What’s happening in Iraq?

The children in Iraq are categorized by world media as the “lost generation.” Those who have grown up in Iraq in the past 15 years since the US interference have dealt with extreme poverty, internal displacement, and shortages in necessary resources. Due to the chaotic civil war in place and remnants of war’s from the past Iraq is caught in shambles and rubble. The once prominent Middle Eastern country had “one of the best education systems in the Arab world,” rich historical architecture, and modernizing cities (VICE).

However, this was put on halt after Saddam Hussein became president following the involvement with the Iran-Iraq war. Ensuing the war Iraq was suspected of having weapons of mass destruction and was targeted by the US (BBC Timeline). After years of US involvement Iraq has been subjected to the harsh realities of war in term creating this lost generation. Currently, over ⅓ of children in Iraq do not receive education, and around 70% of displaced children (3 million) are not in school (VICE, UN). These statistics display the impacts of war and internal conflict. The once bragged about school system is not operable amongst all the conflict. Adding to the issue at hand creating more instability is the growing young population. From Oxfam 2014 figures “61% of the population is below the age of 25 and 20% between 15 and 24” (The Guardian). This is catastrophic for a country looking to rebuild their society. This is because without education children who grow up in poor conditions are more susceptible to organization recruitment such as ISIL and other Islamic extremist groups. The problems that stem from this uneducated young population will cause an onerous attempt process of rebuilding Iraq.

But, there is hope and it is found within the youth. Having dealt the bad cards in life the children/youth of Iraq are brave and resilient. Having their childhoods and education robbed at a young age some are looking to help reconstruct their lives amongst the pain and suffering. Young Iraqis have started a campaign called “Lifting the Debris” according to Al Jazeera the youth of Iraq plan on volunteering in rebuilding their homeland. They are tired of being promised money from the government and are taking a stand in conquering the period of chaos. Their plan is to lift the debris from neglected neighborhoods and start the process of reconstruction. Those in cities and small urban areas are also taking a stand by proving to the international community that Iraq is civilized by painting the monuments that ISIL has destroyed (Aljazeera).

When asked about rebuilding Mosul, a city destroyed by airstrikes and bombs, for an article in the Guardian Sharmad 26 said that he believes that “Mosul will be built again and will be better.” It is evident that the Iraqi people are strong and put hope that their country will be put back on the map once again. Of course there needs to be international attention brought to the situation. It is estimated that Iraq needs around 88 billion dollars to rebuild their cities and towns however have only been pledged 33 billion. With a corrupt government ranked number 166 of the most corrupt out of 176 countries Iraq needs help (Aljazeera). I remain hopeful that testimony from Sharmad displays the tenacity of the youth of Iraq and hopefully change will come for the sake of the children.