Some of the world’s most inspirational women paid tribute last night to Atwar Bahjat, 30, the Iraqi journalist who tragically lost her life in the course of duty in Iraq. The tribute was led by Al Arabiya’s Baghdad correspondent Hadeer Al Rubaie, who accepted an award in memory of Atwar during the 5th Middle East Women’s Achievement Day ceremony at the Burj Al Arab, Dubai.
Watching the tribute was another face of the victims of war - guest speaker Kim Phuc - who was immortalized as the young girl in a photographer’s shot of civilians fleeing a napalm attack during the Vietnam War. Just like Atwar’s death, her image shocked the world and powerfully conveyed the suffering of a country in turmoil.
During a somber and moving occasion, Al Rubaie touched upon the ongoing struggle of Iraqis to restore stability in post-war Iraq: “Iraq is facing very hard times and we must acknowledge Atwar’s dedication to reporting the truth about what is happening.”
Al Rubaie concluded her speech by referring to the tributes from the eminent guests attending the awards: “The true condolences [for Atwar] are reflected by the large gathering here tonight. We thank the organizers and everyone here for keeping her memory alive.”
Atwar, who was brutally murdered along with colleagues Adnan Khairalah and Khalid Mohmaoud Al Falahi, are the latest members of Al Arabiya’s corps to lose their lives in the line of duty. In total, Al Arabiya lost 11 of its employees in Iraq since the start of the war in 2003.
