March 29, 2003
-
Dear Raed
A few days ago I heard a reference on TV to “Salam Pax” (trans: Peace Peace), an Iraqi on the web who had been communicating with journalists.
I went out there in cyberspace trying to track this person down.
The blog in question is here:
I found the following at SFGate.com
What’s happened to Salam Pax this time?
Chatter
Since the war started in Iraq, Where Is Raed?, the diary/blog of a 29-year-old man in a suburb of Baghdad (whose identity is disputed, but generally considered to be legit), has been written about in over 40 newspapers (and probably more, but that’s what I found with a Nexis search), including The Hindu, The New Zealand Herald, and the San Francisco Chronicle. The Guardian was so captivated by the man who calls himself Salam Pax’s vivid descriptions of life in Bagdhad during the months leading up to the war that it published extensive excerpts.
All the current buzz I found suggests that the guy was real, and that he hasn’t been heard from for a few days. If anyone knows more than I do, I’d appreciate a heads-up on this.
Comments (9)
Wow. I was oblivious to the whole thing. Trying to shut out the monotone media drone of the war has somewhat sequestered me from the useful information worth a ponder as well.
I found him the day the war started. I have no clue where he is, but I do enjoy the posts. I hope he is ok.
I heard about him on the news. I hope nothing has happened. I wish everyone would just get along!!!
Interesting, D-
This is cool! I just spent about two hours following links that started here. I hate relying on “mainstream media” for information on the war. Most of it strikes me as propaganda. This warblogging seems more reliable…..more real and personal.
I am concerned and praying for Salam Pax.
I read a couple of the warblogs being done by journalists. The CNN guy has been stopped but try this one…. if you haven’t already.
http://stuarthughes.blogspot.com/2003_03_23_stuarthughes_archive.html
It’s good to be feeling better huh?
When Holly posted this a couple days ago … I went and read Dear Raed.
The name “Raed” bothered me for some reason, as it was “dear” spelled backwards.
As did the name, Salam Pax. Further research indicates that the “salam” in Middle Eastern countries is similar to “okay …” or … “kay” …
K Pax? Wasn’t there a movie about an alien walkin with that name?
Eh.Â
I think it’s an ad campaign of the most sinister kind.
My gut just tells me … something’s up.
PROT! Yeah … that was the name of the Alien Walk-in … Prot was from K-Pax.Â
I too read the blog earlier in the week when the war started.. I was skeptical also… I questioned the validity of the blog.. still not sure if I believe it or not, however I haven’t heard anything more until today reading your site.
BBChel
I too had read Raed and wonder why it has stopped.
The link here from Angiem is great – thanks.