Refugee blocks in Iraq share war trauma

Baghdad: The Municipalities district in Baghdad has been the Palestinian quarter for more than 50 years, from the time of Israeli occupation of Palestine.

It is located near the Al Sadr Shiite district and opposite the biggest US military barracks, which used to be the General Security Department building during Saddam Hussain's days.

Many residents of this poor neighbourhood make a livelihood from their own businesses. Some prepare the Arabic sweets favoured by Iraqis.

Mahmoud Abu Shami, a Palestinian, said: "We have always been one with the Iraqis. When Iraq was settled, so were the Palestinians here, and when the war and sanctions hit Iraq, we lived the ordeal with Iraqis.

"We do not interfere in the country's domestic issues. What we mostly care about is the prosperity of Iraq, because if they are well, so are we."

More than 40 Palestinians lost their lives since the collapse of Saddam's regime. Some were killed on the spot, and others were kidnapped, then killed and thrown out.

Strolling down the alleys of the neighbourhood with buildings that carry names of Palestinian cities such as Al Oudeh, Beessan and Tarshiha, one cannot but notice the miserable state of the area. Palestinians here have previously been accused of living in luxury during Saddam's days.

The situation at present is far from prosperous. The roads are crowded with vendors selling falafel, foul and hummus on push-carts, and the balconies of many apartments were converted to living rooms, as two or three families now share a three-room apartment.

Some of the Palestinian youths of the Municipalities district moved to Al Ruwaished camp at the Iraqi-Jordanian borders, in an attempt to migrate to Europe.

Some of them still live there two years later as the UN or any other organisation have taken an initiative to solve their problem.

Many Palestinians live under the poverty line, according to Iraqi Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs while new Iraqi politicians believe that the Palestinian refugees were privileged during Saddam's days, and must now pay the price.

Amer Al Hassani, a senior figure of Moqtada Al Sadr Shiite group, said his party offered the Palestinians support and protection since the collapse of the previous regime.

Al Hassani accused some Palestinian residents of the district of getting involved in terrorist acts against the Iraqi government and its forces. He also revealed that Hamas asked Al Sadr to protect the Palestinians in Iraq.

"Armed people, whether Palestinian, Iraqi, Egyptian or of any nationality will be punished and combated. Palestinians are not particularly targeted," added Al Hassani.

Rida Jawad Taqi, a leader of the Higher Council of Islamic Revolution and member of the Shiite Coalition, said the Shiites are with the Palestinians, adding: "The Coalition and Higher Council will protect the Palestinians against any aggression, and will open channels with Palestinian leaderships, as we need to enhance our relations with them, which is a principal stand of the Shiite political forces."

Kurds seem to be the nearest of all Iraqi sides to Palestinians. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's communication with Jalal Talabani, Iraqi President, is proof of how strong the ties are.

Saadon Al Fiali, a National Union Kurdistan party official, said the Kurds are ready to protect the Palestinians of Iraq, and to receive them in the safe Kurdistan. "President Talabani reassured President Abbas and we strongly support the Palestinians," he added.

Fiali also pointed out that some Palestinians might provoke the Iraqis, as they still carry pictures of Saddam Hussain and continue to cheer him.

- The writer is a journalist based in Baghdad