What conditions would there need to be in Iraq for refugees to consider returning?
Sean: During our mission, we heard some very disheartening things, which reflect the high levels of violence affecting people in Iraq. When we spoke directly with Iraqi families, we always asked them, “Would you like to return to Iraq?” We were very surprised to hear 95 percent of these people say that they never wanted to return to Iraq. We heard statements like, “My home has been destroyed, my family has left, and I have nothing to return to. Why should I return?” or “The violence has been so extreme against me that I would be traumatized if I went back.” Many others would say things to the effect of, “Iraq is still a tribal country, and in a tribal country, revenge is passed from generation to generation. They didn’t get to kill me, so even if I were to go back when there is peace, that tribal system would still make my family a target of violence. I can’t go back and my children can’t go back because we’ll be targets as long as the tribal system is still the basis for Iraqi society
