Observationsandrecommendations

On the resettlement expectations of Iraqi refugees

in Lebanon, Jordan and Syria

FraukeRILLERICMCResettlementDeployee

Beirut,Lebanon31May2009

This paper presents researchwork done by the author over the course of her deployment through theICMC‐UNHCRResettlementDeployment Schemeanddoesnotnecessarily represent theofficial viewsofeitherorganisation.

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Acknowledgments Personalthanksgotothefollowingpersons:InLebanon:HelenMORRIS, Senior Regional Resettlement Coordinator and the Resettlement Team in theUNHCRRegionalResettlementHubprovidedlegal,technicalandregionalguidance.StephaneJAQUEMET,Representative,BranchOffice,UNHCR,BeirutAnnaLEER,EmadDAOUD,SowsanDEIFALLAH,ResettlementUnitAlainGHAFARI,CommunityServicesandLaureCHEDRAWI,Public Information,UNHCRBranchOffice,Beirutprovidedvaluableinputsthroughoutthedurationofthestudy.Nibal SAYYAD, Project Manager, Amel Community Center in Dahieh, Nanor SINABIAN, SocialCounsellor,TheMiddleEastCouncilofChurchesand IsabelleSAADEFEGHALI,Coordinator forCaritasLibanalwaysfoundtimeandsharedperspectivesonthetopic.ImadJABBOUR,IECD,MireilleCHIHA,DanishRefugeeCouncilcontributedtheirexperience.InSyria:OlaYUNES,SeniorTrainer,CulturalOrientation,IOMDamascus,JamalAL‐FAKHOURI,CulturalOrientationCoordinator,MiddleEast,IOMAmman,DavidJOHN,ProgramManager,OverseasProcessingEntityandDamirTHAQI,HeadofCulturalOrientation,ICMC,TurkeyandHelenaKullberg,RefugeeQuotaOfficerandDeniseThomsson,ProjectCoordinator,SwedishMigrationBoardmadeitpossibletocoverthewidetopicofCulturalOrientationforIraqiswithinthegiventimeframe.InJordan:PeterJANSSEN,RekhaMENON,andNadineSTEPHANE,ResettlementUnit,UNHCRAmmansetupinterviewsandhomevisitsinJordan.MichelleALFAROandSusanPROSSER,ResettlementUnit,UNHCRDamascuspavedthewayforinterviewsandhomevisitsinSyria.IntheUS:JudySCOTT,Director,USCRI,RefugeeResettlementProgram,Colchester,VermontJulianeRAMIC,Director,SocialServices,NationalitiesServiceCenter,Philadelphia,PAErolKEKIC,Director,Immigration&RefugeeProgram,ChurchWorldService,NY,NYCarolFOUKE‐MPOYO,InterpretationSpecialist,ChurchWorldService,NY,NY,sharedtheirexperiencesonresettledIraqis.Mostofall,manythankstoalltheIraqirefugeeswhomadethemselvesavailableforinterviewsandsharedtheirstories,challengesanddreams;andtoallthepatienttranslators.

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‘Theyarenolongerintheirhomeland,buttheirhomelandisstillinthem’(Arabicproverb)

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Table of ContentsPartone .......................................................................................................................5

Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 5Executivesummary..................................................................................................................... 6

Doexpectationsforeshadowintegrationbehaviour? ............................................................ 9Parttwo.......................................................................................................................9

Recommendationsforresettlementcountries........................................................................... 9ForUNHCR............................................................................................................................ 11

Methodology ............................................................................................................................ 13Bachground .......................................................................................................................... 14Resettlementmyths ............................................................................................................. 16

Partthree ..................................................................................................................17Expetationsacrosstherefugeecommunity ............................................................................. 17InLebanon,JordanandSyria .................................................................................................... 17Expectationsofthelesseducated ............................................................................................ 17Expectationsofthemoreeducatedandwell‐offrefugees...................................................... 19ExpectationsofyoungIraqirefugees ....................................................................................... 22

Partfour ....................................................................................................................24Attitudesofgratitudemixedwiththoseofentitlement .......................................................... 24Reasonsforindividualwithdrawlfromresettlement .............................................................. 25Pointofnoreturn ..................................................................................................................... 26ResettlementreturneestoIraw,JordanandSyria–Arecentdevelopment........................... 27Resettlementeducation:UNHCR,culturalorientationandinternet....................................... 28AglimpseatresettlementagenciesintheUS ......................................................................... 31

ANNEX1:References/footnotes...............................................................................33ANNEX2:Listofexpectations ....................................................................................36ANNEX3:Questionsaskedduringinterviews.............................................................37ANNEX4:Blogsandwebsites.....................................................................................38

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Part one INTRODUCTION

TheUnitedNations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates thatmore than fourmillionIraqishavebeendisplacedbythewarinIraq.TwomillionfoundasyluminneighbouringcountrieslikeSyriaandJordan,smallernumbersfledtoEgypt,Iran,Lebanon,andTurkey.Theirlives are threatenedby sectarian violence, kidnappingof familymembers (including children),and when they are perceived as sympathisers of an international military presence,international contractors or international humanitarian agencies (UN, NGOs). If Iraqis areperceived as supporters of the former regime or current Iraqi government their lives are indangeraswell.MostIraqisareunwillingtoreturntoIraqinthenearfuture.WithpermanentlegalresidenceincountriesoffirstasylumnotonthehorizonandlargenumbersofIraqisputtingastrainonthehosting capacities of their Arabneighbours, resettlement to a third country is so far theonlydurablesolution.Westernnationshavebeenresettling thoserefugeeswhoareconsideredbyUNHCR to be at greatest risk ever since the beginning of 2007. In line with the criteriaestablishedintheResettlementHandbook,UNHCRhasestablished11profilesforIraqirefugeeswhowillbeprioritisedforresettlementsubmissions.Resettlement of Iraqi refugees from the Middle East is the largest individual (non‐group)programintheworld.Over50,000IraqirefugeeshavebeensubmittedforresettlementtotheUS, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Germany, Sweden, Finland andNorway. The UnitedStateshasthebiggestresettlementprogram.This study on expectations of Iraqi refugees with respect to resettlement countries wascommissioned byUNHCR’s Department of International Protection Services (DIPS) in Geneva,followingrecent reports fromresettlementagenciesona risingnumberof Iraqi refugeeswhoare unhappy with their lives in resettlement countries. Complaints that apartments are toosmall, furniture substandard, professional profiles not reflected in job opportunities, financialassistance insufficient, homesickness unbearable, and general disappointmentwith life in theWest, challenged the daily work of service providers in resettlement countries. Thephenomenon of resettled refugees returning to Iraq or the country of first asylum (Syria andJordan)puzzledseasonedrefugeeworkers.Overaperiodofeightweeks(23March–18May2009),54individualinterviewsandfourfocusgroup interviewswitha totalof41 refugees,wereconductedwith Iraqi refugees in the threehostcountries–Lebanon,SyriaandJordan.WhatemergedfromtheseweeksofconversationswasthatIraqisarenotsurehowtoprepareforresettlementanditwasstrikinghowmodestorhowgrandtheirhopesandexpectationswere.AgreatdealofwhattheIraqisexpectoutoflifein a resettlement country holds constant across their different ethnic backgrounds as ArabMuslims (Shia, Sunni,) or Arab Christians (Assyrian, Chaldeans, Sabeans)—and overall tend tohaverosyimagesofwhatlifewillbelikeintheWest.Refugees are aware, though that the ongoing global economic downturn is likely to impactservices for refugees in resettlement countries and the employment market. Reports frompreviously resettledrefugeesthatentry‐level jobshavebecome lessavailable trickleback intotherefugeecommunityinthecountriesofasylum.Someoftheoptimismassociatedwithbeing

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approved for resettlement is dampened by truthful accounts of already resettled refugees.Despite themixed reviews on life elsewhere, Iraqis continue to be preoccupiedwithmovingelsewhere,leaving,gettingout.This paper does not purport to be a fully‐fledged scientific study or anthropological survey.Nevertheless,itsintentwastomovebeyondtheanecdotalandcollectspecificinformationfromIraqi refugees of all social and educational backgrounds, ethnicities and ages to betterunderstand their visions of life and anticipated support in the West. The following findingsshould inspirediscussionsonexpectationsmanagementandassist resettlementcountriesandUNHCR inusingsuitabletools topreparerefugees inhostcountries for thechallengesthat lieaheadinanunfamiliarcultureandenvironment.EXECUTIVESUMMARY

OneineveryfivedisplacedIraqisinJordanhasconcreteplanstoemigratetoathirdcountryandthemostly urban population of Iraqis in Lebanon, Syria and Jordanmigrates as families. Themajority lives in rentedone‐or two‐bedroomapartments in innercityneighborhoods, residesillegally in thehost country, andhas amedianmonthly incomeof 300USD (1). In Jordan, 42percentoftherefugeesliveontransfersfromIraq,whereasinLebanontheprincipalsourceofincomefor75percentisemployment(2).EightypercentoftheIraqipopulationinJordanandLebanondonot intendto integrate inthehost community. They perceive the situation they live in as temporary and avoid investing inintegration and self‐enhancement plans (3). Many Iraqi refugees come originally fromcomfortable socio‐economic backgrounds but their savingsmay be depleted by now, forcingthemto liveoncharity,theblack jobmarket,borrowedmoney,orvariouscombinationsofallthree.Registration of Iraqi refugees at a UNHCR Office is considered equivalent to entering theresettlement process. Registration is vital for detecting vulnerabilities, be they social,psychological, legal, physical or material, and to ensure that UNHCR can fulfil its protectionmandate. This, however, is not on the minds of the refugees. Feedback from CARITAS, theMiddle East Council of Churches and the Danish Refugee Council in Lebanon, indicates thatresettlement is thedominantpreoccupation.“Iwasthreatened in Iraq, therefore Ineedtoberesettled” is a common conclusion. Moreover, NGOs that offer humanitarian assistance,sometimesencounteranattitudewherebyrefugees“approachuslikeanATM‐machine.”Rulesandregulationsforreceivingnon‐fooditemsormedicalassistancearefrequentlychallengedbyrefugees.NGOstaffinthefieldhearmanyquestionsonresettlementtoathirdcountryorhowtoexpediteresettlementprocedures.Basedon the interviewsconducted for this study, themajorityof refugees seeUNHCRas theprime decisionmaker on the resettlement destination. UNHCR distributes booklets in Arabicinformingtherefugeecommunityontherulesandproceduresofresettlementduringtheirfirstcontactwith theOffice.Thebooklet, “QuestionsandAnswersonResettlement” clearly statesthatresettlementisanoption, limitedtoonlyasmallnumberofrefugeesglobally.Theroleofthe resettlement countries is also clearly outlined. However, since UNHCR submits cases forresettlementandcan resubmit toanother resettlementcountry ifa case is rejected, refugees

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arereluctant tounderstandtherestrictedquotasystembutcontinuetobelievethat theycanchooseapreferredresettlementcountry.In linewith thecriteriaestablished in theResettlementHandbook,UNHCRhasestablished11profiles of refugeeswhowill be prioritised for resettlement submissions. Priority Profiles are:personswhohavebeenvictimsofseveretrauma;membersofminoritygroups;women‐at‐risk;dependants of refugees living in resettlement countries; older Persons‐at‐Risk; medical casesandrefugeeswithdisabilities;highprofilecases;IraqiswhofledasaresultoftheirassociationwiththeMNF;foreign institutions;statelesspersonsfromIraq;andIraqisat immediateriskofrefoulement.Thedesire tobe takencareofbya“democratic, strongandcompassionategovernment” inaresettlement country permeates the refugee community. While conversations with cooks,tailors,elementaryschoolteachers,andcarmechanicsrevealedthattheyareawarethatfindingemployment in a resettlement country is crucial, high expectations in terms of sustainedfinancialgovernmentalsupportpersist.ElderlyrefugeeswithuniversitydegreesappeartohaveamorerealistictakeonlifeintheWest.Doctors,professors,businessmenwhoatsomepointintheiryouthhaveexperiencedlifeabroadthroughstudiesandbusinesstripsaremoreawareofwhattoexpectandwhatnotoncetheyarriveintheirresettlementdestination.Elderlyparentscountontheirchildrentosupportthemuponarrival,especially if theyarereunitedwiththeirgrown,gainfullyemployedchildrenwhoarenaturalized citizens. Theseparents alsoexpect to receiveapension from thegovernmentand medical treatment for chronic health issues they could not afford to treat in the hostcountry.The scenario of refugees’ expectations of resettlement countries is broad and all kinds ofcreativevisualizationsof life intheUSA,Canada,Australia,Germany,theUK,Norway,Swedenand Netherlands circulate. The common denominator is the desire to build a life for theirchildren inphysical safetyandstability,enjoying freedomof religion.Sixty‐sevenpercentofallinterviewedadultsstatedthatresettlementisallabouttheirchildren’sfuture,33percenteitherdidnothavechildreninthehostcountryorhadwithdrawnfromresettlement.Parentsin their 50’s and older tend to focus solely on career opportunities and education for theirchildren,referringtothemselvesas“oldandtired.”Familyreunificationwithgrownchildrenwhoaresettledinresettlementcountriesisverymuchonthemindsofthemiddle‐agedIraqis,i.e.45yearsoldandolder.

