Reflect on effects of Iraq war on children
Wednesday 02 January 2013
Printable
EmailAs people will be giving special attention to specific issues for the impending 10th anniversary of the Iraq invasion, I feel one that needs to be addressed is the ongoing uncertainty being faced by Iraq's children.
I believe that attention should be given to the level of trauma which years of war and terrorism has left on the minds of young Iraqis, along with the number of orphans across Iraq whose parents were lost among the massive death toll.
As most mental health experts will testify, the prolonged exposure to violence has a negative and often long-term impact on a child's education, which has a detrimental effect on how they view the world and equally determines their future roles within society.
With people now considering how to mark the 10th anniversary of the invasion in 2003, I am hoping they spare more than a thought for Iraq's children and seek to establish proactive measures to assist an entire generation, of whom many were just born when politicians made the decision to invade.
Hussein Al-alak
Chorlton
If you appreciated this article then please consider donating to the Morning Star's Fighting Fund to ensure we can keep developing your paper.
