Special Report: Assessing Mental Health Needs in Najaf

March 4th, 2010 by Luke

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.

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Government and civil society join forces to protect prisoners in Iraq

March 3rd, 2010 by Luke

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 »

Commentary by IARP’s Sami Rasouli in the Star Tribune

February 24th, 2010 by Luke

A commentary piece written by Sami Rasouli, Director of IARP’s partner organization the Muslim Peacemaker Teams, appeared in the Star Tribune on February 22, 2010. In the commentary, Sami writes, “In January, I returned to Iraq. I left Minneapolis with thanks for Americans’ commitment to peace and their generous spirit. I left, also, with a plea: Let us remember the people of my other homeland, Iraq. Let us remember our brothers and sisters.” To read the whole piece, click here.

From Iraq to Minnesota: Connecting through Art

February 20th, 2010 by Luke

Below is a story of a volunteer who has connected with an Iraqi Artist, Anwar Qamar.

From Iraq to Minnesota: Connecting through Art

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.

Barb with painting purchased from Anwar Qamar, artist in Iraq

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Emergency Protest to say “NO” to the Attack on Marhah, Afghanistan

February 17th, 2010 by Luke

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 »

IARP Executive Director Kathy McKay Receives Human Rights Award

February 13th, 2010 by Luke

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 »

Water for Peace Photo Galleries

February 7th, 2010 by Luke

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

Water for Peace Gallery 2

Baghdad/Seattle Suite at the Walker Art Center this Saturday, Feb 6

February 2nd, 2010 by Luke

Click on the flyer to see the full size with information on tickets.

“The Gospel of Rutbah”

January 28th, 2010 by Luke

Our friends at The Simple Way and filmmaker Jamie Moffett are creating a documentary called, “The Gospel of Rutbah.” The trailer is below. For more information, visit http://www.thesimpleway.org/rutba/.

Call for Submissions: “The Art of Conflict: Identity in Conflict and Displacement”

January 24th, 2010 by Luke

The Departure - Esam Saheb

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 »