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Expectations of Iraqis in the work force are tied to their professional past, their status insocietyandmultifacetedversionsofmunicipalorfederalregularpayments(refugeestendtocallthem‘salaries’)areanticipatedbyrefugeesasajump‐startfoundationatleastinthefirstyear.Iftheapprovalforresettlementcamefromacountrythatwasnotonarefugee’swishlist,orisnottheUSstatetowhichtherefugeeenvisagedtogo,thedesignatedstateorcountryisseenasyet another transitory stage from which they will eventually legally travel to their preferredlocations.The desire to live close to Iraq,while remaining in Jordan or Syria protected through legalresidenceandtherighttowork,wasalsoexpressedfrequently.Otherresponses indicatedadesiretoexchangeanIraqipassportforavalidtraveldocumentthatwouldopenupavenuesfor wealthy Iraqis to travel wherever business opportunities were available and/orscholarshipsforhighereducationcouldbepursued.NoneoftheinterviewedrefugeesexpressedadesireortentativeplantoreturntoIraqwiththeexception of one middle‐aged Iraqi widow who longed to go home with her 11‐year‐olddaughter. Middle‐aged and elderly refugees are convinced that a stable Iraq will not beachievedintheirlifetime.Itisnotuncommonamonginternationalandlocalstaffworkingwithrefugeestointerprethighexpectations as a necessary survival mechanism. Visualization of a good life is fuel for thesurvival spirit in a nervewrecking and humiliating pre‐resettlement phase. This stance is alsotakenbyaSeniorProjectManagerofaCommunityServicesCenterinBeirut.Sheseesthelonganddauntingwaitingperiodbetweenfirst interviewandfinaldecisionratherproblematic.“Tomakelifetolerable,therefugeesneedtohavehighexpectations,embellishedwithelementsofa really good future to fill themwith life energy. Lowexpectationswould not have the sameeffect, and realistic expectationswouldnot be the remedy theyneed tomake it through thewaitingperiod.”Asofwhichpointintheresettlementprocessshouldthehighexpectationsthenbe addressed? They might be “fuel for survival” but may also serve as the recipe fordisappointmentandveryproblematicintegrationexperiences.

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DOEXPECTATIONSFORESHADOWINTEGRATIONBEHAVIOUR?

Inanarticle“Resettlement:ACulturalandPsychologicalCrisis”(4)P.Hulewataddressesthefactthat“allimmigrantsgothroughstagesofresettlementandneedtointegratetheirpastculturalexperienceintotheirnewlifeandculture.Resettlementisalifecrisis.”Threeadjustmentgroupsdelineatedinthisarticle,representtherecurringanswersfromrespondentsintheexpectationsstudy.Doprevailingpatternsofexpectationsofresettlementcountriesthenalreadyforeshadowintegrationattitudesandintegrationpotential?Hulewat’s first adjustment group is referred to as the “help me get started” group and wasencountered in interviews when refugees visualize themselves as responsible adults with aproactive,engagedandopenmindtowardopportunitiesandnewrelationshipswithpeopleofadifferent culture. They recognize the fact thatwherever they are, life is not for free and youneedtoworkhardonrebuildingyour life.Hersecondgroup,the“takecareofmegroup”aretherefugeesintheexpectationsstudywhoverymuchexploretheavenueof ‘Iamarefugee,thereforetheserviceprovidersinresettlementcountriesneedtofindmeajobandsupportmein many other ways.’ The third group is termed the “you must do it my way group” andsummarizes the attitudes of Iraqi refugees who refuse jobs, apartments, etc., which are notacceptable to them due to their upbringing, educational background and previous status insociety. Part two RECOMMENDATIONSFORRESETTLEMENTCOUNTRIES PostasummaryofresettlementpoliciesinArabicandthelanguageoftheresettlementcountryontheinternetaspartoftheirwebsitechapteronMigration.Clearlystatingtheresponsibilitiesofadult refugees in thecountrycouldaddress the“takecareofme“attitudes.Thecomputersavvy and educated refugees already access blogs and websites in Iraq as well as the hostcountrywhenscoutingforthebestofallpossibleworlds.Theinformationoriginatingfromthisgroup is thenpassedon to the lesseducated friendsandneighboursandcirculateswidely. [Ifresettlement countriesare reluctant topostpolicieson the internet, since theymight changeand resettlement countries do not wish to be held accountable for out‐of‐date policies, analternative could be to summarize themost likely hurdles of integration that tend to startleIraqiswhohavenotbeenexposedtolifeoutsidetheArabstrictures.]Sensitise and educate refugee caseworkers, employees ofmunicipalities, volunteersworkingwith refugees,andallother serviceproviders in resettlementcountrieson the social,politicalandhistoricalaspectsoflifeinIraq.Knowledgeofthiscollectivepast,howauthoritarianregimesand livingconditionsshapedpresent‐dayattitudes (onrespectability,dignity,pride,shame)aswellasparticularhabits,andtraditionscouldincreasethetolerancelevelofoverwhelmedstaffwhenfacedwithdemanding,upsetIraqis.Refugeesareexpectedtolearneverythingabouttheirnew culture and the way life works in resettlement country x, however it is also vital thatrefugees are met by informed support staff and counsellors. Helpful resources or so‐called“backgrounders” on Arab culture or on Iraqis in particular have been published on theinternet.(5)

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Holdan“AnnualResettlementFair”wherebestpracticesforculturalorientationandsmoothintegrationare“traded”amongresettlementcountries.IOMandICMCcouldexchangeideasandexperienceswithculturalorientationforIraqisheadingtotheUS;theSwedishMigrationBoardcouldsharetheirthree‐hourculturalorientationwiththeStateDepartment;theVermontRefugeeResettlementProgramcouldsharetheirfosterfamilyapproachwithEuropean,CanadianandAustralianresettlementagencies.Sharingbestpracticeswithrespectto:‐Engagingnewarrivals‐Addressingpassiveentitlementthinking‐Confrontingage,gender,languageissuescouldassistmostresettlementcountries–irrespectiveofwhethertheyhaveastrongself‐sufficiencyapproachtoresettlementoramorelenientversionofstandingontheirownfeet–sincemostresettlementcountriesfacethesamechallengeswithIraqirefugees.Each resettlement country could introduce amonitoring system for resettled refugees in thefirst year, to observe the effectiveness of money, time and effort invested in getting therefugees there. Thismechanism, for example, could be administered by themunicipalities inEuropeancountries,theresettlementagenciesintheUS,andbytheequivalentlocalplayersinalltheotherresettlementcountries.Incountrieswheresuchmonitoringsystemsarealreadyinplace,sharetheminglobalrecommendationsatinternationalconferences.Make pre‐departure cultural orientation brief and lean, conveying a positive arrival spirit andpracticalattitudesneededtomasterthefirstweeksinthenewcountry.Itshouldreflectreallifein the resettlement country. It should engage refugees in discussions on their own role insuccessfulintegrationandempowerthemwithstimulatingexamplesinwhichwaytheyarethemastersoftheirowndestiny,whilerespectingtheirbeliefthateverythingdependsonthewillofGod.Thoughrefugeesliketofocusonthefinancialaspectsoftheculturalorientation,itismorefruitful tosteeraway fromprolongeddiscussionsonentitlementsandbenefits.ArrangementsforchildcareshouldbemadetoensurethatrefugeewomenwithsmallerchildrendonotmissoutontheCulturalOrientationbecausetheyhadtostayhometowatchchildren.Accelerate thedevelopmentofpre‐departure culturalorientation for young refugees. ICMC isalreadyconductingculturalorientationforrefugeechildreninTurkeyandIOMisintheprocessofpreparingscriptsforyouthprograms.Theseprogramsarevitalsincethemajorityofparentscount on their adolescent and older children for support during the integration phase. Pre‐departureculturalorientationfortheyoungisalsoanopportunitytobriefstudentsoncommon,respectedwaysinwesterncountriestofinancehighereducationbyworkinginapart‐timejob.Educaterefugeesduringpre‐departureculturalorientationonwhatresettlement isnotabout,i.e., an extended family visit abroad, a holiday, a spring board to visit Iraq one month afterarrivalintheresettlementcountry,etc.The Pre‐departure Cultural Orientation Team of Trainers should consider having a resettledrefugee from Iraq as part of their team of presenters, living proof that resettlement isworthwhileandthatthereceivingserviceproviderscanbetrusted.

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FORUNHCR

LeafletsonresettlementpublishedinArabicalreadyexistinUNHCR’sofficesbutdonotaddresstheprevailing“rosy”versionsoflifeinresettlementcountries.Designingaposterdepictingtwocolumnswithinformationmightbeanalternative.Theleftcolumn,withtheheadingNOTTRUElists a brief description of resettlement myths and misconceptions, using literal quotes fromrefugees. These quotes are then crossed out with a big X. On the right hand side, under acolumnofTRUE,correctedinformationwouldbepresented.Itisimportanttomentioncommondenominatorsandhelpful integrationattitudes in resettlementcountries,withoutgetting intothe specifics of each resettlement country so that the information in the TRUE list is indeed,correct.ThePostercouldbecalled“Yourfirst100daysinanewcountry.”MostreturneesfromresettlementcountriesreturnedtoSyriaorJordanwithinthefirstthreemonthsafterarrival.Counselling on resettlement prior to submission is vital. Specific details on individualresettlement countries cannot be covered, however, the phenomenon of no‐shows andwithdrawals needs to be addressed. In order to give refugees a taste of what life in anyresettlement country in the West entails, UNHCR staff could point out some generalcharacteristicsoflifetohelptherefugeesmakeaninformeddecisionwhetherresettlementisthe desired solution for them. If this ‘first informant’ role is carried out by UNHCRResettlement Officers, resettlement staff, national as well as international, will have to bewell oriented themselves. Local staff in the Resettlement Unit of the UNHCR Branch OfficeBeirutwasrecentlybriefedbyanICMC‐deployeeonresettlementtotheUS.Thiswasherowninitiative and at the end of the presentation, local resettlement staff shared with her howuninformedandhowrosytheirideasaboutlifeintheUShadbeen.Iraqis who never had family members working outside the country, as is common amongJordanian or Lebanese families, have not necessarily been exposed toWestern ways of life.Pinpointing some issues can help raise awareness among refugees on “different cultures,different mores” during a registration interview or counselling appointment. Since UNHCRResettlement staff in the host country cannot afford to spend a lot of timewith each singlerefugee,relevanttopicscouldbefollowedupmorethoroughlyingroupbriefingsbystaffintheCommunityDevelopmentCenters,initiatedbyUNHCRCommunityServiceOfficers.Employment:Iraqisareusedtohavingonejobforalongtime;switchingjobsisnotcommon.Asa resettled refugee, Iraqis may occupy an entry level job for six months and then have theopportunity tomove on to amore appealing and better paying job. Jobmobility is not seennegativelyintheWestbutcanbebysomeIraqis.Jobmobilityisanimportantpartofthetime‐consumingperiodofre‐credentializationorrecertificationofdegreesandcanoccurduringtheinitialstagesofintegration.DualincomemayslowlybeontheriseamongyoungcouplesinIraqbecausethecostoflivinghas soared. However, the thought of leaving children in the hands of school teachers orbabysitters can be frightening for parents who witnessed the kidnapping of a child. ThereluctancyofsomeIraqiwomentolookforajobmaybelinkedtoadeep‐seatedfearduetoakidnapping trauma. Missing language skills can also contribute to a much longer period oflearningwhomonecantrustintermsofchildcare,etc.

