Translator tells Iraq stories

Every member of Humala Aqrawee's family suffered under former President Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq.

Her brother was killed in 1991, and her family was sent his arm and leg.

Her father was tortured and no longer has use of his hands.

Most recently, terrorists searching for Aqrawee mistakenly found and killed her sister instead. American media outlets even have reported Aqrawee as dead.

"When they killed my sister I didn't give up," she told more than 20 people during a speech Tuesday at UNC about the American occupation of Iraq and the efforts to build democracy.

"Three days after I learned, my family forced me out of the house and made me keep working. It was really hard, but I had to keep going. After September 11, America cannot give up. We need the support you are trying to extend."

The event was sponsored by the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies and co-sponsored by the UNC Young Democrats, UNC College Republicans and the Carolina Troop Supporters.

Aqrawee, who speaks English, French, Arabic, and two dialects of Kurdish, traveled with the 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army during the war in Iraq, translating between the troops and citizens of Iraq.

"I am here to speak for the Iraqi people and show you that we want the help of American troops in building democracy," she said. "Your media only shows what is negative and never shows that Iraqi people are supportive."

Aqrawee said the help of Americans has transformed the country.

"For the first time we can drink healthy water, every home has two vehicles and our schools no longer teach classes about Saddam Hussein."

Sarah Long, a sophomore psychology major, said some of what Aqrawee revealed about life in Iraq surprised her. "I was really surprised to learn they didn't have Internet," she said.

During her speech, Aqrawee also said women are already participating in politics and government affairs. The upcoming election in January will be the first democratic election in the country's history.

"The Iraqi people have been looking to being treated equally and having democracy," she said. "Under Saddam we have seen our fathers, sisters, brothers and mothers beaten and killed right in front of us."

Aqrawee said that here in the United States, she supports any presidential candidate who will continue to build democracy.

"We support whoever won't give up on us," she said. "Iraq is like a child that needs to have its hand held while we learn how everything will work. You are our liberators, and you will always be our liberators."

But Long said testimonies from people like Aqrawee still might not convince people that U.S. troops should still be in Iraq. "While I did get a new perspective on the positive effects of American occupation, I still have strong reservations about the U.S. being there."

Contact the State & National Editor at stntdesk@unc.edu.