Home>News Center>World
         
 

US teen runs off to Iraq to see 'struggle between good and evil'
(AP)
Updated: 2005-12-30 15:15

Hassan's extra-mile attitude took him east through eight time zones, from Fort Lauderdale to Kuwait City. His plan was to take a taxi across the border and ultimately to Baghdad _ an unconventional, expensive and dangerous route.

It was in Kuwait City that he first called his parents to inform them of his plans and whereabouts.

His mother, Shatha Atiya, a psychologist, said she was "shocked and terrified." She had told him she would take him to Iraq, but only after the country stabilizes.

"He thinks he can be an ambassador for democracy around the world. It's admirable but also agony for a parent," Atiya said.

Attempting to get into Iraq, Hassan took a taxi from Kuwait City to the border 55 miles (89 kilometers) away. He spoke English at the border and was soon surrounded by about 15 men, a scene he wanted no part of. On the drive back to Kuwait City, a taxi driver almost punched him when he balked at the fee.

"In one day I probably spent like $250 (euro211) on taxis," he said. "And they're so evil too, because they ripped me off, and when I wouldn't pay the ripped-off price they started threatening me. It was bad."

It could have been worse _ the border could have been open.

Shatha Atiya sits in the living room of her home in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Thursday, Dec. 29, 2005 as she speaks to the press about her son Farris Hassan who traveled by himself to Iraq for his Christmas vacation without telling his parents.
Shatha Atiya sits in the living room of her home in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Thursday, Dec. 29, 2005 as she speaks to the press about her son Farris Hassan who traveled by himself to Iraq for his Christmas vacation without telling his parents. [AP]
As luck would have it, the teenager found himself at the Iraq-Kuwait line sometime on December 13, and the border security was extra tight because of Iraq's December 15 parliamentary elections. The timing saved him from a dangerous trip.

"If they'd let me in from Kuwait, I probably would have died," he acknowledged. "That would have been a bad idea."

He again called his father, who told him to come home. But the teen insisted on going to Baghdad. His father advised him to stay with family friends in Beirut, so he flew there and spent 10 days before flying to Baghdad on Christmas.

His ride at Baghdad International Airport, arranged by the family friends in Beirut, dropped him off at an international hotel where Americans were staying.

He says he only strayed far from that hotel once, in search of food. He walked into a nearby shop and asked for a menu. When no menu appeared, he pulled out his Arabic phrase book, and after fumbling around found the word "menu." The stand didn't have one. Then a worker tried to read some of the English phrases.
Page: 12345



Panda on show
South Korean National Police Commissioner resigns
Ukraine completes Iraq troops pullout
 
  Today's Top News     Top World News
 

Foot-and-mouth disease outbreak confirmed

 

   
 

Cross-Straits negotiator bid farewell

 

   
 

Mystery surrounds 7th human infection

 

   
 

Businessmen snap up 22 private jets

 

   
 

Japan slammed for smearing China's image

 

   
 

Accidents kill, injure 82 kids a day - study

 

   
  Former Syrian VP says Hariri threatened
   
  Iraqis line up for gas; violence kills 17
   
  US teen runs off to Iraq to see 'struggle between good and evil'
   
  London Underground strike to go ahead after talks fail
   
  Gas dispute deepens as Ukraine rejects Russian loan
   
  Iran: Russian nuclear proposal "ambiguous"
   
 
  Go to Another Section  
 
 
  Story Tools  
   
  News Talk  
  Are the Republicans exploiting the memory of 9/11?  
Manufacturers, Exporters, Wholesalers - Global trade starts here.
Advertisement