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Education:InIraqboysandgirlsonlyattendmixedclassesuntiltheageof12.Asof13therearenomoreco‐edclassesandgenderseparationtakesplace.ThisisnotthecaseinpublicschoolsintheWest.YoungpeopleintheWestwhopursueadditionaltrainingorhighereducationworkinapart‐timejoborevenafull‐timejobtobeabletoaffordrent,tuitionfees,educationmaterialsetc.Iraqismightviewastudentofdentistrywhoworksinacaféorrestaurantas“immoral”and“inappropriate.” Iraqismayneedto learnthat this”jugglingact” is respectable,commendableand sometimes also the only way to afford further education.Sports:AsyoungIraqisenrolinelementaryandhighschools,theymaywitnessfemalestudentsintheWestwearingshortsinthesummerorwearingshortsduringsportsactivitieslikesoccer,basketball etc. Thismay comeacross as inappropriate for Iraqisbut is considereddecent andpracticalintheWest.RulesofEngagement:Iraqistendtogetsuspiciousquicklyiftheyfeeltreatmentorbenefitsarenotfair.Transparencyinthemodusoperandiofanykindofassistanceorbusinesstransactionisvital. Iraqisareusedtoasocialistregimewherepromotionsandrewardswerenotnecessarilybasedonperformancebutratheronwhoyouknowandthefamilytribetowhichyoubelong.Local NGO staff in Lebanon, Syria and Jordanwere sometimes put under pressure to deliverassistance to refugees fast “because their salaries were paid with revenues from Iraqi oil”according to refugees.Similarly Iraqi refugees in resettlementcountriesmayadopt somewhatarrogantattitudes,“Iamarefugeeandyoureceiveasalarytoassistme…”Taxes: The responsibility of paying taxes and how tax money is channelled back into thecommunity needs to be shared with Iraqis. Deduction of taxes on a pay slip can causemisunderstandingamong Iraqis. (“Who is thispersonnamed ‘FICA’who tookmoney frommysalary” is one exampleof a disgruntled refugee’s reaction in theUS). Even though the fourthpillarofIslamisthegivingofalmsandagoodMuslimisexpectedtogive1/40oftheirincome(2.5%)tosomeoneinneed,theconceptofagovernmentalbodytaking30%outofapayslipeachmonthfortaxescancausesuspicionandanger.Rent:Iraqislivedin200m2‐600m2compounds,sometimesevenbigger.Squeezingintoasmallapartment in a resettlement country, paying rent, electricity and heating bills can be quite achallenge,evenifIraqisexperiencedthiswayoflifealreadyinthehostcountry.Refugeesneedtoknow that timelypaymentsofbills related to costof livingare their responsibility at somestage.Mind‐set:TwocommonquestionsfromIraqisduringtheexpectationinterviewswere:‐IfIamnotprovidedwithajob,howwillIlive?‐IfIcannotgetchildcareforfree,howwillIbeabletosavemoneywhenIwork?Sometimeskindbutclearmessagesthatapromisingstartofanewchapterinlifeisnotnecessarilydependentondurationofbenefitsbutonthesurvivalskillsandmentalityoftheindividualrefugeemakesadifference.CommunityServicesStaffcoulduseregularlysetupmeetingswithrefugeewomentospreadthegeneralmessageofwhattoexpectornottoexpectinWesterncultures.

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Tapping intoalreadyestablished informationdisseminationmechanismsorblogs for refugees.Examples in Lebanon would be the DRC Newsletter (in Arabic) or the recently created blog(www.janah‐lebanon.blogspot.com)byLeProjet Janah.Similaruseofmechanismscurrently inplacewithinSyriaandJordancouldlikewiseserverefugeesthere.Most Community Services Centers funded by UNHCR are equipped with computers used forvocational training and learning English. Introducing an official ‘communication day withresettlementcountryx’ forapproved resettlementcandidatesonceaweek in theCommunityServiceCentercouldbeapilotproject.Authorizingcontrolleduseofthecomputersinordertoconnect refugees in host countries with already resettled refugees to share encouragingexperiences,theupsanddownsof integration,couldmakeadifferenceasapreparatorytool.Refugees coulduse the longwaitingperiodbetweenapproval notice and first dayof CulturalOrientation, or thewaiting period after Cultural Orientation and departure date, in a fruitfulway. METHODOLOGY Overaperiodofeightweeks,54individualinterviews,includingfourinterviewswithreturneesto Jordan(2) andSyria(2), and fivewithdrawal cases,were conducted. In addition, four focusgroups were convened, comprising a total of 41 refugees (refugees approved for the sameresettlementcountry). Venueschosenforthestudywere:UNHCROffices inSyria,JordanandLebanon,CommunityServicesCenters,premisesofpre‐departureculturalorientationprograms,andrefugees’homes.SinceIraqisenjoyprimafaciestatus,thewholespectrumof Iraqisociety ismet intherefugeecommunities:allethnicitiesandlayersofsocietywereencountered.Interviewswereheldwithschool‐aged children, teenagers, single andmarriedmen, single andmarriedwomen and theelderly. Data were collected in structured and unstructured settings. Informed consent wassought prior to each interview by describing the purpose of the study and ensuringconfidentiality.Theoriginaluseofaquestionnaire(seeANNEX3forquestionsininterviews)wasrelinquishedsinceintervieweesseemedtofeelmoreateasesharingthoughtsiftheydidnotseeaformalquestionnairefilledinbyaninterviewer.Ifrefugeesdidnothaveprivacytotalkorwererushed, conversationsdidnot render informationbeyondgeneral statementsonexpectationslike“Iheardlifeisgood,peoplearenice”.(SeeANNEX2foracollectionofexpectations). Focusgroupswithrefugeesboundfordifferentresettlementcountriesprovedchallengingsincesome resettlement countries aremorepopular thanothers. Refugees approved for apopulardestinationdominateddiscussions,whiletheotherrefugeeswerejealousandremainedsilent.The study also integrates information derived from conversations with UNHCR Protection,Resettlement and Community Services, NGOs, IOM, ICMC and Resettlement Officers at theHUB.

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BACKGROUND

LiteratureonthemorerecenthistoryofIraq,theIran‐IraqWar(1980‐1988),theFirstGulfWar(1991)aswellas the tradesanctionson Iraqi civilians from1991 to2003, showthatall theseeventsleftmarksonthecurrentIraqipopulationpriortoMarch2003.UnderSaddamHussein,Iraqis livedunder Stalinistic totalitarianismand “in thehandsof amasterpropagandist, therewas enough reality to make almost any rumour or fear believable. Saddam acted as thoughenemieswereeverywhere.”(6)Iraqi refugeeshaveenduredyears inaclosedsociety.Refugeeskeepmentioning thatprior to2002,theaverageIraqididnothaveaccesstosatelliteTVormobilephones.Internetcostspermonthwerehighandmostwebsiteswereblocked.E‐mailaccesswasonlypossiblethroughanIraqi server, controlledby thegovernment.Refugees frequentlymentionhowtheycouldonlywatch two TV channels and they refer to themselves as “closed off from the world” or“uneducated in worldly matters.” Only big businesses and government ministries hadcomputers.Nowadays, almost every Iraqi family in the countryof first asylumowns amobilephoneandaTV.In order to fully comprehend the excitement and relief refugees feel, the trust and highexpectationsIraqiplaceinresettlementcountries,perceivingthemas“strongandmerciful,”itisimportanttobearinmindthetotalisticyokeIraqishavelivedunderforsolong.On the other hand,most Iraqi families used to live in 300m2 compounds and had sufficientspaceforallfamilymembers.Afive‐memberfamilycouldlivecomfortablyontheincomeofonefamilymember, utility billswere negligibly low (10 cents amonth) and health carewas free.ServiceintheIraqiarmywasmandatoryandplotsoflandwereallocatedonarewardbasistohighrankingofficers intheBa’thparty. Itdidnottakegenerationstoacquire land.Althoughagovernment‐runpublicfooddistributionsystemwassetuptoprovidefoodduringthetimeofseveresanctions,itwasestimatedin2000byUNDPthattheaveragefamilystillspentasmuchas75%oftheirincomeonfood.(7)MostIraqisneverlefttheircountrypriortoflight.Lifeinthecountryoffirstasylumisanexperienceofhardshipwithimmensechallenges.Fearofdetention if they cannot afford proper residence permits, and a volatile status as refugees,createdailystressanduncertaintydespitethehumanitarianassistanceofUNHCRandNGOs.The2003invasionofIraqinitiallyprecipitatedonlyatrickleofrefugeestoCairo,DamascusandAmman. Wealthy families came and settled in the most affluent neighbourhoods. Thestereotype of “all Iraqis are rich” began to spread, and real estate and food prices in theselocations soared. Even after Sunni insurgents clashedwithUS troops in Fallujah andmilitantsfrombothsectsbegantotightencontroloverareasin2004,itwasstillmostlysecularandoftenmoreaffluentfamilieswhosoughtrefugeelsewhere.(8)ArefugeecrisiswasfearedbeforethecoalitioninvasionofIraqin2003,butitcamelaterthananticipated,andonagreaterscale.ThebombingofaholyShiahshrine,theal‐AskarimosqueinSamarra, in February 2006, sparked a series of violent retaliatory strikes between Shiah andSunnimilitias and caused the firstwave of over twomillion refugees spilling into Jordan andSyria.SmallernumbersfledtoLebanon,Turkey,Iran,EgyptandGulfStates.

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AsofMay2009,theJordaniangovernmentestimatedthatbetween400,000and500,000IraqisliveinJordan(basedontheNorwegianResearchInstituteFafoSurvey,May2007),while52,388refugees are registered with UNHCR (UNHCR Fact Sheet on Jordan, April 2009). The Syriangovernment estimates there are over one million Iraqis in that country, while 205,754 areregisteredwithUNHCR(UNHCRMarch2009sitrep).TheLebanesegovernmentestimates that50,000IraqirefugeesresideinLebanon(basedontheDRCPopulationSurvey,November2007)whileUNHCRreports10,568registeredIraqirefugeesinLebanon(UNHCRsitrepApril2009).AllIraqinationalsfromcentralandsouthernIraqwhosoughtasyluminJordan,Syria,EgyptandTurkeyweregrantedrefugeestatusbythegovernmentsonaprimafaciebasis.UNHCRhostedan international conference on the Iraqi humanitarian crisis on 17April 2007 inGeneva. Thisevent created awareness of the situation of hosting countries and addressed burden sharingamong the international community to alleviate the plight of the largest urban caseload inUNHCR’shistory.Neither Jordan, nor Syria, nor Lebanon are State Party to the 1951 Refugee Convention andhave no national refugee legislation. Persons of concern to UNHCR are treated as foreignersunderthe“LawforAliensandResidency”andare“guests”ofthecountries. Iraqisaregrantedtouristvisas,whichmustberenewedeverythreetosixmonths.Torenewvisastheymustexitandre‐enterthehostcountry,whichisdangerous.MostIraqisdependonlifesavingsoronmoneytransfersfromrelativesinIraqorelsewhereintheworld.HumanitarianassistancefromUNHCRandNGOsonlyappliestothemostvulnerablecases and is expected to gradually decrease. The International Crisis group reports that 37percent of Iraqis in Syria use savings as their primary financial source and75percent receiveassistancefromrelatives.InJordan,42percentrelyontransfersandthemajorityliveprimarilyonsavings.(9)UponarrivalinLebanon,refugeesneedtodemonstratethattheyhave2,000USDincashorcheck,ahotelreservationorresidentialaddress,atelephonenumber,andatwo‐waynon‐refundableticket.Inall threecountries, Iraqirefugeesareforcedtowork intheblackmarketasdaily labourers,underpaid or paid irregularly. Although the authorities of host countries have showncommendable toleranceof theirpresence,policeand security forces still arrest Iraqi refugeeswithoutvalidvisasorresidencepermits.

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RESETTLEMENTMYTHS

Mythsandwildrumourscirculate inanygivenrefugeecommunityandarenot

particular to Iraqi refugees. However, preference for resettlement “welfare”states like Canada, Australia, and countries in Europe is not a secret. Mythscirculate among all ethnicities but tend to prevail more among the lesseducated.Examplesincludethefollowing:“You need to get divorced in order to qualify as a vulnerable single head ofhouseholdforresettlement,yourhusbandhastostaybehindandcansomehowfollowlater.”“YouneedtobehealthytobeadmittedtotheUSA.Ifyouhavecancer,youwillnotbetreatedseveralmonthsafteryourarrivalintheUSA.Youlosehealthcareifyoudidnotfindajob.”“Ifyouareseriouslyill,youhavehigherchancesofbeingresettled,sinceyouwillbeconsideredamedicalemergency.”“Donotmentionanyaffiliationwiththearmyinyourregistrationinterview,youwillautomaticallybedisqualifiedfromresettlement.”“BeforeyouboardaplanetotheUSA,youwillneedtosignastatementthatyouareawarethatyoumightbeapotentialrecruitfortheUSarmyandyoucouldbesentbacktoIraqservingintheUSarmy.”“IfyoucometoLebanonyouhavehigherchancesofbeingresettled fastsincethepaperworkintheUNHCROfficeinBeiruttakeslesstimethaninDamascusorAmman.”“Housing is free in the beginning, afterwards you are on the street. Churchesonlyofferspiritualorsocialsupport,notmaterialassistance.”“Housingisfreeinthefirstmonthandthenyouwillhavetosleepinamosque.”“IfIgetresettled,Iwillhavetotakeoffmyhijab(veil).”“Whenyouarrive inEurope, theGovernmentwillpayyoumonthlyallowancesandtakecareofyou. IfyougotoSwedenorNetherlands,youwillnothavetowork.Ifyouareold,youwillreceiveapensionandmedicaltreatment.SurgeryyoucannotaffordinSyriawillbeperformedinSweden.”

