Eye On Wales: Monday 19 May
Welsh Iraqis
What's it like to live in Wales but have family in Iraq? Eye on Wales finds out how Welsh Iraqis are faring in the face of war.
Monday 19 May, 6.30pm
"I wish that those in power would think about the agony, stress and worry their decisions cause to ordinary people." Kamal Selmassi
Kamal (pictured) moved to Wales in 1969, where he settled with his Welsh wife Jenny and brought up four children. His nephews had to leave Baghdad due to the intolerable conditions there. 2.2 million people have fled from Iraq to neighbouring countries since the invasion in 2003.
"I don't know if we've been lucky or not, but there's been no executions in my family, just a kidnapping." Mehdi El Radhi
Mehdi El Radhi is a carpenter who specialises in environmental design. He lives and works in Machynlleth, but has extended family in Baghdad. Recently his cousin was kidnapped whilst travelling back from Damascus to Baghdad. It's a common occurrence for many Iraqi families.
"I could never have foreseen a situation where the country I now identify with is at war with the country I was born in."Miqdad Al Nuaimi
Miqdad came to Newport in 1962 on a scholarship from the then Iraqi government to study electronic engineering. He is now a Professor of Radio Communications at Glamorgan University and is strongly involved in local politics in Newport. He has extended family in the Northern city of Mosul whom he is deeply worried about.
This programme is presented by Selma Chalabi who herself has an Iraqi father in Wales, and extended family in Baghdad.
Your comments and emails about this programme:
Jawad from London:
"I thoroughly appreciated this programme despite being a south Londoner (though with roots in Baghdad). It is refreshing to hear a clear and balanced commentary about Iraq and its recent history - quite a contrast to the 'expert' opinion I am use to hearing in the media. And yes, I look forward to the day when - insha'allah - Iraq is able to contribute to humanity."
Jenny and Klaus from Cardiff:
"We were both very impressed. It was a well balanced and insightful report that really got to the heart of the matter."
Lisa from Cardiff:
"Each of the characters was really strong. And that end. That end gave me goose bumps."
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