Skip to main content

Iraqi children use art to confront trauma

Militarization continues to sweep over Iraqi society and has had a profound impact on children, whose artistic creations are now imbued with images of war and violence.
Yazidi refugee children play a game of pool at a refugee camp on the outskirts of Duhok, February 28, 2015. Picture taken February 28, 2015. REUTERS/Asmaa Waguih (IRAQ - Tags: CIVIL UNREST CONFLICT SOCIETY IMMIGRATION) - RTR4RLLV
Read in 

BABYLON, Iraq — As Iraqi children witness the war plaguing their country, they are affected by the transformation of civilian life into a military camp full of war such as weapons, fighters and banners of armed factions.

The militarization of society is not new for Iraqis. Saddam Hussein imposed military control on Iraqi communities in 1998. This time around, the aggressor is the Islamic State (IS) terrorist organization, which has occupied large areas in northern and western Iraq since June 2014.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.