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Part three

“WhenwillIreceivemysalary?”“Whichsalary?Didyoufindajob?”

“Well,Iamarefugee,Ineedassistance”.“Isbeingarefugeeyourjob?”

EXPECTATIONSACROSSTHEREFUGEECOMMUNITYINLEBANON,JORDANANDSYRIA

When interviewing Iraqi refugees on their expectations of life in resettlement countries,reactions range fromeuphoricstatements like“Iamgoing toapowerful,democraticcountry.Lifewillbelikeasalvation.Lifewillbeverygood,mychildrenwillgotoschoolandIwillbeabletobuildanewlifeforthem,”tomoresubduedcomments“Whereveryougoyouwillneedtosupportyourfamily.Ihopetofindajob.Resettlementwillbeatoughchallenge,theworldwiderecessioniseverywhere,butsafety,securityandstabilitywillbewaitingformeand,inshallah,itwillallworkout.”In most cases, a detailed vision or scenario of life in a resettlement country is not offered.Platitudes or comments stemming from relatives living abroad, circulatingwithin the refugeecommunity in the country of first asylum, describe a general state of well‐being linked tophysicalsafety,freedomofreligion,enjoymentoflegalstatus,andregainingcontrolovertheirlivesinanewcountry.AShiah fatherof four small children living in theareaofDahieh inBeirutpointedout thatassoonashereachestheUnitedStates,hewouldenrolhischildreninaChristianschoolsotheycanreceive freeeducation farawayfromany“extremistelements.”Followingontheheelsofmore euphoric answers, vague ideas and grand hopes of governmental support follow suit.Visionsofassistancethatmaylastfromonemonthtoforeverareaccompaniedbyvisionsofawelfare state thatprovidesmuchmore support to itspeople than the IraqiGovernmenteverdid.AseniorCARITASstaffmembercommentedthat,“Generallyspeaking,theIraqimovedfromasubsidies dependency on the Saddam government to a humanitarian assistance dependency.Theylivedaybydayonhandoutsiftheycan’tfindajob.Theyhavefewsurvivalskills–exceptforthewomen.Inoticedachangeofroleswithinthefamily.Wivesandmothersworkwhiletheolder Iraqi men tend not to work.” Some men let their wives, and sometimes even theirchildren, work because they are less likely to be arrested if the family is illegally in the hostcountry; though it is also very common formotherswith young and elementary school agedchildren to stay at home while the husbands work (illegally) in factories, warehouses, repairshops,andrestaurants.EXPECTATIONSOFTHELESSEDUCATED The notion of a rich, powerful, democratic country leads, in the minds of the less‐educatedIraqis, to assumptions of receiving regular allowances once refugees arrive. No distinction ismade between ‘humanitarian assistance’ (musa’ad) and salary (rateb). Entitlement thinking

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manifests itself in the belief that Iraqi refugeeswill be supported by any of the resettlementcountriesonaccountoftheirstatusandsuffering.Mikha(60) lives inatwo‐bedroomapartmentinaChaldeanneighbourhoodwitheightchildrenandhiswifeHanaa.Hisgrownchildrenwork inapatisserie,ataprintingpress,oraboutique.Permonth the familypays250$ for rent,50$ for themobilephone,minimumcost forbaresurvivalis600$permonth.ThefamilyisexpectingtobesponsoredbyarelativeinAustraliaandiseagerlywaitingfornews.Hanaaheardgoodandbadthings fromhersiblings inAustraliabutshedoesnotwant to talkaboutorbelievethenegativenews.Lifewillbegood;hersmallerchildrenwillgotoschoolandthatcounts.Mostofall,Australiawillofferstabilityandsafety.Thehostcountryisanunstabletransitlocation;theyhadalwaysplannedtomoveonelsewhere.Mikha looks drained and has no intention to ever return to Iraq. “Living among terrorists isimpossible,”hesays,andhereminisceswithasparkleinhiseyesaboutlifeinIraq.“Mycountrywasthebestcountryintheworldforme.Itwasrichandlackednothing.Iwassellingchocolatesandcigaretteson the streetsofmyvillageandwasnotobliged todoanythingelse to secureincome.Saddamtookgoodcareofus.HemadenodistinctionbetweenChristiansandMuslims.InouroldneighbourhoodwehadShiah,Sunni,Chaldeans,itwasnoproblem.”ZeinabisexpectingtoberesettledtotheUS.ShefinishedhighschoolbutneverworkedinIraq.Sheclaimssheisalsonotworkinginthehostcountrybecausetheonlyjobsavailableforwomenare jobsasmaidsandshedoesnotwishto join thewomenfromSriLankaor thePhilippines.She comes from a middle class family, her father owns three houses in Baghdad and ran aprosperoustextilebusiness.“Butallthehousesmeannothingwithoutstability.” SheadmitsthatherknowledgeoftheUSisratherlimitedbutshebelievesshewillreceivemoreassistanceintheUSthaninIraq.“IntheUSAthereisnoterrorism,humanrightsarerespected,andthereispersonalfreedom.TheUSgovernmentwilltakecareofus.WehadfreeeducationinIraqbutwhatgoodisfreeeducationifthereisterrorallaroundyou?Freeeducationwithoutsecurityisuseless.”RegardingthemultinationalcharacteroftheUS,shesaysshewouldhavenoproblemlivingwithpeoplefromdifferentcountries.HowevershecouldnotimaginelivinginanAfrican‐AmericanorHispanic neighbourhood. When the UNHCR poster on the office wall depicting refugees ofdifferent skin colour from all over the world, is drawn to her attention, she insists that shewouldpreferastate“withoutdarkpeople”becauseshesawonTVwhattheyarelike.“Theyareproblematic,theyhavegangsandguns,”andshe“doesnotliketheirdarkexternalappearance.”When the resettlementcountriesarecountriesof theCoalitionForces (US,UKAustralia) theytend to be higher on the list of expectations for generous financial support. Refugees seeresettlement to thesecountriesaspayback forhaving“caused themisery, thedisplacement,”even if they are grateful that Saddamwas removed. The number of refugeeswho explicitlyexpressed a “compensation” attitude was low. (10 out of 95 interviewees) It is more of amindsetthatpermeatestherefugeecommunityandrefugeestendnottosayitaloud.Sabahisthe35‐year‐oldmotherofsixchildren.Shecompleted9thgradeandisaSunni,marriedto a Shiah. They came from Nasra where they developed good relations with the American

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soldiersandwerethreatenedaccordinglybyfundamentalists.Herhusbandworksasaconciergeinanelementaryschool,andearns165$permonth.Livingontheschoolcampusisfree.ThefamilywasrejectedforresettlementtotheUS.ShewouldhavelikedtogototheUSsinceher stepsisterwho ismarried toan Iraqi journalisthasbeen living in theUS for14years.Theresettlement case has now been submitted to Australia. Her expectations of life in aresettlementcountryareclearlydefined:Sheexpectstoliveinahouse,herchildrenwillenjoygood schools, andher husbandwillwork in any job linked to the construction business. “WewerewelltakencareofbytheIraqigovernment.Educationwasfree;foodwasdeliveredtoourhouse.Iremember5kgofrice,3kgofsugar,beans,tea,cookingoil,soap.Hospitalswerefree,medicalcareonlyrequiredasymbolicfee.WhenyougototheUSorAustraliayouwillreceiveevenbetterservicessincethegovernmentismorecompassionatethantheIraqiGovernment.Iknowthatthereisdemocracy,progress,securityandacitizenshipwaitingformychildren.” EXPECTATIONSOFTHEMOREEDUCATEDANDWELL‐OFFREFUGEES

Well‐educated Iraqiswhohavebeen livingon savings,predominantly inAmmanorDamascusover the last five years and approved for resettlement to various countries display a morerealistic picture of life abroad. Some of them studied in theUK or theUS in their youth andreturnedtoIraqtorunclinics,teachatuniversities,workinaministry.Forthemajorityofthebetter‐offelderlypeople,(usuallyparentsorsingleparentsage50to80)resettlementtendstobe family reunification.Adultchildrenwhoaregainfullyemployedandsettled in resettlementcountriesprepareforthearrivaloftheirparentsandthisgroupofelderlyrefugeeshasaclearpictureofwhattoexpectandwhatnottoexpect.Someofthemwerequiteconfidentthattheycouldskipattendingpre‐departureculturalorientation, theyalreadyknowallabout life intheUSorEurope.Febronisadistinguishedmanwhowillsoonturn65.Heworkedasacertifiedpublicaccountantfor 30 years and when he retired in Iraq, he continued his private accounting business. Hiscurrent pension from Iraq amounts to 300 $. He boasts that he earned 20,000 $ permonth,ownedfourcarsandahugehouse.Beforetheyfled,theysoldalltheirfurnitureandhiswife’sjewellery.Hecomplains that theso‐called freeservices in Iraqmighthavebeen freebut foodsubsidieswereofinferiorquality.Rice,tea,sugar,flourweresub‐standard.Thepublichospitalswerebad,onlytheprivatehospitalsprovideddecentmedicalcare.“Iamsickof Iraq. Idonotwishtogoback.MyhousewasmodernandinArasat,agoodneighbourhoodofBaghdad.Nowitisallgone.”Febron,hiswifeVivian(60),andtheirsonMartin(27)areapprovedforresettlementtotheUS.TheyhadhopedtogototheNetherlands,wherethesecondsonlives.TheNetherlandswouldalsohavebeentheircountryofpreferencewithregardtotreatmentofhiscloggedartery.Hiswifeisahistoryteacherandretiredearly.BothexpecttoreceiveapensionintheUS.“Icannotdependonmyson’sincome,Iwillhavetoliveonmypension.”EmotionallytheyhavenoqualmsaboutresettlementintheUS.“TheUSrescuedusfromadictator.Icouldnotevenspeakfreelytomysoninmyownhouse.Youalwayshadtobepreparedthatsomeonewaslisteningtoyourprivateconversations.”

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UponarrivalintheUS,heexpectstoreceivefoodstampsforeightmonthsand400$incashperperson (nomention of the pension he expects). “They want us to work.” He reiterates howmuchhehadlongedtogotoEuropebecauseofthegoodsocialsystem.Accordingtowhatheheard, financialaid isnotavailableforvery long intheUSandhecompareshowhisdaughterandherhusbandhavebeensupportedbytheDutchgovernmentsince1997with1,250Europermonthplusrentalsubsidy. HissonusedtomaintainmedicalequipmentforSiemensinErbilbutgaveuphisjobtocometoAmmanwhenhisfatherneededsurgery.Nowtheyliveonborrowedmoney.Febronlamentshissituation as an oldman in Jordan and emphasizes that hewants to settle and rest in a newcountry—but in therightcountry,not thewrongcountry.Assoonashe ispermittedto leavetheUS, hewouldmove to theNetherlands.He is deeply depressed aboutwhathappened tohim,hisformerlife,andwherehewillbegrowingold.“Iwillnotwashdishesasanold,sicklymanandaformerwell‐educatedaccountant. IhavetoborrowmoneytoliveinJordan.IwanttoreturntoIraq.Iwanttoseemyhouse;Iwanttoseemybusinessandwhatisleftofit.IwanttoseemysisterwholivesaloneinIraq.ButIcannotgoback. Jobopportunities in Iraq are rising in the contracting and auditing business. From2003until2006approximately7,500newcompaniessetupbaseinIraq.NowtheyaresubcontractingouttoJordanandDubai.ThesewageandconstructionbusinessislefttotheIraqis.ThereisnosurveillanceinIraq.NobodypaystaxesorcustomsonanyproductsenteringIraq.IreceivedmyPhDat45andsometimesworkedtwojobs.DuringthedayIwasanauditorandintheeveningfrom5‐8pmItaughtattheuniversity.Iworked20hoursadayfor30years.Thecurrentlazinessamongthe Iraqis is linkedtothe Iraqisgettingusedtothe lowwages, fewworkinghoursandhigh corruption. The lack of work ethics is permeating everything. Among the Chaldeans wehavestrictworkethicsandnowIamsittinginAmmandoingnothing.Ihavenotpickedupapenintwoyears.IamnotsureIcanevenstillwrite.“InafocusgroupmeetinginAmmanwithrefugeesapprovedforresettlementtotheUSorwithfamilymemberswhohad recentlybeen resettled to theUS, itbecameapparent thatwelloffIraqisandpoorIraqishavemixedfeelings,comparedtofocusgroupswithrefugeesapprovedforEuropeancountries.AgroupofrefugeesheadingforGermanywasindeedfocused,contentandeager to learnmore about the country itself,more concernedwith how hard itwould be tolearntheGermanlanguage,lesspreoccupiedwithbenefits.DuringameetingwithagroupofrefugeesfromdifferenteducationalandsocietalbackgroundsbutallheadingtotheUS,thegroupwasaskediftheyfeltthatresettlementwasagooddurablesolution for them. The majority of the respondents complained that if resettlement meantsplittingupcouplesandseparatingfamiliesacrosstheworldthenresettlementwaspainfulandharmful.Thentheoneresettlementcountryavailableastheonlyoptionwouldjustbeanothertransit destination until theywere eligible for citizenship and consequently allowed to travelwheretheyhadwantedtosettleoriginally.Onewell‐offwomaninherlatefortieslamentedthat“theytookmytwogirlstoSanDiego,Iamadoctor inAmmanwithmy son andmyhusband is a doctor in Iraq.Whydoes resettlementmean family separation across the globe?”When asked to elaborate on the expression ‘theytook’ since it conjuredup imagesof kidnapping, sheexplained thather adult daughterswererecently resettled to San Diego. “They already have degrees from Iraq and need to attend

