The Reality Of Being A Human Shield

In summary: I was part of the team that escorted it. Donna Mulhearn traveled to Iraq in early 2003 as part of an international team of human shields, to protect humanitarian and civilian targets such as hospitals, food supplies and basic services from attack during the US invasion. After living through the war on Iraq as a human shield, and returning to work with orphaned kids, Donna Mulhearn gives a unique, personal account of life in Iraq under occupation. Details: 0404 273 313 – timothy.k.vollmer@uts.edu.au – wspg.blogspot.comDonna Mulhearn experienced first-hand the Shock and Awe bombing campaign, the fall of Saddam
  • #1
Nommos Prime (Dogon)
224
0
From;
http://wspg.blogspot.com/

“Public Forum - Donna Mulhearn: Life in Occupied Iraq
Monday June 14th – 7pm
Rooty Hill Uniting Church
86 Rooty Hill Rd North, Rooty Hill

After living through the war on Iraq as a human shield, and returning to work with orphaned kids, Donna Mulhearn gives a unique, personal account of life in Iraq under occupation.

Details: 0404 273 313 – timothy.k.vollmer@uts.edu.au – wspg.blogspot.com

Donna Mulhearn traveled to Iraq in early 2003 as part of an international team of human shields, to protect humanitarian and civilian targets such as hospitals, food supplies and basic services from attack during the US invasion.

She saw first hand the “shock and awe” campaign of US bombing, she lived through the fall of Saddam, and she experienced the rioting and lawlessness that occurred as the police and military dissolved.

Several months later Donna returned to the war-ravaged country to conduct humanitarian work for the people she had fallen in love with. She worked tirelessly with a team of international volunteers to set up a home for many of Bagdad’s orphans, the silent casualties of two wars and thirteen years of sanctions.

Donna traveled to many parts of the country, carrying medical supplies to areas accessible only to westerners. She experienced first hand the uprising in Fallujah. She was taken hostage by Iraqi freedom fighters (Mujahadeen), and later released. She was fired upon by US snipers and she negotiated safe passage for refugees fleeing the fighting.

Her first hand experiences of everyday life in Iraq for ordinary Iraqi’s, are a unique and valuable insight into the real costs of war. Life for the children who have lost parents, the parents who have lost children, and families who have lost all their earthly possessions, give a new and unique insight missed by the mainstream media.

Donna understands and explains the reality of war, the consequences of violence, and the lasting scars left on the liberated people of Iraq.
# posted by Tim Vollmer @ 11:35 PM”
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
so what does she have to say? i didn't see any links to that.
 
  • #3
"carrying medical supplies to areas accessible only to westerners"
This strikes me as an odd statement, what areas in Iraq are only accessible to westerners?
 
  • #4
Perhaps those places guarded by US troops who open fire with machine guns on any unidentified vehicle? Does anyone remember that van full of women and kids they slaughtered?
 
  • #5
hmmm I don't think that would be what they were referring to as that was an area accessible to them, had they slowed and then stopped for the roadblock. At any rate, I was looking for specific locations, not more of your inane hyperbole.
 
  • #6
Okay, what Kat is conventiently forgetting - again - is that the van in question did not slow and stop for the invading military force because that invading military force was infamous for doing such things. In the preceding days, several car-loads of innocent civilians had been killed. They were justifiably terrified of the American soldiers. In other words, Kat is saying that the middle of the jungle is perfectly accessible to her, provided she is willing to wander carefully past Godzilla to get there.
 
  • #7
riiight, more hyperbole...now, my question...which areas were only accessible by westerners?
 
  • #8
Adam said:
Perhaps those places guarded by US troops who open fire with machine guns on any unidentified vehicle? Does anyone remember that van full of women and kids they slaughtered?


Yep. That van should have stopped like every other van did.
Or perhaps the troops should have risked another bomb blast, after 2 had gone off at other checkpoints the couple of days before - killing troops, and news reporters.
 
  • #9
kat said:
riiight, more hyperbole...now, my question...which areas were only accessible by westerners?

Don't mean to derail this.
So I ask that as well - what areas? I'm curious.
 
  • #10
kat said:
"carrying medical supplies to areas accessible only to westerners"
This strikes me as an odd statement, what areas in Iraq are only accessible to westerners?


