Iraqi Journalist Touring U.S. Dialogues with Americans About the Reality of Her Occupied Homeland

Interview with Nermin Al-Mufti, Iraqi journalist and historian, conducted by Scott Harris

In the face of increasing numbers of U.S. soldiers killed and wounded in Iraq, the Bush administration announced a plan to speed up the transition from American rule to an Iraqi provisional government. The policy reversal came after the destruction of four U.S. helicopters in recent weeks and the launch of American military operations to more aggressively attack Iraqi insurgents. The White House says it intends to hold elections in Iraq during the first half of 2004, while maintaining a large U.S. military occupation force in the country for the foreseeable future.

Meanwhile, international opposition to the U.S. occupation could be seen in the streets of London, where tens of thousands opposed to the war staged major protests against President Bush during his state visit to Britain. In Rome, thousands mourned the deaths of 19 Italian soldiers killed by a suicide bomb in Iraq. Illustrating the deep divisions in nations which have sent troops to aid the U.S. occupation was the resignation of an Italian counselor working with the U.S.-led administration in Baghdad, who criticized the Bush administration and called for a United Nations-led interim authority in Iraq.

Between The Lines' Scott Harris spoke with Nermin Al-Mufti, an Iraqi journalist and historian who is currently touring the United States with scholar Amal Al-Khedairy to participate in a dialogue with Americans about the reality of life in Iraq. Al-Mufti, whose trip is being coordinated by the Fellowship of Reconciliation, discusses the issues most important to Iraqis and her impression of the Americans she met.

For more information on the Women of Iraq Tour, contact the Fellowship of Reconciliation by calling (845) 358-4601 or visit their website at www.forUSA.org

Related links:



"Colorful Cavalcade Protests Bush's Britain Visit," by Meg Clothier, Reuters, Nov. 19, 2003

"Bush Flies Into 'Fortress London'," by Simon Jeffery and Agencies, Guardian UK, Nov. 18, 2003

"Bush to Keep Distance from Protests on London Trip," by Reuters, Nov. 16, 2003

"Bush UK Visit Labelled a 'Selfish Stunt,'" IC Berkshire UK, Nov. 14, 2003

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