PBS's "Wide Angle" did a report about the Iraqi refugee crisis and I found the report truly eye-opening and incredibly important. The point I found most chilling beyond the moral element that these 2 million refugees have nowhere to go, no way to earn a living and are growing increasingly desperate for help despite all the UN has done, is that filling the void are organizations like the Mahdi Army. The same Mahdi Army responsible for the majority of insurgent attacks and sectarian destabilization in Iraq, and they are using the desperation and alienation to recruit more insurgents.
Jordan's Queen Noor says in the report: "Unthinkable consequences await a world that does nothing to solve this refugee crisis." in regard to the 2 million refugees in Syria and Jordan. The obvious consequence is further destabilization of a region already on edge.
If you have the time to watch the report it is full of emotional and eye-opening interviews, offers some uplifting elements and some real problems this crisis poses. It is also a superb example of what quality journalism can be.
Refugee International has information on ways to help. Whether it is a letter to congress, petitions to sign or donations to aid organizations. There is also a lot of information about the crisis on this website if you don't have time to watch the PBS report.
Even with all the issues affecting us like the economy, the elections and the environment I personally feel this is an incredibly important issue. Morally we as Americans have a stake in these peoples lives, and rationally we can't let 2 million people, (500,00 children) become alienated, let moderate countries to become unstable and let radical organizations grow from our lack of attention.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope the issue will attract the attention it merits and we can all help remedy this crisis.
Also, if any of you know of other resources to help please let me know. Thanks.
UPDATE: Here's another great resource: Iraq Action Days
Certainly the displacement of millions of Iraqis outside of Iraq, as well as the vulnerable state of millions who remain inside the country, has created the greatest humanitarian crisis of our time. Find out what's really happening at the ground level in Iraq by checking out: http://thegroundtruth.blogspot.com If you want to take further action, please feel free to contact me and I would happily provide you with easy ways to make a difference without leaving your computer. Thanks for your awareness and concern. Jessica (jessica.at.EPIC@gmail.com)
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