Ground Truth Project

The Ground Truth Project is a series of interviews with Iraqis, aid workers, returning soldiers, and others who have lived, worked or served in Iraq. The interviews offer an often overlooked perspective on Iraq by providing first-hand accounts of the realities of life in Iraq. The Ground Truth Project helps to shape the debate about Iraq in Washington by amplifying the voices of those who have been in and experienced Iraq.

By offering perspectives about Iraq that can only be gained from being there, EPIC hopes these interviews will inspire meaningful policy change and citizen action in support of a better future for all Iraqis.

Interviews

Khaldoon Ali

Khaldoon, president of the Iraqi NGO Mercy Hands, talks about delivering humanitarian aid and doing development work in war-torn communities--demonstrating the vital role of Iraqi civil society in mitigating the affects of violence and helping those most in need. (June 2006)

Nadje Al-Ali

We talked with Nadje about the impact tyranny, war, and sanctions have had on the women of Iraq, and about her genuine concerns regarding growing violence in Iraq. (March 2006)

Hero Anwar Brwz

Hero grew up in Kurdistan, survived violence there, and now works with REACH, an Iraqi aid organization. With REACH, Hero helped rebuild Kurdish villages destroyed by Saddam and advocate on behalf of vulnerable Iraqis. (June 2007)

Eric Davis

We caught up with Eric at his office at Rutgers University, where he teaches political science and directs the University's Center for Middle Eastern Studies. For two hours, we talked about what's missing in the President's "new strategy" for Iraq. (January 2007)

Sean Garcia

Following his return from a month-long visit to Amman, Damascus, and Beirut, Sean reported the conflict in Iraq is creating the "world's fastest growing refugee crisis." He saw alarming challenges facing both Iraqi refugees and host nations with no relief in sight. (December 2006)

Kirk Johnson

In 2005, Kirk worked at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) helping rebuild Iraq, first as an information officer at USAID/Iraq’s Baghdad headquarters and later as USAID’s first regional coordinator for reconstruction in Fallujah. (June 2007)

Johnathan Powers

During the war, Captain Powers and his platoon patrolled streets and maintained checkpoints. As a witness to the war's devastating impact on children, Powers became an advocate for the country's youth. (February 2006)

Hala Al-Saraf

Hala, a health professional herself, talks about the challeneges that the forced migration of Iraqi professionals has created for the healthcare system. Now back in Iraq, Hala hopes to work with Iraqi legislators on creating a more sustainable health policy for her country. (May 2007)

Lisa Schirch

Dr. Lisa Schirch, Executive Director of the 3D Security Initiative and an associate professor of peace studies at Eastern Mennonite University, discusses the Bush Administration’s approach to Iraq. (February 2007)

Dr. Rashad Zaydan

A Baghdad native and founder of the Iraqi non-profit Knowledge for the Iraqi Women Society, she discusses her experience providing job training and medical, financial and educational resources to women and children in some of the most violent parts of Iraq. (July 2006)