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Daily Nightly Editor — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:37:06 GMT

Richard received over 500 comments for this report. If your comment isn't showing up, we apologize. We are making technical changes to our blog software.

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Rudy — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:42:33 GMT

Typical Arab activity. They claim to love their brothers and sisters in Iraq, yet exploit them completely. At least they arent buying them exclusivley as sex slaves. Like they do in Saudi, Kuwait, UAE etc...

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andrea kennedy, tucson, az — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:05:14 GMT

Please, how can I get in touch with Richard Engel? This situation, brought to you by the party of Family Values, is intolerable. Can a fund be set up to ransom these girls back to their families and give money to to other families in a similar situation so they won't have to sell their girls into a life of rape to survive? I will donate and get others to do so

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Isabella Burns — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:36:29 GMT

Please tell us what we can do to help. I have written e-mails to the President, my Democratic senator and Congressman. Where can we contribute money? I lived in Iraq, working for the UN, from 1984 to 1990, and I never saw anything like this. It is heartbreaking and I can't think of anything else.

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andrea kennedy, tucson, az — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:41:21 GMT

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Stacey Minneapolis MN — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:19:57 GMT

This is one of the most saddening and disheartening things that I have read. Is there anything that the US can do? How is it that we can sit back and allow children to be violated? Why even report it if no one is going to do anything but just stand back and shake their heads in horror. As an individual, there isnt much that i can do but I can certainly pray for each and every little girl that has fallen victim to this insanity.

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Riad, Damascus, Syria — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:22:19 GMT

Once upon time I was dreaming to live in USA becuase it was the Symbol of freedom and justce butnot anymore after the unjustifyed war against Iraq. For your information Iraqi refugees in Syria are much more than 2 milions about 2000 Iraqies come to Syria every day. I live in Damascus and I see every day the sufferings of Iraqies in Syria not only Iraqies who suffer but also the average-incom Syrias suffer alot due to the reality that since Iraqies started to take Syria as a save heaven the prices of every thing went up. The USA should shoulder the responsibility of what did for All Iraqies.

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Christine, New Castle, PA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 21:01:17 GMT

I got an idea how about we take care of our own right here in the United States instead of feeling bad for other countries and wanting to save the world we have child prostitues right here under our noses......And yes there are child prostution rings going on right here in our own country, USA is just in denial.....
And all you other countries arent the only ones feeling the rath of this war our prices sky rocket we lose loved ones to tragedy, some of us can barely afford to get to work and support our familys I know familys that have lost everything.........So how about we worry about our own for once............Sorry to be so blunt but I am a us citizen that struggles to make ends meet and most because of taxes due to war efforts*So honestly give me a break* My husband is a disabled Vet and he gets nothing for his injury sustained to help feed another country

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Crystina Wyler, Miami FL — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 21:16:20 GMT

Blessings on you Peter Engel for bringing this story out! Yet another tragic story resulting from this senseless war! First I was stunned and speechless, now I am fuming mad!
Please tell us how we can help! It is our responsibilty....there must be a way, an organization, a group of individuals like the ones that are reading and writing to you right now. Please tell us how we can help. This is a human rights issue, it no longer is a political issue. We must be able to do something.

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Laurel Noel, Leonardtown, Maryland, USA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 21:21:25 GMT

Thank you, Richard, for your poignant report. I'm with Andrea from Tucson - I would be more than happy to pledge a monthly $ amount, to "sponsor" an Iraqi refugee, so that she would not have to live such an horrific, dehumanizing lifestyle. Shame on the club owner, and on all of his patrons, for participating in the rape of these young women. May they all rot in hell.

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Jenny, Harvard, Illinois — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 21:21:49 GMT

This is horrifying. I don't understand how our government will step in to a war over OIL, sends money to other countries for who knows what and to pay for war over OIL, but doesn't do anything about children being exploited and abused. If we were at war for children's freedom, and to protect them that would be a cause that I think most could stand behind, but I know we never see that, it is all about oil and the all mighty dollar. People (especially children) in the eyes of our government seem expendable. This is what greed does. It is disgusting.

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Tommy cincinnati Ohio — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 23:05:42 GMT

You would think the religious, middle east would try to help the poor and down trodden of the middle east instead of using them, oh I forget that is what they have always done, if you are a sixty year old man having sex with a six or seven year old girl that is ok. As it has always been.

