Are there peace organisations in Iraq?

Question

I wondered if there are peace or other help organisations in Iraq, because I'm considering going there for some weeks or months to help. I don't have any medical knowledge, so I probably couldn't join the Red Cross, but I'm sure there should be a way to help nevertheless. I heard of a peace corps, but I don't know what that is. And I wondered if the US troops are a big danger and if there are cities where non of them are.

A link or (serious) advice would be great. Thanks.

Answer 1

You don't necessarily have to have much medical knowledge upfront to aid the Red Cross. They will give you the training you need; and you will get a wealth of experience once you are in the field. However, you are right: the Imperial American forces have quite the reputation for shooting first and asking questions later. They've murdered many journalists there; thus the casualty rate for media in Iraq is higher than in all the wars of the 20th century put together. Unarmed civilians are routinely slaughtered just for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. There's no reason to assume that they wouldn't fire upon the Red Cross.

A much safer way for you to help would be for you to help with Iraqi refugee relocation in your country. Many Iraqis have fled the American occupation and devastation of their nation. They will need help adjusting to life in your country and acclimating to your nation's culture. That would be a good way to help those hurt most by the U.S.'s terroristic war of opportunism.

Answer 2

Jennings & Rall

Answer 3

Jennings and Rall! That's too funny. Good one Changenator!

Answer 4

There is one called Concordia that has been working in Iraq on a U.N. sponsored program by the name of, "Dove of Peace Program for Northern Iraq." Concordia essentially is an NGO (Non Governmental Organization) that is there to open dialogue between the Iraqis, try to promote the cultural understanding between the different groups, and spread the idea of human rights and democratic freedom for all Iraqis.

Answer 5

The PeaceCorps is not in Iraq (http://www.peacecorps.gov). Iraq is MUCH too dangerous. In fact, no volunteer-sending organizations are sending volunteers to Iraq, *including* the United Nations. Most large NGOs have suspended operations there. And most local organizations do NOT want any non-Iraqis around, as this will make them and their families targets.  

You've already said that you have no medical training. So, unless you speak Arabic fluently and have some kind of skill that's desperately needed in Iraq -- you are a water and sanitation engineer, you can build wells, you can build sanitary, waterless toilets, you have an agricultural background working in arid landscapes, you know how to administer a government program (pension program, police training, record keeping, etc.), please do NOT go to Iraq. You will be in the way and could, in fact, put Iraqis themselves in danger.

If you want to help Iraq, sign up to receive the newsletters for organizations that partner with local organizations in Iraq, most of which work in secret because of the security situation, and learn what you can do from where you are now:

http://www.madre.org/

http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/iraq...

http://www.womenforwomen.org/

Answer 6

yes the US military