For grades 5-8
Introduction for adults: Invasions, wars, and economic sanctions involving Iraq are very complicated and controversial issues. However, as these have had a tremendous effect on the children of Iraq, it is important that readers of these stories come to understand the circumstances of their Iraqi peers. This story is about the actual circumstances of one child between the two Gulf Wars. The information following the story can be used to explain economic sanctions.

Story:
The American woman named Lisa had arrived in Iraq just a few hours earlier. Her guide, Ramzi, was Lebanese- American, and he spoke Arabic. He had visited Iraq before and was telling her how changed he found the country. “It was such a lovely, civilized place. There was a great interest in art, and the Iraqi hospitality is amazing. But now, everyone has been so hurt by the corrupt government, the war, and the sanctions placed on them.”

They looked around at a depressing sight of broken windows and poverty. But it was hard to think about anything but the intense heat. “It’s well over 100 degrees, I’d guess,” Ramzi said. “Over by our hotel we can stand in the shade and you can get your shoes cleaned.”

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