If I think I’ve got it bad…

What have I got to be grumpy about, really?

I’ve just been looking at the online diary of Saad Eskander, the Director of the Iraq National Library and Archive. The challenges he describes – I can’t imagine living under such horrendous circumstances, much less trying working in such conditions!

In December last year, he wrote:

On Sunday, I learnt that Ahmed Salih, who was on leave, was murdered by a Death Squad in his own house. Ahmed came from a poor family. After his father’s death, he raised his younger brothers and sisters. He worked very hard to educate them. I also learnt that Ahmed was engaged to a girl two weeks before his death.

On Monday, I received more bad news. The older brother of Maiadah, who works in the Periodical Department, was murdered by a group of terrorists.

I can’t imagine turning up to work not knowing if I am going to survive explosions or kidnappings, or if all my colleagues are going to turn up that day.

Thanks to NightHawk for the link.

One Comment

jl 21 February 2007

We take our easy peaceful lives for granted, don’t we? I couldn’t imagine living in such conditions. But i bet no one complains about silly things like the traffic or the weather or having to do the vacuuming etc.