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CommunityCollegeintheUS,whichisnotasprestigiousastheiruniversitydegrees.Whydon’tyou help us get rid of our Iraqi passports so we canmove freely in the world?We are welleducated,wehavemoney,wewillnotbeaburdenonanygovernment.WhydowehavetowaitfiveyearstogetanAmericanpassport?Let’sbehonest,resettlementisallaboutexchangingtheIraqi passport for a new valid travel document!We need an alternative citizenship, one daytherewillbeanotherBush.”Ayoungmanwanted it tobeknownthatonbehalfofall Iraqiswhodidnothavetoresorttoillegal,expensiveanddangerousmeasurestobesmuggledabroad,hewantedtothankUNHCRandresettlementcountriesformaking itpossibletotravelabroad legally.HefeltthattherichIraqishadverydifferentprioritiesand interests in lifebut forhimself,heverymuchneededanewchanceinanothercountryforhiseducation,hisdevelopmentandhewastrulygratefultobegiventhatchance.Afterall frustrationshadbeenvented,themiddle‐agedwealthyrefugeesreiteratedtheywereindeed hoping for a valid travel document, issued in a shorter period of time than it took toacquirecitizenshipinaresettlementcountry.Allofthemagreedtheywouldcertainlybeabletotakecareof themselves.The lesswelloffandyounger refugeesstated theirwish to rebuildashattered existence in physical safety and stabilitywhere they could sleep through the night.Tenrefugees,outofthisgroupof13,assertedthatiftheirstayinJordancouldbelegalized,theywouldwelcometheopportunitytoremaininanArabcountry,closetoIraq,closetothepeopletheyleftbehindinIraq.EXPECTATIONSOFWOMENANDTHEIRROLESINTHEREFUGEECOMMUNITY

Therearerefugeewomenwhocompleted9thgradeatschool,neverpursuedhighereducationin Iraqandstayedhomewith their children.Women fromupper‐class familieswithuniversitydegreesworkedasaccountants,engineers,doctors,surgeonsandgynaecologists.Somewomenwith higher education were either not gainfully employed because their husbands providedsufficient income or because higher education was seen as a safeguard to marry within thesame class. Before the Gulf War and 2003 Iraqi women were generally among the mostliberatedintheArabworldandwellintegratedintotheworkforce.Marwaworksasaconcierge,earning100.000Lebanesepounds(66USD)permonth.Shetakesthegarbagefromeachapartmenttothelocaldumpster,runserrandsfortheresidentsandlivesinoneroomrent‐freewithherhusbandandson.ShemingleswiththeSriLankan“servants”intheapartmentblockandtheyconfide inherthattheydonotfeelrespectedbytheLebanese.“So I know that the Lebanese do not respect me either.” Loss of status in society and thenecessity to readapt social roles in the host country cause Iraqis considerable stress.Iraqiwomenare facedwithmanaging themultipleoperationsof theirhouseholds in the firstcountryofasylumandifnomoneytransfersfromIraqorelsewherecanbecountedupon,theyareforcedtoseekgainfulillegalemploymentinhospitals,supermarkets,hairsalons,cafeterias,factories,asconcierges,orwherevertheyare least likelytobediscoveredbyGeneralSecurityForces. In many cases they accept jobs that have nothing in common with their originalprofessionalprofile,whilethemenfollowthesame“de‐professionalization”patternorpreferto

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stayathomeforfearofbeingdetainedordeportedbackto Iraq.Sometimesmensufferfrommedical problems thatprevent them fromdoinghardphysicalwork. It is tempting todismissmenintheirfiftieswhoarenotworkingwhiletheirwivesdo,yetitisimportanttobearinmindthepotentialreasonsbehindthescenes(fearofdetention,deportation,heartconditions,livingonsavings).During a focus groupmeeting in Syriawith refugees approved for resettlement toGermany,emotions ranhighbetweena refugeewomanwithadiploma inaccountingwhoworkedasacleaningladyinthebathroomoftheMinistryofTourisminSyriaandarefugeewomanwhoisanengineer.The latterstatedthatshewouldneverearna livingasacleaning lady inapublicbathroomandbehumiliated.Just likemen,womenfeeldiminishedorundervaluedandsufferfromdepressionwhenfacedwithcertainjobs.Iraqis feel very strongly about their children. Less educated women who were not gainfullyemployedinIraqtendtonaturallyassumethattheycanstayathomewiththeirchildrenintheresettlementcountrywhilethehusband(ifheiswiththefamily)willprovideincome.Surprisedreactionsareelicitedfromwomenduringculturalorientationswhenthesubjectofdualincomeisraised(10).Singlewomenwithchildrenandnootheradultmemberofthefamilyexpectthegovernment tosupport themfora long timesince theyseenoalternative tostayingwith thechildren, especially if child day care is not for free. If singlewomenwith small children havefamilymembersintheresettlementcountry,theyverymuchcountontheirsupport. EXPECTATIONSOFYOUNGIRAQIREFUGEES To hear the young Iraqi refugees on their expectations of life in a resettlement country,individual interviews with university and vocational training students were conducted. IraqiswhostudiedinBaghdaddidnotnecessarilystudythesubjectoftheirchoice,sometimesduetoinsufficientgrades,sometimesduetoweakaffiliationwith theBaathparty.Thus theytendtoexpressexpectationsofwantingto“studysomemore” inaresettlementcountry,even iftheycouldusetheiralreadyacquiredexpertiseinacertainfieldtofindajobthatissomewhatlinkedtotheirtraining.Also,localteacherscoachingelementaryandsecondarylevelIraqistudentsinremedial classes were asked to invite the students to write down their notions of life in aresettlement country in a short paragraph. Some answers gave a glimpse into the parentaldiscussions at home (status in society, prejudices towards some people of resettlementcountries,mores)othersweretypicalofchildrentheirage.Responsescoveringages9‐30werethefollowing:Jalal is a thirty‐year‐old singlemanwho graduatedwith a BSc inMathematics from BaghdadUniversityin1997.HealsoobtainedadiplomaonProstheticsandOrthotics.“Myillegalstatuspreventsme frompursuing “proper” jobs, so Iwork for anelectrical companyduring thedayandstudyEnglishatacommunitycenteratnight.IdreamaboutgoingtoCanadaorAustraliatostudypharmacy,getmarriedandleadastablelife.Idonotwanttoearnalivingasateacherinmathematics. Iwas“obliged”tostudymathematics inBaghdad,mygradeswerenotsufficienttostudypharmacy‐myrealpassion.”AstheRepresentativeoftheShiahYouthCommittee,JalalmeetsmanyyoungmaleIraqisintheevening.HeconfideshowembarrassedtheyfeelthattheyhavenotaccomplishedmuchinthehostcountryandshyawayfromreturningtoIraq,notonlybecause of lack of security but also because their peers in Baghdad would look at them as

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“losers.”Among IraqiArabs, everyone is expected tomarry andmarriages among single Iraqimen and women from Jordan, Syria or Lebanon are on the rise. Jalal points out that youngmarriedcouplesinIraqhavehadtobecomemoreambitioussinceSaddamfellbecausethecostof livinghas soared. Iraq’s previous socialismmeant lowwages and lackof incentive toworkhard.“Youweretiredattheendofthedaybutyouhadnotmuchtoshowforyourefforts.Nowmore andmore couples in Iraq are becoming dual breadwinners and I know from telephoneconversationswithmyfriendsinIraqthattherolesofhusbandandwifeinthefamilyareslowlychanging,husbandsareevenbeginningtohelpmoreinthehouseholdandwiththechildren.”Ramziisa32‐year‐oldsingleShiahwhofinishedhisvocationaltrainingattheTechnicalInstitutein Baghdad. He considers himself an “expert on metal” and earns his living illegally as ablacksmith.HisfriendZiadwasrecentlyresettledtotheUSandnowworksinapizzarestaurantownedbyanIraqi.ZiadtoldRamzionthephone“ifyoudonotwork,youcannotlive.Ifyouarea pro at what you do and speak English, you will earn between five and seven US an hour.However,youwillneedtoworksecretlyinthebeginningsincefoodcouponsarenotsufficientto survive. If youadmit that youwork in a restaurant, your food couponswill be cut.”RamzidreamsaboutgoingtoAustraliawherehewouldliketoworkforanNGO.“AfterwhathappenedinIraq,Iwanttolearnallabouthumanrightsandhelppeople.”Fatma is 20 years old, Sunni, and studies Civil Engineering at the Beirut Arab University. Herfatherisapsychologistbutworksasaneditor;hermotherhasanM.A.inPhilosophyandworksas a teacher. Although Fatma’s parents cannot rely on regular income for the family, theysupportherstudiesasbestastheycan.Theydonot,however,approveofFatmaacceptingajob“on the side” to supplement income. “I cannotwork as awaitresswhen I am an academic,”Fatmaexplains,andelaboratesonherplanstocontinueherstudiesinmanagementofindustrialengineeringintheUS,UKortheGulfStatesoncesheearnedherMasterinCivilEngineering.“Idreamofinventingsomething,ratherthanworkforsomebody.”Omar is12yearsoldandattendsremedialclassesafterschool.Hedreamsabout travelling totheUSAandimaginesthescenerytobestunning.PeopleintheUSwillbegoodandthestreetswillbeclean.HeislookingforwardtogoingtotheUSbecausethereisnoracism.Heknowsthattherearesome“outlaws”intheUSbutitdoesnotreallymattersincehiseducationwillbegoodandhisfuturewillbeperfect.Hassan is 11 years old. He loves Iraq, the US and Brazil. Themountains and nature of Brazilfascinatehimandhewantstobecomefamousthere.Heknowsthatwhereverhegoes,hewillalwayshaveaspecialplaceinhisheartforIraq,missinghistruthfulfriends.Homesicknesswillnot go away. His thirteen‐year‐old brother Abdullah wishes to go to Canada to studyarchitecture. His goals are to become an important person there, “to build Canada” and tosupport his parents. Canada is a country without war and beautiful nature. He likes all thepeopleintheworldandcannotwaittogo.Their friend Jawad is 14 yearsold and imagines theUS tobe a safe countrywithout airplaneattacks.Heemphasizesthat“theUS isacountrythatwalkswiththerulesandnobodybreaksthelaw.”TravellingtosuchacountryisinhisminddifficultforIraqissinceArabpeoplecannoteasilyadapttoanewwayoflife.HewastoldthatforIraqiboysitisparticularlyhardtoadapttoAmericangirls.“WhenAmericangirlsturn10yearsold,theylearnallaboutsexualmatters.”

