Here are a few resources for you to review to elevate your knowledge about the country of Iraq and what has led to its refugee crisis. If you work directly with people from the Iraq, this may help you put some things into context.

Note: Catholic Community Services of Utah (CCS) Migration and Refugee Services department serves refugees and displaced peoples from all sides of national and cultural conflicts. Therefore, the perspectives in these resources do not directly reflect the perspectives of all of CCS’s clients. It is recommended that you not assume an individual’s personal beliefs about a conflict.

Resources:

CORE Iraq Backgrounder

Iraq Backgrounder Oct. 2008.pdf

Iraq Country Conditions Report

A document showing a timeline of relevant historical events in Somalia and the current situation as of 2015 

Refugee Families from Iraq

A document giving a brief but thorough overview of some characteristics about refugee families from Iraq

Little Kurdistan: Nashville Public TV

A video showing the resettlement experience of Kurdish refugees in Nashville, Tennessee

**Not all Kurdish refugees originate from Iraqi territory

Iraq's Cultural Heritage

A brief overview into the various influences on Iraqi culture. 

Geographical Beauty of Iraq

A series of photos and descriptions of cultural and physical landmarks in Iraq.