A café in Baghad: in the al-Mutannabi street districtHow much do Americans really know about Iraq and W.’s military adventures there?

While scores of books appeared subsequent to the invasion and occupation that began in March 2003, few Hollywood films and documentaries delved below the surface ("In the Valley of Elah," for example, dealt more with Iraq vets here at home than "over there"). Moreover, since  the Occupation, fewer than 250 Iraqi nationals have been allowed to emigrate to the United States with refugee status (while over half a million crowd into Amman, Jordan). And for years, American media was banned from broadcasting or publishing images of body bags or coffins. Somehow, Iraq became remote, filtering through to us in a haze of figures and statistics.

Reviewed by Catherine BatruniBook Cover

The processes of self-discovery, inner growth, and understanding oneself and the world are only a handful of the numerous intrinsic rewards of traveling. Every so often, something in our hearts stirs us in a kind of epiphany and encourages an abandonment of our monotonous routines. This is exactly what happens to Maliha Masood, author of "Zaatar Days, Henna Nights", when she quits her tech job in Seattle and buys a one-way ticket to the Middle East. She spends approximately a year and a half exploring Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Turkey. What some may find unusual is that a Muslim woman-and an American at that-was sufficiently footloose to brave the Middle East alone.

Arena Productions presents a benefit concert for the documentary “Children of War,” directed by Bryan Single. This evening features a performance by the Element Band followed by DJ Remy as he plays music from around the world.

Silent Auction featuring artwork donated by Vahe Berberian, Vachag, Sev, Farzad Karimi, Upper Playground, Sam Saghatelian, Roobo, Jon Draggonette and Edik Havobian. 100% of proceeds will go towards the release of the feature length documentary “Children of War.”

Filmed in the war zone of northern Uganda, Africa, this is a unique and incandescent documentary which follows the emotional and spiritual journey of a group of former child soldiers as they undergo a process of healing in a rehabilitation center.

Purchase advance tix online here. For more information on the film please log on to www.childrenofwarfilm.com.

The Element Band