Iraqis in Syria Not Refugees

The reluctance of Iraqi refugees to go home is putting pressure on the Syrian population, the pro-government website Damas Post reported on September 13.



Damas Post asserted that the Iraqi government appears serious about its efforts to bring people home, but noted that refugees are not responding to the call. Meanwhile, Syrians have very little and are forced to share what little public services they have – such as electricity, water and buses – with Iraqis, according to the website.



The site said the Iraqis in Syria should not be described as refugees, and claimed that they have effectively settled down to live and “work as Syrians”, even though they are not legally entitled to take jobs. They send their children to state schools, using local resources, acquiring property and even criticising the government.



“It's easy to recognise young Iraqis from their looks. They have fashionable haircuts and clothes, and they spend their time in internet cafes, gyms and pools. It’s a lifestyle that’s a lot different from that of a refugee,” said the website.



There are about 1.5 million Iraqi refugees living in Syria, and aid agencies have reported that many live in desperate conditions. At the same time, many Syrians believe the Iraqis who arrived after 2003 are responsible for driving up inflation and housing prices.