On January 28, 2010, Dr. Liz Wieling traveled to Najaf, Iraq to collaborate with the Muslim Peacemaker Teams to conduct an initial assessment of mental health needs and psychological trauma of families in Najaf. To read the report, click here.
Press release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Government and civil society join forces to protect prisoners in Iraq
Erbil, 23 February 2010 Civil society representatives and prison focal points under the Central Government and the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) this week completed a series of joint trainings aimed at improving the treatment of prisoners and detainees in Iraq. More »
Below is a story of a volunteer who has connected with an Iraqi Artist, Anwar Qamar.
From Iraq to Minnesota: Connecting through Art
Barb with painting purchased from Anwar Qamar, artist in Iraq
Barb is a Minnesotan who recently heard Sami Rasouli, Director of MPT, speak about life in Iraq and the continuing consequences of war. After Sami’s talk, Barb wrote, “We were all devastated, and called to action, and also inspired by the potential that we people can reach across to each other and simply create peace.” Barb bought a painting by Iraqi artist Anwar Qamar that Sami had brought with him. She emailed Anwar and, with some help in getting the email to Anwar from IARP’s partner in Iraq the Muslim Peacemaker Teams, talked with Anwar via their computers. Anwar showed Barb other pieces of his work and asked her to speak slowly so he could catch the English. More »
Dear Peacemakers,
I am writing to ask you to join the Twin Cities Peace Campaign, and others in an EMERGENCY PROTEST to say “no” to the attack on Marjah, Afghanistan:
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2010
4:30 pm in front of the office of U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar
1200 Washington Avenue So., Minneapolis
STOP THE ESCALATION IN AFGHANISTAN: SAY `NO’ TO THE ATTACK ON MARJAH END THE WAR! BRING THE TROOPS HOME NOW! More »
Kathy with Mayor Jacobs
The Iraqi and American Reconciliation Project is proud to announce that Executive Director Kathy McKay has been awarded the 2009 Human Rights Award from the St. Louis Park Human Rights Commission. Ms. McKay received the award on January 19, 2010 from the St. Louis Park Mayor and City Council.
According to the Council report, “McKay was nominated for her work with the Iraqi and American Reconciliation Project. She became involved in IARP as a volunteer Executive Director in 2007 and… has been involved in a variety of ways to promote (IARP’s) mission. She has worked on letter writing projects between children of both countries; multiple exhibits of original art by current Iraqis including a two month art exhibit at Sabes Jewish Community Center and two nights of multi-faith programming at the JCC; initiation and successful establishment of the sister city relationship between Najaf and Minneapolis; and most recently planning and implementation of a delegation of 13 Iraqi professionals for a two-week visit to the Twin Cities, including St. Louis Park.” More »
IARP announces the release of two new photo galleries of students and schools in Iraq that have participated in IARP’s Water for Peace program and now have access to clean water. IARP thanks the many generous donors who have given these kids safe water and a healthier life.
Click on the images below to see the galleries.
Water for Peace Gallery 2
Click on the flyer to see the full size with information on tickets.
The Departure - Esam Saheb
Call for Artist Submissions
The Iraqi and American Reconciliation Project is seeking artists to submit their work for a juried visual arts group show, The Art of Conflict: Identity in Conflict and Displacement, opening in August 2010 at a gallery space in Minneapolis, MN. The exhibition will feature 12-15 works from local Twin Cities artists, and 12-15 works from Iraqi artists. To read guidelines and submit work, click here.
The exhibition aims to explore the themes of violent conflict, war, displacement, and personal identity by combining perspectives from those living within a violent conflict (Iraqi artists) and those who have “escaped” from such conflict (local refugee, immigrant, and veteran artists). In Minnesota, life amid violent conflict – in Iraq, Sudan, Somalia, Honduras, Burma, or elsewhere – is difficult for many to imagine. Yet many Minnesotans, including refugees and veterans, have experienced directly war or violent conflict and live with that experience everyday. More »
A recent report on commondreams.org reports on greater rates of cancer and birth defects near more than 40 sites across Iraq that are contaminated with high levels of radiation and dioxins. Depleted uranium was among the poisons revealed in the report. To read the article, click here.
