The image of the brave Iraqi woman, standing before the camera, telling how she and others provided humanitarian assistance to the Iraqi soldiers and volunteers defending their country assured us that the heart of Iraq still beats.
The woman faced the camera and spoke without flinching. Her hijab firmly on her head and her lips red with lipstick reminded us that Iraqi women still care for their appearance despite the killing and destruction rained down upon them by falling bombs.
The media may try to convince us that the pictures of Iraqi women on television are not real and that when Saddam appears, it is in fact his double. In fact, each time Saddam appears on television, the media tells us what we saw was not him but a look-alike or one of his doubles. But when Bush appears on television, it is always a real and authentic picture.
Watching Iraqi women on television, it is immediately evident that because of their features and complexions, there is no room for any doubt that these are Iraqi women. You must believe what you see. You could hear them praising and saluting Saddam in a voice that is free of any intimidation or hypocrisy. Their eyes flash each time the name of Saddam is mentioned. I don’t know why they love the man but their feelings are genuine, although the media may not admit this and would rather seek a different explanation.
We saw a group of women, preparing food to be carried to fighters at the front. Hands were covered with flour, one woman even had a bandage on one hand — perhaps she had burned herself while preparing food for fighters and volunteers — but they were all smiling and singing patriotic songs.
What is puzzling is to see these scenes amid the shelling and bombardment bringing death and destruction everywhere. Yet, Iraqi women are smiling. You can still see broad smiles, revealing rows of bright teeth, black kohl painted on eyelids and the rosy-cheeked faces, every feature of which is typical of an Iraqi woman. These women have over the years managed to develop a unique character capable of adapting to the most difficult conditions. They are no longer deterred by the sounds of explosions or the scars left by decades of conflict.
It is indeed amazing to see Iraqi woman still smiling, singing and clapping their hands in happiness and dancing. They can still trill and make the thrilling cries of joy. If this is the case during such painful moments, what would it be like in a time of victory?
Arab News From the Local Press 30 March 2003
