100 HOURS IN BAGHDAD IN 2024

Hi friends, it would mean the world if you supported our ability to keep making videos like this one and our fundraising efforts here through Seek Discomfort's new drop live now:

Then just a note from Thomas here, I am super grateful and humbled to have the ability to create and share stories like this one. I know this isn’t the most algorithm-optimized, easy to consume, but I do feel that we need more stories like this more than the mindless YouTube challenge content. So I do hope it resonates with you and that it can, as I say in the video, build a bridge or plant a seed for empathy within us. I appreciate any and all of your support whatever it looks like from liking, commenting or buying some Seek, all of it goes a lot further than you can imagine. Much love to you all, see you on the next one.

Thank you to Aya for taking us, follow and contact her here:

🙏🏼 Thank you for making these videos possible through your support of Seek Discomfort

Hosts: Thomas Brag, Staffan Taylor
Filmmaker: Tarek Turkey
Editors: Thomas Dajer, Cam Peddle, Driaan Louw, Aidan Chua,
Producer: Melida Berton
Production's Assistant: Beatrice Longo

[Zaeemkhalat]

Thomas coming to my wedding was a dream come true. He made my wedding day super special, and now seeing a part of that day here on Yes Theory channel and seeing all the beautiful comments from the Yes Fam is something that I can’t describe with words.

I’m very grateful for being a part of this amazing community.


Thank you from heart ❤🙏🏼

[Husseinsadeq]

As an Iraqi, i thank you from the bottom of my heart for showing earth this truth

[lawenbsse]

I had the incredible luck of meeting Thomas in Kurdistan, Iraq, where I got to be his main driver and guide. It was an amazing experience, and I couldn't believe I actually met him in person—it was a dream come true!

By the way, it's me, Laween Faiq, ZAEEM's friend.

Thank you, Yes Theory, for creating this beautiful community!

[malsorshefkiu]

Hi, im from Albania and currently working in Basra / Iraq, i can tell u that these people have the biggest heart compared to many countries that i have been to. As u saw in the video when you are a tourist in Iraq its impossible to pay when you hang out. They will offer you shelter, food and anything you need and will never ask anything in return. I had tears in my eyes the whole time watching the video and being happy for my Iraqi brothers and sisters.

[drewbinsky]

BEEN WAITING FOR THIS EPISODE FOR A LONG LONG TIME! SO HAPPY TO SEE THAT YOU WENT TO BAGHDAD - IT'S ONE OF THE MOST FASCINATING AND CULTURALLY RICH CITIES ON OUR PLANET!!

[remansalo]

Hiii, I am Ezidi here. Just watching your video and seeing you sharing our culture makes me happy. Thanks for coming here.

[michealsikora]

As a Christian American 🇺🇸, I cried a few times. To see the humanity of my brothers and sisters around the world. After so much hurt and destruction; these beautiful souls continue to rise. To welcome strangers in their homes. To love generously and walk softly.

Much love from me to you. I’m sorry for my countries dehumanization of you and its unspeakable wrongs committed. 🙏🏽 May you continue to rise from the rubble and blossom into a new day.

[rabooba]

"I put you in my heart" might be the sweetest thing i've ever heard in my life!!

[brianleiser]

I was an American Soldier, and spent a year in Baghdad from 2005-2006. Mostly in Karradah, Al-Dora, and Al-Kindi. I watched every minute of this intently, to see if I recognized anything. I spent many days on patrol in the back streets of those neighborhoods. I made many Iraqi friends, some are now here in the U.S. Others are dead, and I miss them dearly. Especially my good friend Ruqqaya Ibrahim, who we called "Sarah", She was one of my interpreters and was fearless on many missions. She died in 2017 and is missed by so many.

I was an invader, but the Iraqi people were kind and warm. I cannot take back the reasons why I was there, but I learned much from the Iraqi people and was changed by my experiences.

Thank you for this video. It brought back many memories.

[sparkytuttle]

I am 70. I am convinced that the people of the world are more alike than not. Yes, we come from different locations, we have different cultures, different biological markers but all that is surface level. What remains in the true human soul. What divides us ...is our leaders. They divide us with fear, lies, hatred, greed and violence. What if we got rid of all governments, each community weed out the trouble makers and we all learn to love and respect each other?

[shanno]

This video blew my mind... im not one to believe everything i see in the media but when this place is shrouded by misrepresentation, fear mongering, and false news its hard not to believe what you see infront of you. Watching this confirms that you need to go and see things for yourself as yet again, Yes theory proves how beautiful these places can be!

[mamakat]

I was deployed to Iraq in 2003. I spent the first 5 months in AL Hillah. I was fortunate enough to be able to interact with the local people on a daily basis. I became close with a few of them, but there was a mother and her young son who captured my heart. We didn't speak the same language and most of our communication was done through an interpreter. But they became family. On our last day in AL Hillah she brought her husband and daughters to see me. Her husband gave me a ring that he had been wearing & told me its to remember them.I wore that ring for almost 20 years before the band snapped. I miss my friends dearly & I think about them quite often.

I have told everyone for the last 20 years that the people of Iraq are amazing people. They are warm, welcoming, and proud to share their culture. I had so many wonderful experiences in Al Hillah because of the people who lived there, despite the conflict that ravaged the country at that time.
I wish someday I can go back. 🤞

[HigherSelfKorea]

OMG!! What an amazing documentary!! You really show that PEOPLE and POLITICAL NARRATIVE are definitely the not the same!!! Just beautiful!

And even the ad made me cry!!

[jerryfletcher]

As someone living in a Western country i cannot believe how welcoming, gentle and overall awesome the people from baghdad are.
I hope that this country will never experience a war again and iraqi people will live in peace. Thank you for this! <3

[ahrenek]

People in every country want the same thing - peace, happiness and connection. Thanks for showing us that Iraq is no different. I hope one day to experience their warmth and hospitality.

[shukran]

When aya said, “This is my home, ” she made me cry. I still haven’t lived the life I want, but I’m starting to realize that I must make my life in my home in Iraq, and I hope to help build it.
Thank you for this beautiful vedio and thank you for coming 🤍

[brandonhall]

I'm 43 years old. Iraq has been embroiled in various conflicts for the majority of my life; a lot of it as a result of the actions of my home country. It has always broken my heart. The end, when you were speaking with your guide, broke my heart all over again. And then, you showed the concert and the football match... My boss stopped by my desk to check on me, that is how much this video impacted this middle aged man from Montana. Keep doing your work, you fabulous humans!

[poprostuiga]

It amazes me, how kind and beautiful all of those people are! Such heartwarming hospitality, kindness, and openness! Wow! The world needs more people like Iraqis!

[tomdw]

I met a lot of Iraqi's during my time studying flight training in England in 2010-2012. I remember them till this day, for the friendly and kind hearts they have. From day one they treated me like a brother and have to say that I find them more pleasant than western people; no despite towards eachother, they act like one big family, they rooting for the best for you and no jealous behaviour. This video once again shows me that it wasn't just coincidence but the way they live life, and I really appreciate them for it.

[hadoshalawal]

يالله حبايبي اشعر بالاسف على حال الايزيديين في بلدهم ناس من الطف الكائنات وانقاها ربي يديم الامن وسلام على جميع الشعب العراقي