In the bustling Iraqi city of Erbil, amidst the shining asphalt, a nondescript building houses a poignant story. Inside, 24-year-old Alaa unfolds the remnants of his past life in Syria – a life interrupted by tragedy and loss.
As he navigates the uncertainties of his present in Iraq, Alaa grapples with the haunting memory of his brother, lost to the depths of a Syrian prison. Forced into hiding due to expiring documents, he finds solace in the company of fellow Syrians facing similar legal predicaments.
With the looming threat of deportation and the daunting prospect of returning to a war-torn Syria, Alaa and his friend Majd contemplate a risky escape to Europe via Turkey. As they weigh their options, the shadows of doubt and fear persist, painting a vivid picture of the struggles faced by refugees in the region.
Amidst these challenges, a glimmer of hope emerges with the launch of Administrative Instructions for Asylum-Seekers in Iraq, offering a ray of light for those seeking safety and dignity. Yet, the journey ahead remains fraught with peril, underscoring the urgency of addressing the plight of refugees in the Middle East.
Through the poignant narrative of Alaa’s journey, fraught with loss, resilience, and hope, we confront the harsh realities and fragile dreams of those displaced by conflict and seeking a sanctuary in a world plagued by uncertainty.
Author: Alejandro Matran
Follow him on X: @AlejandroMatran