24 year old Iraqi journalist Haider Hamza lived through the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. During major combat operations in 2003, he decided to join the mainstream media covering the events in his country. At the age of nineteen he worked as a full time TV producer and photo editor for Reuters, ABC News, and others. For months, Haider was embedded with U.S. military units covering combat operations throughout Iraq. He also covered the perspective of Iraqi armed resistance to learn more about their mindset and goals. While in Iraq, Haider was arrested, shot at, and held captive. He also lost several friends and family. He graduated from Baghdad University in 2006. One year later, he won a Fulbright scholarship and moved to the United States where he obtained a Master’s degree in Global Security and Media. New to America, Haider decided to travel across the U.S. to talk to people about the war in his country. He drove through 35 states setting up a mobile booth with a sign that says “Talk to an Iraqi.” His project was featured on Showtime, and was presented in over 300 cinemas nationwide.

LINKS

This American Life - Talk to an Iraqi

Haider Hamza: Telling the story of his country