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Date
Time
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Venue
SOAS Main Building
Room
MB RB01
Event type
Event highlights

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The 20th March 2025 marks 22 years since the US and UK-led invasion of Iraq, an event that reshaped the country's political, social, and psychological landscape. 

The invasion was justified by politicians as a means to remove Saddam Hussein’s dictatorship and introduce democracy, yet the war and its aftermath led to protracted instability, cycles of violence, and the rise of armed groups, including ISIS. For young Iraqis born around this time, the invasion is not merely a historical event but a lived reality, and its effects are visible in Iraq’s governance, education system, gender dynamics, and civil society today.

To mark the anniversary, this event will connect students from SOAS and the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS) in a cross-border exchange around how young Iraqis view their country’s future and ask: What does the legacy of the war mean to them? How has it shaped their education, freedoms, and aspirations? What are their hopes and fears for the years ahead?

Wall with colorful artwork
Alannah Travers, Baghdad

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At the heart of the discussion will be Meethak Al-Khatib, an Iraqi journalist and filmmaker whose life story embodies the resilience, challenges, and injustices faced by Iraq’s post-2003 generation. Born in Ramadi in 1997, Meethak lived through the US-led invasion as a 6-year-old, later enduring sectarian war, terror attacks, and the fall of his hometown to ISIS. 

Fleeing alone at 16 to Iraqi Kurdistan, he became a self-taught journalist – learning English through YouTube and later working with international reporters covering the Battle of Mosul. 

We are honoured that Meethak will be joining us in person at SOAS to share his perspective on what comes next.

The event will also feature a range of voices, including journalists, human rights activists, academics and students from Iraq, who will share their experiences and research, including:

  • Hayder Al-Shakeri (Chatham House)
  • Mayaar Haitham Falih (AUIS student)
  • Noor Musah (NRC in Syria, formerly Iraq)
  • Razaw Salihy (Amnesty International)
  • Stella Martany (Assyrian-Iraqi journalist)
  • Zainab Mahdi (SOAS and Nahrein Network, UCL)

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Focusing on youth perspectives, our panel of speakers will reflect on:

  • How the generation born after the invasion understands its consequence,
  • Women’s rights, activism, and the role of young women in shaping Iraq’s future,
  • The future of academic freedom and how Iraq’s history is being taught (everywhere!)

We will also screen a short Jummar film with Jummar's co-founder, and a Q&A session to allow attendees to engage directly with speakers. We hope you can join this opportunity to hear from young Iraqis on their own terms: their concerns, and their vision for their future.

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This event is open to all and free to attend. 

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There will be refreshments available after sundown. Fasting attendees are welcome to bring their own food or leave early if needed. We will pause to allow those observing Ramadan to share food, or take a break together.

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