TOW #15

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.