Category — Project Updates

Iraqi oud virtuoso Rahim Alhaj and flamenco master Ottmar Liebert have released “Under the Rose“, an album they recorded with bassist John Gagan and percussionist Barrett Martin (of the Screaming Trees). The album and cover art can be downloaded for free at http://ottmarliebert.com/rose/ – if you enjoy the music, the artists invite you to make a donation towards Direct Aid Iraq’s efforts to bring hope and healing to lives devastated by war and violence. We’d like to say a big thank-you to Rahim, Ottmar, John and Barrett for their beautiful album and amazing support. From the album’s website:

“This collection of 10 tracks—all collaboratively composed by the four players—offers a deep-soothing balm for the listener. From the most energetic to the most profoundly contemplative, each track takes the ears on a short, refreshing journey that reaffirms music’s magical powers and the virtuosity of these splendid musicians.

“But it does more, as well. All proceeds from this CD will be donated by UR Music to Direct Aid Iraq in support of its heroic efforts to restore hope for the tens of thousands of Iraqi children whose lives have been devastated by violence, whether through the loss of home or family or through injury and disability.”

Direct Aid Iraq recently received this communication, which was circulated in Iraq during the week of September 11. It is an expression of support for a recent mobilization that took place in Baghdad, calling for an end to political violence. A reminder of all that continues to happen in Iraq, below the deafening silence of the media.

STATEMENT BY THE IRAQI NONVIOLENCE GROUP

on the initiative of Ash Wednesday IN BAGHDAD

gathering of civil society organizations

For circulation
Nonviolence Group in Iraq September 9, 2009

Laonf, the Iraqi nonviolence group, announces its support for the initiative led by a group of Iraqi civil society organizations in Baghdad, that come together and rally in the city asking everybody to take into account the interests of citizens and not expose more Iraqis to violence. No more victims for political conflicts, and parties that only aim at reaching more power!

[Read more →]

Dear Friends of Direct Aid Iraq,

I hope you’re reading this because you, like all of us at DAI, believe that we have a responsibility to continue to support a future of peace for Iraqis, even though Iraq has faded from the headlines. A quick look at the posts on this website in recent days illustrates the courage and determination of the Iraqi friends and colleagues with whom we work, and the urgency of the needs we – Iraqis and American involved in Direct Aid Iraq – are working to meet on a daily basis.

I’m writing because we need your help, now more than ever. [Read more →]

Friends,

A brief update on some of the developments for DAI’s work in the Middle East. Since late March, DAI team members David Smith-Ferri, Noah Baker Merrill, and Najlaa Al-Nashi have been in the Middle East, working together with our other Iraqi and American colleagues to plan next steps for DAI’s work in Jordan, the USA, and Iraq.

[Read more →]