War Graffiti
These images were taken in October 2005 at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar in an
attempt to document what is likely one of the largest concentration of graffiti
by U.S. & Coalition military members in recent years. This graffiti appeared
in a semi-permanent structure that serves as a holding area for individuals
flying into and out of Southwest Asia. Most passengers are transiting to the
U.S. military base called Camp As Sayliyah, located in Doha, Qatar. It serves
as a makeshift R&R site for U.S. personnel serving in Southwest &
Central Asia.
Photography is essentially frowned upon by the U.S. military and is actually
forbidden on most bases overseas. Interestingly enough, writing graffiti is
also against regulation, as it is considered vandalism and defacement of government
property.
While I waited for a flight in this
makeshift holding area, no one added to the graffiti, but based on the amount
of writing, thousands of people had done just that. Perhaps each a small form
of protest or merely an expression of defiance and futility that often permeates
a war zone.
bill gau
