h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

In March, 2003, American planes destroyed the home of an Iraqi family just outside Baghdad. The mother, father, and most of the kids were killed. One child, Ali Abbas, who was 12, was severely burned and lost both his arms. He was sent to a poorly-equipped Baghdad hospital. With severe burns over most of his torso, it was expected that he would die. The image of this badly wounded orphan drew the attention of the world; Kuwait offered to care for him, Hollywood offered to use him, I offered to set up a web site to monitor his tenuous situation, a German travel firm offered to host the web site, and http://www.aliabbas.net was born.

Since then, Ali has recovered from the burns, he and Ahmad Hamza (who lost a leg) were moved to London (http://www.limbless-association.org), both have been fitted with prosthetics, and they're now learning to overcome their challenges. Ali was recently awarded the International Child of Courage medal.

Just yesterday, it appears that Sadaam Hussein has been captured. This does not make the American invasion of Iraq right (although if it's true, it makes a LOT of people happy! Many of Bush's actions, both internationally and within the US, have been BAD for the US and BAD for the WORLD. Wherever you live, help to spread the word! Give Peace a chance! Dennis Kucinich for President of the United States in 2004!!! (http://www.kucinich.us)