This image was taken
during a long-awaited military offense to reclaim the northern Iraqi city of
Mosul from so-called Islamic State. This conflict forced thousands of Iraqis to
flee their homes and was launched on October 17th, more than two years after
jihadists overran the city before seizing control of much of northern and
western Iraq. The photographer, although unknown, must have travelled a very
long time and spent a lot of effort in order to capture this photo.
Their purpose is
most likely to appeal to the rest of the world and show them how it feels to
live in such an environment. The picture also appeals to pathos in which the
onlooker could sympathize with the fear in the subject's eyes. The narrative
that the girl's eyes tell is that she is concerned and frightened, and as the
onlooker can tell from the background which shows a lot of smoke, that there is
most likely a conflict going on. Children, no matter where, should not have to
endure through grown men's conflict, and the apprehensive look that the child
in this photo gives to the reader makes them feel sadness and sympathy.
The photo also zones
in on the note that the adult in the background seems to be holding. The viewer
cannot see what they are holding, but it is inferred that it is important.
Whilst the city in the back is burning, the adult saw that this piece of paper
was too important to leave behind. The onlooker can sympathize with the same
passion that the adult has and their bravery in supporting their entire family
in such a conflict.
The photographer
successfully captures the raw emotions in this photo in that viewers thousands
of miles away can still sympathize with the little girl in the photo.
