Discussion on Iraqi Identity and Struggles

For years, we've been wronged. By anyone who tells us, “No, you're Saddamists.”

I swear, we're not Saddamists, people. I swear, we're not Saddamists.

Let's sum it all up. We're labeled Iraqis on a piece of paper with our pictures printed on it, and that's it.

That's all there is to it. They think we're not Iraqis, they think we're from who- knows- where.

We have no identity, no identity at all.

A person who has no identity in their own country…

Their country doesn't respect us. Why should we defend our Iraqi identity if we…

Our identity only says “Iraqi,” but we have no roots in Iraq.

We have no roots in Iraq. If we don't belong here, let them send us off, distribute us among the countries, Maybe we can live in peace.

We can't live in peace here. We don't live in safety. We don't.

We want our sons, when they go out, to leave through the door, God willing, and for us to say, “Thank God, my son went to work and came back.”

I'm afraid they'll go and arrest him. A construction worker. Why?

There's no work. There's no life. There's no dignity. They trampled our dignity.

They trampled our lives. They trampled our honor.

Why? Why? I want to know why. I want to know why.

And who is it that tells us that they slandered us a few days ago and saw all the weapons we don't have.

Our only weapons are our words and the testimony that there is no god but God.

All right. When I go out, I want to be able to say, “I’m Iraqi.”

I want to say it proudly, proud of my identity.

What does my identity mean? It means I have roots in this land.

I have a home. I have dignity. I have a voice.

Among all communities. I don't want to say I'm Iraqi and not feel it.

I don't feel safe, and I don't feel at peace All right. Neither do I, nor my children.

How can I raise my son? I told you, we've lived with oppression. We're used to it.

Not just yesterday or today. For years, we've lived with oppression.

For years, we've been oppressed. Whoever it is, they tell us, “No, you're Saddam supporters.”

I swear, we're not Saddam supporters, people.

I swear, we're not Saddam supporters. I swear, we're not Saddam supporters.

Enough, all right. Why do you call us Saddam supporters?

Why is that?