While staying in Jordan, roughly half of my coworkers were war refugees. Each had his own unique stories and experiences. I found time to talk to one, a late-30’s former taxi driver from Homs, a major rebel stronghold in the Syrian civil war. I’ll refer to him as Abu, a word meaning ¨father¨ that many Arab men use as part of their nickname.
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March 23rd, 2015
Into the Mild (ItM): How did you end up in Jordan?
Abu: It was very unsafe in Syria, I drove here with my family 13 months ago.
ItM: Why did you choose Jordan?
Abu: It was the only country that was accepting refugees without passports and I didn’t have a passport.
ItM: Are you working with any international aid agencies or non-governmental organizations here?
Abu: Yes, I am working with the UN. They are trying to get me a visa to live in Germany or Australia but I am nervous about the security check, I am still waiting to hear from them.
ItM: Why are you nervous about the security check?
Abu: Because other countries are not accepting refugees.
ItM: Do you plan to return to Syria eventually?
Abu: Yes, when it is safe. It must be safe for me to go back, but I want to stay there (Germany or Australia) permanently… My car, home, family, friends are all from Syria but I have no life left there.
ItM: Was life better under Assad?
Abu: Yes. But the war is good. I’m glad it’s happening.
ItM: What is your opinion on western intervention?
Abu: (It) Is nice because Daesh (Islamic State) is not Islam.
ItM: Are you devoutly religious?
Abu: Yes. (Abu is a Salafist, a strand that practices a strict and literalist version of Sunni Islam)
ItM: How do you feel about Islamic State (IS) claiming a caliphate?
Abu: This does not represent me or my religion.
ItM: Why do you feel there are not stronger protests against IS in the region?
Abu: I don’t know.
ItM: Why do they have so much popular support?
Abu: I don’t know. They have so much money, better weapons, (they) can take control of areas.
ItM: How do you feel about Jordan bombing IS targets in Syria?
Abu: I’m fine.
ItM: Do you support the Syrian government (against IS)?
Abu: No (agitated).
ItM: Do you know anyone in IS or the Syrian military?
Abu: No (agitated).
ItM: What do you imagine will happen (in Syria)?
Abu: I don’t know.
ItM: What do you hope will happen?
Abu: A new government
ItM: Would you return to Syria (with a new government)?
Abu: Yes, but only if it is safe. I have two children and my wife is pregnant. It must be safe.
ItM: Thank you for your time, I hope you’re in a better place before we talk next.
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