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Nour isan11‐year‐oldgirlwho imagines theUS tobeabeautiful countrywitha lotof space,clean air, clean streets and freedom. She expects to become a citizen in the US and looksforwardto“feelinglikesomeonefromthiscountry.”Thenegativesideisthatsomepeoplemaybecorruptanddishonestanditwilltakesuchalongtimeuntilshebecomesacitizen.Children voice the same concerns as adults in children’s pre‐departure cultural orientationclasses and have many serious questions about the new life ahead of them. In the culturalorientationprogramforchildren,ICMCcoversUSgeography,pre‐departureprocessandflight,communication skills, education, friendship and peer pressure, transportation, safety, andaspectsofUSculture.AccordingtoICMC,“manyproblemsinthefamilywillstemdirectlyfromthewideningculturalgapbetweenadolescentsandtheirparents,thefeelingofpowerlessnessof the parents, and the lack of communication about inter‐culturally sensitive topics, as thechildrenadaptnormsofthehostculture.Refugeechildrenoftenfindthemselveswithaheavyadultburdenandparentsrelyonthemtointerpretthenewculture,itsrulesandvalues.Teachers at an American public elementary school in Dearborn, Michigan describe that it isdifficult tocommunicatewithrefugeeparentsonbehaviouralproblemsof theirchildrensincetheparentsdonotspeakEnglish,andrefrainfromattendingparentteacherconferences.Thusthe students, with their rudimentary English have to become the intermediaries betweenteachersandparents,evenifitconcernstheirownmisconduct.

Part four ATTITUDESOFGRATITUDEMIXEDWITHTHOSEOFENTITLEMENT Despite widespread assumptions of governmental support upon arrival, refugees in theirtwentiesandthirtiesareeagertodowhatever itwill taketomake integration inanunknownworld successful. They are grateful for liberation from a dictator and despite the enormousnegative impact on their lives, cannot wait to open a new chapter after enduring years ofhardship,censorshipanddeprivation.Thatunrealisticexpectationsareimpervioustoinformationonthe“realdeal”isanobservationthat pre‐departure cultural orientation trainers as well as counsellors in UNHCR and NGOlament.“Refugeesclingtowhattheywanttobelieve,nomatterhowmanytimesyoucounselthem,ortheywilltrytonegotiateanamendedversionofassistancewhichwouldbeacceptabletothemiftheydonotwanttodropoutoftheresettlementprocess.”(ICMCCOtrainer)Even though refugees are aware that the services and entitlements available in eachresettlementcountrydifferwidely,especiallytheless‐educatedrefugeesfeelthatsomehow,nomatterwheretheyareresettled,theywillbereceivingsupportthatsupersedestheservicesthatwereprovidedto them in Iraqor thecountryof firstasylum.Thegeneralnotion is thatwhenyouarriveinCanadaorEurope,youwillbe“paid”bythegovernmentalittlelonger,whereasintheUS,youneedtofindajobmuchearlier.

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REASONSFORINDIVIDUALWITHDRAWLFROMRESETTLEMENT

Iraqi refugees who are in the resettlement process for the US often give more negative orpensive answers compared to Iraqi refugees about to be resettled to Canada, Australia orEurope. Refugees bound for theUS havemixed feelings about limited rental support for onemonth,obligationstopaybackthecostoftheirticket in instalmentsthreetosixmonthsafterarrival,devaluationoftheirdegreesorcertificates,andgenerallackofareliablesupportcushionbeyondeightmonths.AfewcaseswithdrawvoluntarilyfromtheresettlementprocesspriortooraftertheIOMorICMCCulturalOrientationPrograms. An increasing number of refugees are aware of the effects of the global recession onresettlement countries. Up‐to‐date and realistic feedback from recently resettled friends andneighborsistricklingintotherefugeecommunity.“Pleasedonotcome,theminimumwagesforrefugeeshavedroppedsubstantiallyandyouwillnotbeabletosupportyourfamily,evenifyouareluckytofindajob.”Thoughenthusiasticspiritsaredampened,expectationsmanagementistakingplacenaturally. IOM’sCoordinator fortheMiddleEast inAmmanconfirmedthatentry‐leveljobsforrefugeesareaffectedbytheglobalfinancialcrisesinsomeUSStates,notinall. Examplesofreasonsforindividualwithdrawalbasedonexpectationstudyinterviewsare:Iftherefugeehasnofamilymembersintheresettlementcountry,thereislessincentivetogo,especiallyiffamilymembersresideinanothercountry.Sometimesrefugeesdonottrustthesupportstructureintheresettlementcountryoradmitthattheyaresimplynotthe“self‐sufficiencytype”inatotallynewenvironment.Somehearddiscouragingstoriesfromrelativesandwereadvisednottocome.SomemarriedLebanese,SyrianorJordaniannationalsandwishtostayintheMiddleEast.Sometimeshusbandandwifehaveirreconcilabledifferencesabouttheresettlementcountrytheyareeligiblefor.

According to IOM, most recently the top four reasons for withdrawal from re‐settlementtotheUSwere:fearoftheswineflu(H1N1);uncertaintyovertheeconomicrecessioninAmerica;negativefeedbackfromalreadyresettledrefugeesintheUS;and,availability of more generous benefits in resettlement programs of other countries.IOM’sdatabaseshowsthat154caseshavewithdrawnthiscalendaryear.

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Somerefugeeshadtoborrowmoneyformajormedicaltreatmentinthehostcountry,incurreddebtstosurviveinthehostcountry,ortheywillhavetoborrowmoneyforthepenaltyexitfeeinLebanoniftheywereillegal.Whentheylearnaboutthepromissorynoteinthepre‐departureculturalorientationfortheUSandrealizethattheplaneticketsforallfamilymembersneedtobereimbursedatsomepoint,thatchildcareintheUSisnotforfree,thatrentalsubsidyisshort‐lived,refugeessometimesfindthemerethoughtofthesefinancialchallengesinsurmountable.SigningastatementthatdoesnotruleoutpotentialmilitaryserviceintheAmericanarmycanbedisconcertingforsomemalerefugees.(11)Refugees approved for resettlement in Germany withdrew because they felt the Germanlanguagewastoodifficulttolearn.Especially the “free” cases, i.e. refugees heading to a resettlement country with no sponsor,know that they will rely heavily on the service providers. When refugees are informed thatamenities (hospitals, schools, supermarkets) are not necessarily close to where they will beliving,anxietylevelsgoup.Duringthefirst90daysintheUS,forexample,thereisafairdegreeofsimilaritytowhathappenstorefugeesasStateDepartmentfundingisgivenonapercapitabasis.However,sincestateassistanceprograms(employmentassistance,welfare,schools)varyafter this initialperiod,andrefugeesareawareof this, Iraqiswant toknowwhatexactly theywillbeentitledtointheirstate.Mostquestionsinpre‐departureculturalorientationprogramsfor the US can only be answered in a general manner. Similarly, in European resettlementcountries,theresettlementbenefitscanalsovary,dependinginwhichmunicipality,regiontherefugeessettle.“WouldyouconsiderreturningtoIraq,shouldthesituationimproveandbecomestable?”“Whydoyouaskthisquestion?YoudonotbelieveinGod?”“Yes,IbelieveinGodandIwaswonderinghowyoufeelabouteventualreturntoIraq?”“Well,ifyoubelieveinGodthewaywedo,then,inshallah,wewillallberesettled.”POINTOFNORETURN When asked if they would eventually consider return to Iraq under acceptable securityconditions,allofthe95respondentsansweredinthenegative.ItisstrikingtolearnthatnoneoftheinterviewedrefugeesfeltthatIraqwouldstabilizeintheirlifetime.Occasionallyrefugeeswould express an interest visiting Iraq, to check on their homes and relatives but returnintentionswerenotarticulated. MartinisaChaldeanchefwhoworkedfortheAmericansinarestaurantintheGreenZone.Hearrived in Lebanon inMarch2009and summarized threeoptionsof survival in Iraq: “YouareworkingfortheAmericans,riskingyourlife.Youarewiththeterrorists.Oryouhideandliveonlifesavings,stillriskingyourlife.”

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Anothermiddle‐agedChaldean laughingly responded: “Doyou seeembassies inBaghdad?Doyouknowthatminoritiesareeradicatedwithscientificprecision?ImprovementofthesituationinIraqwouldbelikeamiracle.TherearenoethicsleftinIraq,andifseparationbetweenstateandreligioncannotbeachieved,therewillneverbeanIraqagain.”Another elderly male refugee put it more bluntly: “Saddam kept the lid on Iraq for manyyears…untiltheAmericanscame.Theyopenedthelid,letthecockroachesoutandtheyarenoweatingupIraq.”RESETTLEMENTRETURNEESTOIRAQ,JORDANANDSYRIA–ARECENTDEVELOPMENT At thebeginningof 2008, severalmonths before the financial crisis becameapparent andonWallStreet,articlesonresettled Iraqi refugees returning to theMiddleEastpuzzledseasonedrefugeeworkersinWashington.(12)Itishardtodeterminethenumberofreturneecasesfromotherresettlementcountries.FrancereportedonereturneefamilytoJordanduetoadaptationproblemsinmidMayandonefamilyreturnedfromAustralia.InterviewswithfourdisappointedreturneesfromtheUSinJordanandDamascusrevealedthatthe first weeks after arrival in the USA are crucial. Most of them decided to return to theircountryoffirstasylumduringthefirst10weeksintheUS. ThereasonsaremanifoldbutpointtowardsdisappointmentwithGovernmentand/orpersonalanchor.Eithertheresettlementagencydidnotoverlyattendtothecasesonvariousissueslikehousing, food stamps, cash assistance and/or the personal friend/relative could not deliverpromisesmadepriortoarrival.Sometimestheanchorisoverwhelmedbytheneedsofthenewarrivalsorsimplyhastoworkallweektosupporthisownfamilyandcannotdrivehundredsofmilesonweekendstoseetherelatives.NewlyarrivingIraqirefugeeswhodonotspeakEnglishare not proactive. Passivewaiting in the apartments for someone to come and facilitate theinitial hurdles of integration is common. Single women with small children and no Englishlanguageskillscanbedesperateforhelpindailymatters.Nervousbreakdowns,constantcryingand helplessness were reported when caseworkers or relatives were unable to be there forthem.However, in somecases, the relativeswhocontributed to thedisappointmentwould intheendfinancethereturnticketbacktothehostcountry.It alsobecameapparent in conversationswith returnees that theywerenosurewhatkindofofficialresponsibilitiesafamilymemberafterairportpickuphadandwhatexactlytheroleoftheresettlementagencieswas.Itisallonebigblurofdisappointment.SofarthereisnodatabasemonitoringthereturnofresettledrefugeesfromtheUSA.Examplesof resettled refugees who decided to return have been known to originate from the formerSoviet Union and the Balkans. The Director of the Refugee Council USA senses “that whenrefugeescome frommiddleclassor securematerialbackground, theyhavemoreoptionsandare more inclined to consider and act on returning. The Refugee Council is aware of manyBhutanese and Burmese who are struggling and facing great difficulties, but the number ofreturnsfromthesecommunitiesisnegligible,probablybecausethereturnwouldbetocamps.”IOMstaffthathavepreviouslybeeninvolvedinresettlementofKosovarandBosnianrefugeesgroups compare their experiences to the challenges faced with Iraqis.(13) None of the

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interviewedreturneeshadanyregretsabouthavingcomeback to JordanorSyria,even if thesupportstructurewasfragile.RESETTLEMENTEDUCATION:UNHCR,CULTURALORIENTATIONANDINTERNET

“Youhavelearnedsomething.Thatalwaysfeelsatfirstasifyoulostsomething”(EdithWharton)

Ideasonlifeinresettlementcountriesareinfluencedbyavarietyofsources:relatives,movies,information on the internet (websites, blogs, see ANNEX 4), rumors in the community, andrecentlydepartedfamilymembersandfriends.Pre‐departure cultural orientation programs are designed for refugees to learn what theresettlementpackageentailsandwhatitdoesnot.Iraqisaremostlyinterestedinthe‘economicorientation;’ they state they are already aware of the physical safety and freedom inresettlementcountries.Tofeelwelcome,safe,‘expectedandrespected’afteryearsoflivingdayby day in dark uncertainty, instability and fear, refugees emphasized that they need to knowhow thin or thick the layer ofmunicipal or state supportwill be, to assesswhether they arereallyuptoyetanotherchallengingnewchapter.Agreatdealofinformationfromtherefugeecommunityaswellasresettledfriendsandfamilymembershasinfluencedtherefugees,sometrue,somenot.Inaveryshortperiod(rangingfromthreehoursby theSwedishCOtothreeto fourdays for the IOMCOfor theUS) refugeesareasked to absorb a complex presentation of all facets of their future life. Most of it will berepeated again upon arrival. Pre‐departure cultural orientation can trigger last minutewithdrawal from the resettlement process and increased anxiety. Sometimes it feels “like areassuringembracethateverythingisgoingtobealright,thoughnotnecessarilyeasy.”A flurryof activity relating topre‐departure cultural orientationprograms for refugeesboundfor resettlement countries exists in all three countries in the study. IOMprepares for theUS,Canada,Australia,theUK,France,BelgiumandNorway.ICMCpreparesfortheUSinLebanon,whilethoserefugeesboundforSwedenarepreparedbytheSwedishMigrationBoard.Germanydistributes a two‐page document in the country of first asylum and briefs extensively uponarrival.Eachcountryhasitsownversionandmodusoperandi.Thisisalsothemostcrucialphaseforplantingtherightseedintermsofattitudes,openmindedness.Iftheinformationissharedearlier in the resettlement process, it can be counterproductive, refugees’ focus in that caserevolvesaroundallaspectsoflifeinthecountryoffirstasylum:WhenshouldIgiveupmyjob?Forhowmanymonthsshould Ipaymyrent? Is itworthwhileenrollingmychildren inschool?Etc.Attention levels are at their highest when it comes to education, care for the elderly andfinancial assistance. IOM refers to its pre‐departure cultural orientation program as “riskeducation”andclearlycommunicatethattheresettlementprocessintheUSAisbasedonself‐sufficiencyandshouldnotbecomparedwithothercountries.

