I'm a student at Leeds University where I study chemistry. I originate from Iraq but moved to the UK when my parents came to study at Hull University. I went back to Iraq for the first time in 2001 and I found a beautiful country. The people there have very good hearts. During my second visit in 2004 I saw significant changes because the country was in the middle of a war. Saddam's face pulled off I remember on my first visit there was a massive board when I arrived in Iraq with a picture of Saddam. On my second visit I saw that half of his face had been pulled off. That was really symbolic regarding how Iraq had changed.
 | | Hind canvassing during an election |
The first time I went the streets were really busy. In Iraq things don't close until two o'clock in the morning. The second time I went there were curfews and people were scared. The atmosphere had changed. We went to a market where we were looking at some gold. Gold is very expensive there. I picked up a necklace but couldn't decide whether I liked it or not. The owner said, "Take it home with you. Sleep on it and see whether you like it. If you like it bring it back and pay for it. If you don't like it just bring it back. Either way it's fine." I was really surprised. My dad didn't find it strange at all. I found it quite shocking. I was quite humbled by the trust they put in a complete stranger. This would not happen in the UK. As much British as Iraqi I haven't decided yet where my future lies. I would love it to lie in Iraq but I think circumstances have taken that out of my hands. I think (living outside Iraq) I could do a lot more not just for my country but for other countries that are suffering from occupation. I feel as much British as Iraqi. In England I don't tend to fit in anywhere because I am slightly different but then when I go back to Iraq I find that I don't really fit in there either. I feel a loyalty to both countries. (This article is user-generated content (i.e. external contribution) expressing a personal opinion, not the views of BBC Leeds). | 
