Donna Mulhearn, a dedicated Christian and former journalist, shares her bold journey to Iraq in 2003 as a human shield against the war. She reflects on her inner conflict and the motivations that propelled her into a dangerous situation. As she recounts the chaotic scenes in Baghdad, she discusses the challenges faced by human shields and their mission to protect crucial infrastructure. Through poignant personal insights, Donna wrestles with the impact of her actions and the role of faith in her commitment to non-violence amidst turmoil.
Donna Mulhearn's decision to serve as a human shield was driven by her Christian faith and desire to promote peace amidst war.
The shift in the human shields' mission from protecting specific sites to vital infrastructure highlights the complex dynamics of civilian protection in conflict zones.
Deep dives
The Call to Action
In 2003, amid rising tensions over the impending invasion of Iraq, many individuals began to question their moral obligations in the face of war. A pivotal moment occurred when an Australian woman, inspired by a former Marine's suggestion, felt compelled to travel to Iraq as a human shield to protest against the war. This decision was deeply rooted in her Christian faith, which prompted her to seek ways to love and promote peace. As she reflected on the teachings of figures like St. Francis of Assisi, she was driven by an intense desire to embody those values in a physical and profound way.
The Journey to Baghdad
Donna Mulhern and other human shield volunteers undertook a challenging journey, traveling approximately 5,000 kilometers from London to Baghdad, confronting various obstacles along the way. Upon arrival, they were met with warmth and hospitality from the Iraqi people, igniting a sense of purpose among the volunteers. Initially aiming to protect schools and hospitals, they were redirected towards vital infrastructures like water treatment plants and power stations, indicating the complex dynamics of civilian protection in conflict zones. This shift raised debates among volunteers about the true mission of their efforts and the implications for their initial motivations.
Confronting the Reality of War
As the bombing of Baghdad commenced, Donna and her fellow human shields faced the grim realities of war, witnessing firsthand the devastating consequences of missile strikes on civilian areas. Despite their intention to protect vulnerable sites, the violence that erupted was overwhelming, underscoring the inherent risks associated with their mission. Even in the midst of chaos, Donna maintained her faith and commitment to peace, finding solace in silent prayers amid the turmoil. Reflecting on her experiences after two decades, she stood by her belief that their actions were not in vain, emphasizing the necessity of raising voices against what they deemed an illegal war.
At the age of 34, Donna Mulhearn – a committed Christian - had grown disillusioned with her career as a journalist and political adviser. When she heard someone on the radio seeking volunteers to serve as human shields in Iraq, Donna - already opposed to the war and a staunch advocate of non-violent action - immediately knew what she had to do. Despite the objections of concerned family and friends, she travelled to Baghdad to join hundreds of other volunteers from around the world. But all too soon things got complicated. The Iraqi authorities had their own ideas about where the human shields should be deployed – and then Donna, along with other volunteers, witnessed scenes of carnage. Despite all this, Mike Wooldridge, asks, does she feel with hindsight that she did the right thing?
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