and I went off to the museum. It was a strange experience for me.
The museum was one of the delights I remember enjoying from my early years. It was such a pleasure because my mum always told us stories related to those ancient civilizations, their heroes, their achievements and, of course, the greed that is the downfall of all human civilizations.
I knew every gallery by heart, to the extent that my mind would race ahead to the more exciting artifacts, to the bigger more amazing figures and sculptures, to the gold jewelry, to the musical instruments crafted more than five thousand years ago; how the fleeting images still draw me back to tales of those times.
As I stepped into the outer gates, there was a deep misgiving in my heart. I didn't want to enter the museum. I didn't want to see the broken remains of my dear memories. More than fifteen thousand priceless witnesses to our historical heritage were stolen. I knew the museum was looted, but I didn't want to see.
I walked in - and the hall was empty. The corners were covered with deep, dark cobwebs.
My beautiful memories were shattered. One more beautiful memory ruined in our unique march to democracy. I tried not to dwell upon my pain, and looked up hoping that the minister had arrived.
Half an hour later they opened the doorway to the hall in which the returned pieces were displayed and we entered.
One peep inside the hall and I got the serious urge to run.
More than fifteen cameramen were setting up their equipment in each and every direction to film interviews with the minister, the administrator of the museum and a number of experts who were present. Not just that, each and every reporter had his own camera and was clicking away happily. Where am I to hide? How to avoid appearing on TV with all these people filming around me? One appearance on TV is all the evidence the extremists need to uncover my deep secret - a journalist!
PANIC!
I ducked behind Shashank and hoped for the best. As I was in that delicate situation I looked around me. I noticed several other furtive glances and felt like laughing – I think I did giggle nervously for a second. But there was nothing for it. Out I came, and we spoke to the experts, took a few photos and ran after the minister to his car – and I wondered in my heart was I really running after the minister – or running from the cameras??
I was curious who brought back these treasures to the museums? Who helped return the looted objects? Was it relatives of Sadaam H that were so good to bring all this back? Is it because of Sadaam H's relatives that Iraq has a 'voice' to complain on the internet? Who has helped Iraq come from behind the draconian curtain of terror that was Sadaam's regime to be able to voice their fears and hopes for their country...Who helped with this? Hmmm....
Posted by: Shamra | May 19, 2008 at 02:33 PM
Chris Baker: "democracy" was what the bushies came up with after it was evident that the imaginary WMDs would not be found.
I never believed they would find WMDs in Iraq, and I never believe the silly talk about bringing Iraqis "democracy". I believe their intention was to destroy the country and the people there.
and to the Iraqis reading this: I am very, very sorry. More sorry than words can possibly express. Sorry so many have been killed, so many lives wasted, so much culture, history, infrastructure .... laid to ruin.
I judge people by what they do, not by what they profess. I judge the bushies and all their supporters very harshly. I judge all americans who did not work their hearts out trying to stop this slaughter of Iraq very harshly.
Posted by: Susan | May 04, 2008 at 11:56 PM
Iraq seems so far away for most Americans but you really brought it to life with your excellent writing in this blog post. Museums are often used as metaphors for looking at society and your powerful imagery certainly made me wonder about our American civilization, which most of us trace to the founding of our country some 200 years ago. Certainly with the way the current price of oil is affecting many Americans, Iraqi's are right to wonder if they will become the next colony of the US. Therefore it's good to keep reminding us about democracy, so Americans don't forget that was supposed to be the objective.
Posted by: Chris Baker | May 03, 2008 at 12:05 PM
The treasures of Iraq--some of them--coming home. Still to be locked up (for safekeeping, now), but home. And other treasures of Iraq--such as you, Sahar--still having to hide, still living with fear. How I look to the day when all treasures will be restored to their rightful places, not only what is old and hearkens to memory, but what is vibrant, alive and present. The treasures of Iraq, her people. The artists and writers and musicians, bakers and tailors and merchants and bricklayers. The teachers, doctors and engineers. The families. The dear, dear people. Free of fear. Able to look at each other, able to be Seen.
Hurry the day.
Posted by: Laura | May 02, 2008 at 02:52 PM