Iraqi Schools ReOpen

Simon Prather
Post for Friday October 17, 2008
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/12/world/middleeast/12baghdad.html?_r=1&ref=world&oref=slogin


Since the United States invaded Iraq in 2003 many elements of living, on a day to day basis, have been effected. Doing things such as going to work, commuting, and attending school have been put on hold in some area's, or greatly changed in other area's. Recently, in Baghdad, schools have re opened, and the security of this peaceful city is being put to test.
Many Iraqi citizens left the country over the course of the current war. They are now returning to safer areas of the country, settling their families back into the lives they abandoned. Many of these citizens claim they have returned with reservations, not truly knowing the extent of safety in their home land. Hind Majid moved with her two daughters to Egypt to escape the war. Her two daughters have returned to the public schools of Baghdad, however, she reports "I am still fearful of the situation". Majid claims she "has taken a gamble" with her return to Iraq. Starting school again is a sign of hope for the six million school children of Iraq. They are expecting far less violence, and a level of normalcy to return to their lives.
Many of the neighborhood schools in the heart of Baghdad are experiencing such a surge of returning citizens that their schools are over crowded. This past August 37, 835 million people returned to their country. The test for a truly improved Iraq is going to be present when families feel comfortable enough with the state of Baghdad to send their young ones to area schools. Maj. Tom Nelson, an American engineering officer in Baghdad has stated "School is probably the most important institution that needs to be re-established for the return to normalcy".