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The IOM Program Manager for the Overseas Processing Entity in Amman is aware of thedisappointmentlevelamongrefugeesafterattendingthepre‐departureculturalorientationforthe USA. “Refugees have to come to terms with the fact that the US Refugee ResettlementProgram isnot awelfareprogramand it differs from state to state, fromcity to city. It takesdedicated staff to work in resettlement agencies; some are very well funded with greatresources,whileothersarenot.ItmaynotbethebestforwelleducatedandwelloffIraqisbutthereisacertaintypeofrefugeewhowillmakeitwhereverheorshelands.Itisalwayshardtoknowwhothetrulydeservingrefugeesareandeveniftheyhavebeenidentified,aretheyalsotheoneswiththebestintegrationpotential?”EvenifIOMissuccessfulintacklingahugeamountofmisinformationduringthepre‐departurecultural orientation, which naturally disappoints refugees, and leaves them pensive andapprehensive, there is no mechanism in place to evaluate how much the refugees reallyabsorbed. In which way they reconcile disheartening, realistic information with highexpectations after the attendance of the orientation is hard to tell. Polite refugees who feelinsecureaftertheCOtendtosay:“Iwanttoseeitallwithmyowneyesfirst.”Whentheroleofthepersonalsponsorversustheanchorpersonintheresettlementcountryisaddressed,theIOMCoordinatorpointsoutthatinsomecasesthepersonalanchor(usuallyanIraqifamilymemberorfriendsettledintheUS)promisesthenewarrivaltoomuchsupportpriorto their arrival. If thepersonal anchor fails to followuponpromisesmade, the refugees feelabandoned,confusedandtheresettlementagencycannotalwaysquicklybridgethegap.“Therearesomeresponsibilitieswhichthevoluntaryagencycannotdisposeof.Thewholeintegrationprocessisawell‐coordinatedsystem.”IOM’spre‐departure cultural orientationprogram inDamascus is delivered in a lively fashion,engaging the refugees in exercises, role‐play, personal visualization of adaptation scenarios,highlightingthedarkandfunnysidestothevariouschallengesthatlieahead.Thedailysessionslast from8till3pmwithbreaks.Theyareconducted inArabicby trainersspecializingononeparticularresettlementcountryorcontinent.Refugeestendtobondduringthisexperienceanddiscussionsbecomemore intenseas theprogramprogresses.Overall, it iswell conceivedandexecutedwithcare.Toincreasetheknowledgeofgeographyandhowthingsworkintheresettlementcountry,IOMAmman created an e‐mail address, (uscoamman@iom.int) where refugees can forwardquestionspertainingtoresettlementafterattendingtheCOaswellasuponarrivalintheUS.InthiswaytheCOCoordinatoriskeptabreastofconcerns,worries,mind‐setsoneithersideoftheresettlementarena.IOM‐Ammanalsoestablishedaresourcecenterwithfivecomputerswhererefugees are invited to use the computer to conduct research on their particular destination.IOMisplanningtohaveadatabaseonallmajorresettlementdestinationsintheUS.BackupfortheresearchisprovidedbyanArabicspeakingstudentinternwhowillbepresentinthecenterasof summer2009. IOM ispreparingscripts forCulturalOrientation for theYouthandawarethatIraqirefugeesare“toughclients.”IOMsummarizedtheirCOscriptintwopagesinArabic,highlightingthemost importantaspectstheywantrefugeestobear inmind. IOMisoptimisticthat with their latest initiatives they have found an affordable solution for expectationsmanagement.

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A PowerPoint presentation in which refugees of different nationalities briefly describe theirintegrationchallengesintheUSandAustraliaisacommonfeatureinallCOs.Itwouldbehelpfulifan Iraqirefugeecouldbe included inthemultinationalpresentationtoensurethatthe Iraqiviewerwillnotperceiveeveryoneelseonthescreenas“them”andthemessagemightbelostthathe/shewillalsobecomepartofthismulticulturalworld.The Swedish Migration Board adapted its Cultural Orientation Programs for Iraqi refugees,shorteningittoathree‐hourperiodinthehostcountryandbriefingtherefugeesatlengthuponarrivalinSweden.Focusinthehostcountryisontheactiveroleofadultsastheytaketheirfirststeps in the new country. Childcare options are discussed at length to reassuremothers thatwhile they leave their children ingoodcare, it isvital to learn the languageandgetadjusted.Refugeesare informedthat theywill receivemonetary incentives forsuccessfulattendanceofthelanguageclasses.Threepersonsconductthepresentation,twoSwedesandonenaturalizedKuwaiti Swede.Participantsareencouraged todropsome ideasof theirprevious life tomakeroom for elements of Swedish culture (women working outside the house, independentmobility, etc). To avoid misunderstandings or a too laid back approach regarding financialassistance,housingandhealthcare,problematicintegrationattitudesarealsoclearlyaddressedbytheSwedishtrainers.SomeCulturalOrientationsmightcomeacrossas“egocentric”iftheyconcentratetoomuchontherulesandregulationsintheresettlementcountryanddonotaddresstheclients’traditionsand“waysof life.”Somecanbestiffand formal,whileothersare lively,displayinga senseofhumour. Some are served in digestible pieces; some are long‐winded,mental and emotionalmarathons.What is sometimesmissing in theseportraitsof countries is the consideration forthe perspective of the viewer. Howdoes anArabMuslim or Arab Christianmind perceive allthis? What do they read into it, based on their own culture, their traditions, based on thehistoryoftheircountry?Basedontheirexpectations?Somerefugees leavetheCOsconfusedandnervous;someare inspiredand feeloptimistic.AttheendofanICMCpre‐departureculturalorientationfortheUS,ayoungmanwhohadactivelyparticipatedduringtheentiretwodaysadmittedthateventhoughhereallypaidattention,hecouldnotpiecetogetherhowitwillallworkpractically,inreallife.Itshouldalsobenotedthatthe contentof theorientation is afterwards sharedby the resettlement candidateswith theirneighborhood.Justastherefugeesareexpectedtoprocessalotofinformationonthecountryandtheculturethey are going to, should not the service providers on the other side be well informed andsensitisedastowhotherefugeesare?Thewebsiteculturalorientation.netforexample,offersacomprehensiveculturalprofileonMuslimrefugees.(14)Though service providers in resettlement countries can be overwhelmed with a constantbarrageofdemands,therefugees’attitudeandbehaviourneedstobeseeninthelightofpre‐wartrendsandIraq’ssocialpolicies.Eventhoughrefugeeshavespentseveralyearsinacountryof firstasylum, theirmentalandemotionalpointof reference is still Iraq,not life inLebanon,SyriaorJordan.ItisimportantnottounderestimatethecapabilitiesofMuslimwomenanditisimportantnottooverestimatetheadaptabilityofIraqisintheWest.

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VIEWSFROMTHEOTHERSIDE:AGLIMPSEATRESETTLEMENTAGENCIESINTHEUS American resettlement agencies like the Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program(www.vrrp.org) and the Nationalities Service Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania(www.nscphila.org) have noticed a decline in arrivals of highly educated Iraqis. They reportchallengesassistingwithsecuringjobsfortheunskilled,non‐EnglishspeakingIraqisover50.Thepressureon resettlement agencies toplace80percentof the refugeeswithin fourmonthsoftheirarrivalinanemploymentscenarioisbecomingincreasinglychallenging.SomeIraqiwomenhaveshownnointerestinjobhuntingandsomeIraqiswhoarenotkeenonentry‐level jobsperformpoorlyandlosethemquickly.EducatedIraqiswhospeakEnglishtendto do better, some even found jobs through the Craig’s list website. One refugee womanrecently confided with a director of a resettlement agency that she enjoys her new foundfreedomsomuch,shefeelslike“singinginthestreetandnobodywillgivemefunnylooks.” Anotherresettlementcaseworkerreportedthat,aftermourningthelossoftheircountry, lossoftheiridentity,lossoftheirprofessions,mostIraqiswithhighexpectationshaveadjustedtheirperspectivesoverthelastyear.OncetheIraqirefugeeslearnthatmanyAmericansdonothavehealthcareandhavetoworktwo jobstomakeendsmeet, theiroverallmindsetchangesandhighexpectationsarebeinglowered.Jobsinretailstoresorfactoriesareaccepted,thoughtheoverall conditions are harsher now for new arrivals than for summer 2008 arrivals. Aresettlement agency staffmember also reported that hourlywages are dropping, thepool offinancial resources is shrinkingand lessutilitybills, forexample, arepaidby the resettlementagencies. Themoreunemployed refugeesa resettlementagencyhasunder itswings, the lessmoney is available for new arrivals after three to fourmonths. Thematching grant programrequires them to start working within fourmonths of arrival in the US. If refugees complainaboutthedurationoffinancialsupporttheyareremindedbycaseworkersthattheywerenotresettledforabetterlifebutforasaferlife.Refugees are informed in pre‐departure cultural orientations on the US that they will onlyreceive rental support for one month; however, the reality in the US is less extreme.Resettlementagencies reserve the right toadjust,prolong,or cut funds for rentaseach casemerits.Therefore,refugeesoftenreceiverentalsupportbeyondonemonth,dependingonjobplacement,vulnerabilitycriteria,andavailablefunds.In Vermont, newly arriving refugee families are placed with an American foster family for amaximumof 10days. Thiswelcomingnest assists refugees getting over the jet lag and initialculture shock.OneadultAmerican familymemberwho ishomeduring these10daysacts aninauguratortothelocalscenario.Thenewarrivalsareshownwheretheschoolsare,howtousepublic transportation, where to shop for Middle Eastern food, how to shop in bulk to keepgrocery expenditures low, etc. Iraqis learn about high school girls playing soccer and other“confusing behaviour.” No matter how offensive or mind boggling, and irrespective of howmanyAmericanmovies Iraqishavewatched,refugeesgettheir firsttasteofanewworldtheyareall of suddenapartof.After this initiationexperience, the refugee family ismoved toanapartmentorhouse.Newlyarriving singlemotherswithchildrenarenaturally connected toavolunteertoassistwithallkindsofinitialhurdles.

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ResettledIraqiswithgoodEnglishskillsandeducationalbackgroundsaresometimesemployedbyresettlementagenciesascaseworkers.ThemerefactthataresettledArabicspeakingpersonwith know‐how of the local community and conditions welcomes new arrivals makes a bigdifference.For material support, especially in times of recession, creative approaches are explored andsometimes successfully implemented. Outreach to retail stores for donations of householdgoods, furniture,andbedding is justoneexample.TheNationalitiesCenter for instancehasastanding arrangement with Bed, Bath & Beyond to deliver discarded goods regularly to theagency. The only costs involved are payment for transportation to the office.Maybe similararrangements are in place with IKEA or other companies elsewhere but this avenue isworthwhileexploring.ApproachingthealreadyestablishedorfledglinglocalAmericanArabCommunityintheareaisvital to tether collaborations. Even though mobilizing resources is hard work, connecting,networking,awarenessraisingdoespayoffandoftenyoungAmericansareinvolvedwhointurneducatetheAmericancommunityontheplightof refugees.Publishinganewsletter inEnglishandArabicfor Iraqirefugees inthecommunity isalsoahelpfultooltostimulateandeducate.Information on summer camps for children, health fairs, Arab culture days, food baskets iscirculatedandIraqirefugeesareencouragedtocontributeideas,andcomeupwithinitiatives.EngagingIraqirefugeesinthiswayaddressesthehamperingeffectsofentitlementthinkingthatmayhavebeencultivatedduring theyearsofwaiting for resettlement. It invigorates refugeeswiththespirittheyneedtostartalloveragaininanewworld.

