Iraqi journalist discusses experiences during war
Published Feb. 16, 2007
Zainab Mineeia, Iraqi journalist and MU graduate student, spoke to students at the Society of Professional Journalists' event "Conversations with an Iraqi Journalist" Tuesday night in Tucker Forum.
After receiving her bachelor's of English from the University of Baghdad, Mineeia not only acted as a translator for journalists on assignment, but also got information that they couldn't get as foreigners, which led her to writing and eventually journalism.
"Most journalists in Iraq rely on their cell phones because it's too dangerous to go outside," she said. "They get a lot of help from the Iraqis."
After her experience in Iraq, Mineeia wanted more education.
"I wanted to get my master's, and when I got the Fulbright, I asked myself, 'Why not journalism?'" she said.
"Zainab is one of my students, and the idea for this event came out of an office conversation about Baghdad," said Charles Davis, associate professor and Editorial Department chairman.
Davis introduced Mineeia and opened the floor for discussion. The first question concerned the atmosphere Baghdad provides for newcomers.
"Everyone should know it's really dangerous," Mineeia said. "You're target for reasons you don't know about. It's just a dangerous place†