Seattle Times reporter Hal Bernton is leaving Iraq, but he filed this interesting story about an Iraqi exile returning to his homeland. He lived in Seattle prior to his return.
By Hal Bernton
Seattle Times staff reporter
QAL'AT SUKKAR, Iraq — The daily livestock auction is a roadside affair. A collection of scruffy sheep and goats appears at the highway intersection, led by a clutch of farmers eager to deal.
On this morning, a dust-streaked BMW slides up. Out steps Khuder Al-Emeri, wearing a gray robe. His deep-set eyes, hinting of sorrow and stubbornness, are hidden behind gold-rimmed sunglasses.
The farmers circle him and yell out a litany of complaints, hoping that his U.S. connections will help them understand.