Kevin,
I am an actress currently stuck in the dreggs of an arts conservitory in Miami trying to gradute in 4 weeks and your articls has struck a cord with me (excuse the spelling I suck at it and don't find it that importent) I am glad that you worte the artical that you did. Nobody wants to shoe humanity any more.. If collaterl damge dosn't have a face or a sole it continues to be colateral damege.I am not just talking about the peole in Bagdad, but here as well if nobody is really attached to anything why does it matter right? I don't know I guess I am rambling now, although after reding your article I feel like a piece of shit A. because I just wrote a kickass artical that I feell gerneraly relates and then my compurter crashed. (if intersted go to www.starvingarts.com/sara/blog ) B. because after reading it I feel that my suffering about anything is selfish C. becaue I keep having this battel between everyone (more spacifcally me because it it the only person that I really know) being the center of the univerce and me being an insigifigant speck...... sorry know I am really rambling.
Love Sara Kay

Kevin,

     Actually saw you on national news last night. Story about the general who was possibly targeted. Your dispatch caught our sharpshooters on the roof shooting back at people in a white building a block or two away. One of our guys, the bald one, was operating without a helmet. Courage or stupidity? (Great coverage on your part though, once again.)

Hello Kevin,

I am a journalism student who recently started my own blog. I'm interested in hearing your thoughts about what you think would bring lasting peace in the regions that you cover as a freelancer.
 http://freeyourmind.blog-city.com
  
You are welcomed to talk about other topics as well because we encourage TALK about any and everything. Thanks

Kevin,

Wonderful work. This is precisely what is missing from main-stream media. People are what is important, and you capture them well.

Rady's artwork and story is so vivid. Question, is there a way someone from the States could purchase some of his artwork direct? I think that would be a great way for folks in the US to learn about the culture there while helping support the Iraq economy and also recognize the beauty in Rady's work.

So is it possible to buy a print of the Wisam Rady portrait? This would sell like hotcakes.

Great to read these kind of stories. So much of the news network portray only the information which is negative. Keep the stories about Iraq life coming and stay safe.

So good to get a vivid picture. Your analogy between the black and white notes of martial music and the painter's tribute to the dictatorial regime is very well chosen.
I cannot help, however, to see the picture of the old dictator on the run as a very nice picture of an old teddybear. Nice rats, sweet animals. Well, I am afraid that when you sell out early in your life you will have to work very hard to come back into the realm of true expression.

The line that particularly struck me was "work he could do with his eyes...and his heart, closed." How many of us could, after so many years of abuse, tragedy, and opression, still have the strength to know and hold on to the passion this artist puts into his work. An amazing man. We need to see and remember that there is good in the people of every race, every country. Too many times we paint an entire race or a country with a broad brush of hate. Kevin, I agree with David..impressive writing. Keep letting us see through your eyes.

Wonderful story. I am as impressed with your writing as I am with Wisam's painting.

I have written a post at http://ripples.typepad.com/ripples/2004/02/art_from_the_as.html linking to your story.

Be safe. Keep those stories coming.

It is a very vivid story, your descriptions almost makes one see the artist's work. We (U.S. Citizens) often speak of the American dream but this story speaks of "THE DREAM" being in every country--to suceed and that's what this man and his family have done. Living out the dream inspite of unspeakable circumstances. Great story! Continue to stay safe.

Kevin this was a very interesting article and pictures on your site thanks again for all the insight keep up the good work. Be safe

Great story! Actually, all of your stories have been quite well done! Thanks for all the hard work!

this is a fantastic story, so well-written with great photography. kevin sites never ceases to amaze. these are the stories we've always wanted to hear from iraq but so rarely do.