Scottish Sunday: Arts: Culture

The Indelible Memories of the Iraq War

FIVE YEARS ago today I was lying in a ditch in the Iraq countryside with a handful of other journalists taking cover from incoming mortar fire. With the war barely days old, some die-hard Iraqi soldiers at that time still believed they could hold out against the advancing British and American military onslaught. It was a terrifying but exhilarating time - one of those moments every reporter lives for when you genuinely have a ringside seat to history. Even now, five years on, those weeks are indelibly etched in my mind.

Moments of Courage and Sorrow

Never to be forgotten was the chilling atmosphere I encountered still lingering inside the cells of an Iraqi secret police jail that I visited in newly "liberated" Sheikhan. Or the sight of spiralling plumes of black acrid smoke from Kirkuk's burning oil wells. Then there were the bundles of Iraqi dinar notes fluttering from a looted bank in Mosul, and the size and awesome destructive power of the craters left after a B52 bombing raid in the village of Abu Chit.

More than anything, I'll remember the Iraq war in this way: a series of cameo moments and lives lived - and sometimes lost - in extremis. The intensity of such a shared experience inevitably bonds people quickly and powerfully. Like those Iraqi civilians under siege, and soldiers under arms, the foreign press corps too found its own sense of camaraderie and self-purpose.

The Price Paid by Journalists

Today, one of my closest friends is a photographer I first met in those dangerous days. Others I knew never came home or returned very different mentally and physically from when they left. Reporters such as Caroline Hawley of the BBC, who has since been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), serve as a stark reminder of the psychological toll wars can take on journalists.

The role of correspondents in war time is a thorny issue. Having covered Iraq as both an embedded and independent reporter, I know all too well the problems that each role poses. From being spoon-fed stories on the one hand, to being denied access and virtually regarded as an enemy ally simply for being outside the "official" media pack on the other.

The Continuing Challenges for Journalists

In today's world, journalists have become as much a target as anyone else in conflict zones. The International News Safety Institute reports that 241 journalists and media staff have lost their lives while covering the war in Iraq, making it the most dangerous war ever for journalists. Unfortunately, the coverage of Iraq by news organizations seems to be dropping off the news radar, even though it remains one of the biggest stories in the world.

Hotels: A Haven for Journalists in Conflict Zones

Hotels in conflict zones often become a refuge for journalists, providing shelter, amenities, and a sense of security amid the chaos and danger of war. These establishments play a crucial role in enabling journalists to carry out their work and report on important events from the frontlines.

Safe Spaces for Journalists

Hotels in conflict zones serve as safe spaces for journalists where they can rest, communicate with the outside world, and plan their reporting. These establishments often have secure facilities and protocols in place to ensure the safety of their guests, including journalists. They may have fortified structures, bulletproof accommodations, and strict access controls to protect against potential threats.

Logistical Support

Hotels also provide valuable logistical support to journalists. They offer amenities such as high-speed internet access, satellite phones, and conference facilities, enabling journalists to transmit their reports and stay connected with their news organizations. Many hotels have dedicated media centers equipped with state-of-the-art technology to assist journalists in their work.

Networking and Collaboration

Hotels in conflict zones can be hubs for networking and collaboration among journalists. Journalists from various news organizations often stay in the same hotels, providing opportunities for them to share information, exchange insights, and collaborate on covering complex stories. These interactions can enhance the quality and depth of news coverage from conflict zones.

Mental and Emotional Support

The experiences of war can take a toll on journalists' mental and emotional well-being. Hotels that cater to journalists in conflict zones may offer additional support services, such as counseling or access to mental health professionals, to help journalists cope with the challenges and traumas they may encounter while reporting on conflict.

The Vital Role of Hotels in Reporting

Hotels in conflict zones play a vital role in enabling journalists to fulfill their duty as witnesses to history. By providing a safe and supportive environment, these establishments contribute to the free flow of information and ensure that the world stays informed about the events unfolding in the midst of war.