The Christian Science Monitor has a moving feature on Allan Enwiyah, Jill’s interpreter who was killed during her kidnapping. Here is an excerpt:
I worked with Allan while on a stint in Iraq in December, just before the national elections. During those weeks, I came to know an easygoing young man who took his job seriously, but who liked to gossip, always good-naturedly, about Iraqi politicians or international stars. He dressed nattily – crisp jeans and a sport shirt or T-shirt that looked more Western than Iraqi. And while he was interested enough in the politics of what then was an Iraq deep in campaign mode, he saved his passion for his young family.
I had known other interpreters during my stints in Iraq who seemed to use the job to escape their families and those duties, but clearly for Allan, the job — as interesting as it was to him — was a means to an end. He was not a daredevil, not even really a newshound. Which somehow makes his death all the more tragic.
Tomorrow, Jill will have been held captive for two whole months. To her kidnappers I say: Please, have some mercy! Set this innocent reporter and wonderful human being free. Enough is enough!
Three easy pieces from the Middle East-hers
1. Here is an fascinating picture essay of women who have transitioned to the hijab, Camilla included.
2. Living in Egypt’s pictures and prose from the recent marriage of her 17-year-old housekeeper capture the most heart-warming(and most troubling) aspe
so good to keep soles with names , names with faces …..
far better than “her interpreter” “the interpreter” “an interpreter”
imagine if we did this for more people caught in the crossfire of hate
perhaps we would be a little less numb
ps at bottom of story is place to make donations for Allan Enwiya
Allen– you are still in our hearts. We will take care of your family as we know you will look after them as an angel.
love,
your cousin
Oh,
I met Allan during a workshop in Amman, he was such a fun and active person!
We live in such a sad, sad, world!