Saturday, March 03, 2007

Darfur Hero: Awatif Ahmed, Journalist in Darfur

24 year old woman economics graduate in Darfur Awatif Isshag says, "Journalism is a profession of risk," she said matter-of-factly, her voice echoing slightly in the nearly empty room. She also said, "I will fast to get the story [in Darfur]." Ahh, but we here in the states, for Darfur we fast from luxuries and send emails. What do you say to that Ms. Isshag! Washington Post article below.

jay mcginley, Day 3 Darfur Hunger Strike, StandWithDarfurWhiteHouseII.Blogspot.com

In Darfur, a Journalist Branches Out
By Stephanie McCrummen
Washington Post Foreign Service
Sunday, March 4, 2007; Page A14

EL FASHER, Sudan, March 3 -- In this dusty market town in northern Darfur, a lucky few with satellite dishes can get news of the war surrounding them from CNN or the BBC. Others rely on a tree.

For the past 10 years, Awatif Ahmed Isshag has handwritten monthly dispatches and commentary about life in El Fasher and hung them on a short, wiry tree that scatters shade along the yellow-sand lane by her house.

Along with advice on how to be a lady, Isshag, a slight 24-year-old with an undergraduate degree in economics, has satirized the local governor and described the suffering of displaced families and gun battles in the markets of El Fasher....
Working in her new office -- a cement-floored, cracked-walled space in a building with faulty wiring -- Isshag dismissed the notion that she was doing anything unusual.

"Journalism is a profession of risk," she said matter-of-factly, her voice echoing slightly in the nearly empty room. She also said, "I will fast to get the story."

Full article: In Darfur, a Journalist Branches Out

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