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ANNEX 1 References / footnotes (1)NorwegianResearchInstituteFafoSurveyontheIraqicommunityinJordan(May2007),p.43(2)DRCIraqiPopulationSurveyinLebanon,November2007(3)IOMSurveyReport,AssessmentofthePsychosocialNeedsofIraqisdisplacedinJordanandLebanon,February2008,p.73(4)PhyllisHulewat,Resettlement:ACulturalandPsychologicalCrisis.SocialWork,March1996,42,2ResearchLibrary(5)CORCenterEnhancedRefugeeBackgrounderNo.1,October2008,RefugeesfromIraqwww.cal.org,orwww.cal.org/co/muslims(6)WilliamPolk,UnderstandingIraq,ThewholesweepofIraqihistory,fromGenghisKhan’sMongolstotheOttomanTurkstotheBritishMandatetotheAmericanOccupation,HarperPerennial,2005,p.123ListeningtomanypersonalstoriesofIraqis,theirdailychallengesincountriesofasylum,uncertaintyaboutwheretheirchildrenwillgrowupandwheretheywillgrowold,onefeelscompelledtolearnaboutthehistoryoflifeinIraq.SeeingIraqiexpectationsoflifeinresettlementcountriesinthelightoftheeventsthatshapedmodernIraqprovedhelpful(7)UNICEF,EvaluationReport2003:IraqWatchingBriefs‐OverviewReport,July2003)In1989,theoilsectorcomprised61%oftheGNP,services(primarilyinthepublicsector)contributedto22%,followedbyotherindustrieswith12%andagriculturewith5%.Theoilsector,however,doesnothavestronghorizontalandverticallinkageswiththedomesticeconomythatcouldhaveamultipliereffectonemploymentandeconomicgrowth.Oneoftheresultsofthisoverdependenceonoilexporteconomyhasbeenthenarrowingoftheeconomicbaseoverthelastthreedecades,withtheagriculturalsector’scontributionrapidlydeclininginthe1970s.Therefore,theimpositionsofsanctionspost1990hadaparticularlysevereeffectonIraq’seconomyandfoodsecuritylevelsofthepopulation.Notbeingselfsufficientinfoodproduction,afterthesanctions,theIraqigovernmentintroducedfreefoodrationscomprisingof1000caloriesperperson/dayor40%ofthedailyrequirements.After1997,withtheintroductionoftheOFFP,thisgraduallyincreasedovertime.Onlyin1999couldthepercapitafoodconsumptionperdayincreasetoapproximately2150calories.In2000,itwasestimatedbyUNDPthattheaveragefamilyspentasmuchas75%oftheirincomeonfood. Since1991,whenthecurrentpublicfooddistributionsystemwasputinplacebythegovernment,mostIraqisbecamedependentonthefoodrationstheyreceivedthroughthissystem.Itisestimatedthat60%oftheIraqipopulationrelyonfoodrationstosubstantiallysupplementtheirdailyfoodrequirements.AsurveyontheextentandgeographicaldistributionofpovertyincentralandsouthernIraqinMay2003byWFPfoundthatevenwiththeabovefoodrations,oneinfiveIraqissufferedfromchronicpovertyandwasunabletomeetalltheirbasicneeds.

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(8)Al‐Khalidi,Ashraf,etal.2007“IraqirefugeesintheSyrianArabRepublic:AFieldBasedSnapshot”.Washington,DC.(9)InternationalCrisisGroup77,FailedResponsibility:IraqiRefugeesinSyria(10)Thetypesofjobopportunitiesavailabletorefugees,especiallythosewithlimitedEnglishlanguageskills,oftenmeanthatfamiliesneedtheincomefromtwoworkingadultsinordertomeetbasicneeds.InthecaseofMuslimsfromsomeculturalbackgrounds,familymembers,especiallyhusbandsorfathers,mayberesistanttohavingwomenworkoutsidethehomeinanunfamiliarenvironment.Islamstressestheroleofthehusbandastheproviderforthefamily,andMuslimmenfromsomeculturalgroupsmayregardtheneedforthewifetoworkasanembarrassment,althoughthisisnotalwaysthecase.Inaddition,Muslimwomenfromsomeculturalbackgroundsmaybeuncomfortablewiththeideaofinteractingonaregularbasiswithstrangers,particularlywithmenwhoarenotfamilymembers.Thesewomenmaybeillateasewiththejobsthatrequirefrequentcontactwiththepublic,andmayexpressthedesiretostayathome.ThefeelingsoftheseMuslimmenandwomendonotnecessarilyarisesolelyfromreligiousconsiderations;theyalsogrowoutofacomplexblendofculturaltraditions.”(seeculturalorientation.netorwww.cal.org./co/muslims)(11)RefugeesdonotunderstandthedifferencebetweentheUSSelectiveServiceandtheUSmilitary.Allmalesbetweentheageof18and25arerequiredtoregisterwiththeUSSelectiveService.ItislegallyrequiredandgenerallyreinforcedbymakingnumerousUSbenefits,likewelfare,Medicaid,scholarships,federalemployment,etc.tiedtoproofofselectiveserviceregistration.However,registeringwiththeSelectiveService,acivilianagency,isnotthesameassigningupforthemilitary.Theirfunctionissolelytocollectnamesintheeventthattherewouldbeadrafttoidentifyandnotifycandidates.TheUShasnothadanyconscription(oradraft)for35years.TheUSarmedforcesare100percentvoluntary.(12)Examplesofsomeofthearticlespublished:10January2008,ChristianScienceMonitor:StrugglingintheU.S.,someIraqirefugeesnowwanttogoback–WithfewgoodjobprospectsindepressedLansing,Michigan,manyyearnfortheiroldlifeinBaghdad.10June2008,PrinciplePictures:IraqiRefugeesStruggletoFindJobsinAmerica17June2008,CentralNewYorkNews:IraqirefugeesstartoverinCentralNewYork05August2008,TheAge:ResettledIraqisleftfeelingdumped(inAustralia)21December2008,ChristianPost:RefugeesinU.S.HitHardbyEconomicTroubles30January2009,TheNewYorkTimes:ForRefugees,RecessionMakesHardTimesEvenHarder02March02,2009,TheAssociatedPressSate&LocalWire:LifeinUtahfrustratingforIraqirefugees23March2009,TheFreeLanceStar:TwodisillusionedIraqifamiliesleaveStaffordforMiddleEast28February,2009,TheSaltLakeTribune:IraqirefugeesreturningtodangerzonetoescapepovertyinUtah(13)Somach,SusanD.1995.BosnianRefugeeResettlementintheUS:SurveyReport.Washington,DC:CenterforAppliedLinguisticsRefugeeServiceCenter,p22ff.

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SomeserviceprovidersintheUSAhavecomparedthechallengestheyfacewithIraqistosimilarchallengeswiththeBosnianorKosovars.‘Whiletheresettlementprogramyieldedsignificantnumbers,italsosufferedmanychallengeswiththerefugees.Forexample,manyBosniansfacenumerousdifficultiesadjustingtotheirnewlives,despitethebesteffortsoftheNGOs.TheseincludedlearningtospeakEnglish,findingwork,culturalshock,continuedtrauma,distressovercurrenteventsinBosnia,andthegeneralstressofstartinglifeoverfromscratch.Manyalsoarrivedinpoorhealth,buthaddifficultyfindingthetreatmentstheyneededataffordablecosts.InothercasestherolesanddistinctionsbetweenNGOsandUSgovernmentalauthoritieswerenotmadecleartoBosnians,andmanysoughtoutthewrongagenciesforvariousneeds.Finally,ithasbeenreportedthatsomeBosnianscametousetheirrefugeestatusasacrutch,andexpectedamountsofsympathyfromtheirnewAmericancommunities,whichinturnoftendidnotunderstandwhotherefugeeswereorwhattheywanted.’ (14)Thisguideprovidesinformationonthebeliefs,customs,andtraditionsthatmayinformtheworldviews of Muslim refugees and suggests ways of helping them integrate those beliefs,customs, and traditions successfully into their new lives. It was written for Muslim refugeesgoingtotheUSAbutcanbeappliedtootherresettlementcountriesaswell.

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ANNEX 2 List of expectations Iamgoingtoapowerful,richcountry,IwillnotneedtoworkIwillliveinsafety,enjoystabilityIwillhavecontrolovermylifeagainLifewillbelikesalvationIwillcherishreligiousfreedomNomorefearofdetention,Iwillbelegal,enjoyingthesamerightsastheothercitizens,evenifanaturaldisasterorcivilwarhappensMonthlypayments(rateb,musa’ada)fromtheGovernmentwillbeprovidedtomeIftheGovernmentrunsoutofmoneyforme,theChurcheswilltakeoverHousingisonlyfreeinthebeginningandthenyouareonthestreetAsaShiahIwillsendmychildrentoChristianschoolstoavoidexposuretoextremistsIwanttofurthermyowneducationaswellasmychildren’seducationMedical care is not for free, if you have cancer, you will not be treated in the USA, only inEuropeDoctors,Lawyers,Engineers,BusinesspeoplecanexercisetheirprofessionfreelyDoctors, Lawyers, Engineers, Business people need to go through the re‐certification periodwhichtakestime‐inthemeantimeyouneedtoworkinacarwashTheGovernmentwillprovidemewithajobwhenIarriveIdowanttoresettlebutIamnotinterestedinwaiting5yearsuntilIgetmynewcitizenship.AllIneedisfreedomofmovementfromcountrytocountryandmyIraqipassportpreventsmefromdoingthat.CanyouatleastmakemystayinJordanlegal?IusedtolivelikeaSultaninIraqbuteducationformychildrenmeanseverythingtome.Ionlywish to resettle for the education of my children.When I arrive in the USA, I will not needsupport.Iownanimport‐exportbusinessandwillemploy100Iraqiuponarrival.

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ANNEX 3 Questions asked during interviews Interviewswereopenedwithgeneralremarks,thankingtherefugeefortakingtimetotalkandmakingsurethathe/sheknowsthatthisconversationwillhavenobearingontheirresettlementcase,thattheinformationsharedisconfidential.Originalnamesofintervieweeswerechangedinthereportfortheirprotection.Whatdoesresettlementmeanforyou(andyourfamily).Howareyoupreparingyourself?

Whatdoyouknowaboutcountryx?Whatdoyouknowaboutculturalandreligiousdiversity,customs,clothingetc.Do you have friends, relatives in the country?Do you talk to them frequently?How?On thephone,throughe‐mails?Doyouexpecttoenjoyreligiousfreedominthecountry?Areyouawareofdifferentnationalitiesandracesinneighbourhoods,schoolsandwillyoufeelcomfortablesendingyourchildrentoschoolswithmixedethnicities?Whatkindofhousingdoyouexpecttofind?Whatisyourhousinginthehostcountrylike?WhatwashousinginIraqlike?Whatareyourcostoflivinginthehostcountry?Howdoyoumakeendsmeet?Howtoyouexpecttosupportyourselfintheresettlementcountry?Doyouhaveanyparticularplansregardingemployment?DoyouthinkemploymentwillbeguaranteedbytheGovernmentoftheresettlementcountry?Would youbeprepared towork in anentry level, low income jobwhile youare learning thelanguageoftheresettlementcountry?Wouldyoubepreparedtoaccepta jobthatdoesnotnecessarily relate toyouroccupation inyourhomecountry?Are you aware that certificates, degrees from your home countrymay not be accepted rightawaybutyouarerequiredtoundergoarecertificationprocess?Are you yourself interested in acquiring new skills or would your focus be more on yourchildren?Doyouhaveanyparticularinterestsinmusicorartordanceorsomethingelse?Wouldyoubepreparedtoadaptdifferentroleswithinyourfamilytobecomeself‐sufficient?Doyouexpecttoenjoyhealthcareevenifyouhavenotfoundajobyet?Doyouhaveahealthcondition?DoyouwishtolearnEnglishordoyouthinkyouwillgetbyspeakingyourmothertongue?WouldyouconsiderreturningtoIraqifthesituationtherestabilizes?

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ANNEX 4 Blogs and websites WEBSITESwww.iraqrefugeedoc.comwww.hardwayhome.orgwww.iraqirefugeestories.orgwww.iraqiartinexile.comwww.iraqi‐refugees.org/index3.php?do=article&id=6906www.asharqpress.comwww.ankawa.comhttp://eastkurd.blog.co.uk/2009/03/13/germany‐to‐resettle‐2‐500‐iraqi‐refugees‐5751853/www.tebayn.com/indexar.asp BLOGShttp://livingbeyondborders.blogspot.com/www.humanrightsfirst.org/blog/refugees/index.aspwww.pbs.org/wnet/wideangle/tag/iraqi‐refugees‐blog/http://therefugeesblog.blogspot.com/2008/10/refugees‐on‐move.html FACEBOOKPAGEShttp://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/s.php?ref=search&init=q&q=iraqi%20refugees&sid=ff28f0f4d9be8cd0f658e34d51862008