Soon after the occupation many of the palms on the streets were hacked down by [American] troops for security reasons. We watched, horrified, as they were chopped down and dragged away to be laid side by side in mass graves... (105).
The death of a palm tree is taken very seriously. Farmers consider it devastating and take the loss very personally. Each tree is unique, it feels like a member of the family (104).
Historically palm trees have represented the rugged, stoic beauty of Iraq and its people. They are a reminder that no matter how difficult the circumstances, there is hope for life and productivity. The palm trees in the orchards have always stood lofty and resolute --- oblivious of heat, political strife, or war...until today (105).
The faces of the farmers are crushed and amazed at the atrocity...I remember one [farmer] screaming at the camera --- "Is this freedom? Is this democracy?!" And his son, who is about 10, stood there with tears of rage streaming down his cheeks and quietly said, "We want 5 troops dead for each tree they cut down..." A "terrorist," perhaps? Or a terrorized child who had to watch his family's future hacked down in the name of freedom (106).
This struggle is similar to the struggle of the Palestinians whose sacred olive trees are cut down by Israeli settlers. Listen here for more information.
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