It's even more odd as your read the subtle implications put forth by misleading speech, and vague assumptions. Simply incredible

The Doctors asked if we could accompany an ambulance packed with food and medical supplies across town to a hospital that had been cut off. It was in the US controlled section of the town so it was not able to receive aid because of constant sniper fire.

The Doctors figured our foreign nationality could make a difference in negotiating the safe passage of the ambulance with the soldiers.

It might seem a strange and unnecessary mission to help an ambulance drive from one place to another - anywhere else in the world it's a basic thing, but this is Fallujah and this is war and nothing is as it should be, despite guarantees laid out in the Geneva Convention.

The last time an ambulance went to this part of town it was shot at by US troops. I know this because two of my friends were in the ambulance at the time, trying to reach a pregnant woman who had gone into pre-mature labor. They didn't reach her, but the bullet holes in the ambulance are a testament to the fact they tried.

The remainder, including some of the greatest self serving garbage I have ever read can be found here:
http://www.countercurrents.org/iraq-dona250404.htm
 
  • #11
*cough*
Can you answer the question or not?
 
  • #12
Baghdad

For Kat;
http://www.omarmasry.net/Ny_times_new_iraq.htm
"Many of the Westerners live in Baghdad, a city made a maze
by newly erected, blast-resistant concrete walls, no-go
areas that alter the geography of whole neighborhoods,
rolls of razor wire placed by the Americans, and military
checkpoints."

Now, I couldn't be stuffed looking for any more reference material for you (seeing you don't read it, let alone understand it).

HOWEVER, if you wish, list your questions, and I shall PERSONALLY get answers from Donna.

Want to take me up on that offer?
I'm sure she will be more than pleased to strongly rebuke your utter crap...
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #13
LOL...LOL...what crap? I JUST want to know what area she's speaking about..LOL
Your conspiracy crap is effecting yoru ability to carry on an effective discussion.
 
  • #14
When I attend the Forum, I shall ask her for you.

Satisfied?
 
  • #15
Nommos Prime (Dogon) said:
I put his link here for Australians, in case they wanted to go to the Forum at Rooty Hill.

As usual, the kat and phatmonkey (perhaps the two most stupid and irresponsible members on this entire Forum) derail the whole thread with utter crap. (Talk about grasping at straws).

Humanitarian Workers (on the whole) are GOOD people, who volunteer to go clean up the **** - people like you leave around the world.

I'd wager either of you wouldn't have the guts to do what Donna's done?
Am I wrong?


That is a personal attack. You can and will be banned for those actions.
 
  • #16
The areas restricted were ALL areas under US armed guard.

The van did not slow and stop at teh checkpoint. This has already been covered, as has the reason for it, but apparently someone just couldn't read. Scroll up and try again.
 

FAQ: The Reality Of Being A Human Shield

What is a human shield?

A human shield is a person or group of people who are intentionally placed in harm's way in order to protect a specific target or location. This tactic is often used in conflicts or protests as a means of deterrence or protection.

How effective is being a human shield?

The effectiveness of being a human shield depends on various factors such as the number of people involved, the intentions of the opposing party, and the overall situation. In some cases, human shields have successfully deterred attacks or forced negotiations, while in others, they have failed to provide protection.

Is being a human shield legal?

The legality of being a human shield varies depending on the context and location. In some cases, it may be considered a form of non-violent protest and protected by international human rights laws. However, in other situations, it may be seen as a violation of international humanitarian laws and potentially put the individual at risk of being targeted.

Who can be a human shield?

Anyone can choose to be a human shield, but it is often a decision made by individuals or groups who are directly affected by a conflict or issue. This can include civilians, activists, or even military personnel. However, it is important to note that being a human shield should always be a voluntary action and not forced upon anyone.

Are there any risks involved in being a human shield?

Yes, there are risks involved in being a human shield. As mentioned earlier, the effectiveness of this tactic is not always guaranteed, and the individual may still be at risk of harm. Additionally, depending on the situation, there may be legal consequences or backlash from the opposing party. It is important for individuals to carefully consider the potential risks before choosing to be a human shield.

Similar threads

Replies
39
Views
5K
Replies
29
Views
10K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
38
Views
6K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
20
Views
4K
Replies
65
Views
9K
Replies
33
Views
5K
Back
Top