Baghdad Burning

This blog, called Baghdad Burning, was written in the early 2000s by an anonymous Iraqi woman under the pseudonym "Riverbend" and details her experiences living in the center of the conflict in Baghdad. It is particularly informative, well written, and extensive. Perhaps most importantly, however, is the fact that the blog could easily have been written by any average American citizen. The language and tone are very casual and yet poignant, showcasing a sameness rarely advertised between America and the Middle East. Perhaps the best post to highlight this is her “The Promise and the Threat” post from Thursday, August 28, 2003. This post deals with the myth and the reality of life in Iraq. Riverbend notes that Iraq is often portrayed as a primitive society where citizens “lived in little beige tents set up on the sides of little dirt roads” and “the men and boys would ride to school on their camels, donkeys and goats.” The customs are portrayed as outdated and simple. This is far from the reality, she states, as many Iraqis owned technology such as computers and VCRs and that Iraq is home to “sophisticated bridges, recreational centers, clubs, restaurants, shops, universities, schools” and “fast cars.” Riverbend herself was a computer programmer before the occupation of Iraq by the United States. She goes on to tell the story of how Iraqi engineers were forced to rebuild their country after the Gulf War and were forced to learn how to rebuild things initially built by foreign companies. They were also forced to deal with a shortage of materials usually imported from abroad as well as dodge a blockade intended to destroy all remaining infrastructure after the war. The reconstruction of the country was a vast undertaking that should not be overlooked, as the Iraqi engineers accomplished it all and what’s more, they also were able to add artistic touches to their work.