I bring you greetings from your Dominican family in Iraq. I returned from Baghdad several days ago after accompanying a US Quaker/American Friends Service Committee delegation.

While in Iraq, I met privately with the SRS. of St. Catherine of Sienna in Baghdad, our friend the Bishop, and others with the hope of gleaning a clearer understanding for the concerns and fears of the Dominicans and broader Christian community. I also delivered gifts from the US Dominicans, to the SRS. of St. Catherine of Sienna, Sr. Maryanne at St. Raphael Hospital and the Archbishop. First, let me state that you are "welcome" in Iraq. The sisters hope you will return very soon. They stated there have been "no" repercussions from previous Dominican visits and do not expect any in the foreseeable future.

It was made clear that their own safety vis-à-vis a future delegation was not at issue. As the US prepares covert operations, including assassination plots for Saddam Hussein and plans for what seems to be an inevitable invasion, there is much to be concerned about. Although the streets of Baghdad -- the surface -- has been cleaned up a bit and there is a construction boom, I found the human condition worsening and desperation replete.

There is no longer talk of hope. The UNICEF representative stated that while some sectors (electricity, food) have leveled off at an unacceptable level, the system of education continues a spiral down. Nearly 25% of children are no longer attending school. With the continuing isolation, increasing ignorance and the hemorrhaging of the educated and prior middle class through migration, the future is indeed bleak. UN officials stated that a US led bombing campaign would lead to a breakdown in the delivery system (food & medicine) and predicted immanent famine.

UN officials spoke of the erosion of Iraq's "secular state and society."

A UN handout stated that "Iraq is STILL definitely among the two to three most secular states/societies in the Middle East. There are however several indications that this secular state/society is gradually eroding."

Indicators include: a recent decree obliging all children registered (with the state) to carry Arab names or Christian names in the Arab form; the number of girls using scarfs in schools and the street has increased enormously; a recent decree to separate boys and girls in school; an increase in the number of Mosques; TV commercials playing nightly, one of an individual sitting before his computer surfing the web during the call to prayers is suddenly stricken with a heart attack and dies while another describes the Islamic steps necessary to prepare a body for burial.

Several hypothesis were offered to explain these troubling signs: Poverty leads people to seek more spiritual comfort, which renders the clergy more powerful and gives them greater influence upon state policies; with the emigration of up to 2 million Iraqis over the past 15 years many educated middle to upper class) much of the more "secular portion of society" has left and the Iraqi regime naturally seeks alliances with the majority or most influential part of society. In the past this might have meant allying itself with the middle and upper class (more secular) classes, today's strategy might be exactly the opposite.

The Sisters said that many Christians have dreamed of the Pope arriving and whisking Iraq's Christians away. But the Sisters stated that Iraq is their country and they can never leave. Many Christians have become dependent on remittances from abroad as the culture of dependence is institutionalized.

For young Christian women who would like to marry, the ratio is now 12 women to 1 one man. On the other hand, the SRS. Of St. Catherine of Sienna have a waiting list as 25 new aspirants and novices fill their dorms.

Returning to Iraq was like arriving home -- I am blessed and enriched and humanized by our many Iraqi friends. Like many of you, a part of me is left behind and can only be reclaimed through a future visit.

I come away with a sense of hope and of fear. Fear not only for the lives of our family and friends in Iraq, but for the world of violence and revenge, greed and misinformation that the US government is exalting.

A burly security guard at our hotel asked why the US continues to wage war and suggested that there is a "serious misunderstanding." He said that Iraq is their country and they will take care of their own business.

As we deal with the many issues of our day, I understand a need to recommit myself to the life struggle of Iraq's people. A need to confront members of congress and the Administration and attempt to put a human face on this country of 24 million people, to call for dialogue between the US and Iraqi governments and an end to the embargo. On behalf of our Iraqi family and friends, I ask the same of you.

I hope this note finds each of you well and I look forward to the blessings of your company in the not so distant future.

Ma' assalma,

Rick McDowell