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YVONNE,FAIRFIELD,CA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 23:41:05 GMT

This is a very sad story. this is what war brings I hope that the families that send their children away to work they will find other ways to earn money. And stay together as a family.

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James Trent, Ames Iowa — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 11:54:08 GMT

Tommy from Ohio is pretty close to summing up this mess, if only he'd dropped "middle east" from his posting he'd have hit the nail on the head. You would think the religious, whereever they are, would try and help the poor and down trodden. But it seems the only thing these hypocrite priests, televangelists and imam types share in common is an unseemly interest in children. And I simply can not find what passages in either the Bible or Koran these righteous fellows must have found to condone their behavior. That's why its annoying that there are a thousand different versions of the Bible, let alone the Koran, etc. It makes it difficult for the clergy to indoctrinate a common moral code in the people of the world, or even amongst themselves......

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Andre Leonard, Gallup, New Mexico — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 15:00:32 GMT

Richard Engel has done an outstanding job of pointing out yet another terrible side effect related to the war in Iraq. I hope he continues to keep us informed as to the girls mentioned in this article.

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Gloria Rodriguez, Eloy, Arizona — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 20:08:43 GMT

Ok. I read the comments posted and I have to say that I am saddened and disheartened by it. What most people forget is that "this" has been going on for well over hundreds of years. It didn't just happen overnight and most certainly not because of the war. You think that it is "just" the refugees that are being sold. Please, take a moment to get your head out of the sand and realize that it isn't. And it isn't just in the "middle-east". It is all around the world. Even here in the US. Conveniently covered up as pretty much everything is, because lets be honest, what country do you know has admitted to such atrocities. Don't misunderstand or misjudge me for speaking the truth. It is truly a horrible thing to know this is going on and not being able to do anything about it because in reality, you can't. Sure you can set up a fund and send money and believe that you are sending to a good cause and truly saving these children. In the end, it comes down to the "almighty dollar" as one commenter put it. (Other means of transportation without "oil" include, walking, jogging, and riding your bike. Oh and there is also horse & buggy or just horseback if your so inclined.) Why not save your money and find out how to put your "time" and "effort" into helping "your" community. Why not start where you live instead of trying to reach half-way or all the way around the world. Seems a much easier target don't you think?

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desert flamingo, Phoenix AZ — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 23:40:21 GMT

Go to any major truckstop in the U.S. and any major city and you will find young girls - 12-15 forced into a life of prostitution. Regrettably, the last post was right, this occurs every minute of every day and has since the dawn of Man.

I do feel we need to be out of Iraq and bring our troops home. The "plan" hasn't worked, things worsen in Iraq instead of getting better. They are a divided people and will not be able to settle a very old fight between Muslim sects and we cannot Big Brother them into getting along and doing things our way. If we continue our current policy, we only invite more troops being killed and further terrorist action against us.

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Shaheen Hasan,Columbia,Md — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 00:57:56 GMT

Thank-you Engel for bringing this saddening story to my knowledge,no doubt these are the horrors of war.What upsets me the most is that these girls did not deserve to be sex slaves.It is not their fault thst we Americans invaded their country and our political leaders acted so irresponsibly for their own political gains.If we went in Iraq we should be more responsible of the horrors of war.Not these innocent girls who have to be humiliated to sell their bodies just to survive.We as Americans should be sponsering these girls and try to bring this war to an end,so thatthose who can not be sponsored,can go back peacefully to their native land.Let me know how I can help these children.

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Tony S — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 01:44:15 GMT

In reply to the comment from Christine's from New Castle PA on July 11, 2007. You are right in that we have problems right here in our country. However you either fail acknowledge or simply ignore that the major cause of suffering in this case is the USA's or Bushes imoral war on the Iraqi people in a grab for power and fortune caused this suffering. Wake up to that.

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Eiba , Damascus ,Syria — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 18:30:10 GMT

Here we are struggling in our country because of Bush administration's mistakes
for your information Richard ,Syrian law does allow Iraqis to work ,
more than 2 millions Iraqis are now in Syria , they get free education an medicine the same as Syrians get but it became so difficult now , a country like Syria where unemployment rates are also high can not fit for 2000 new refuges every day .
UN should take responsibility because the situation is getting worse and worse

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Riad, Damascus, Syria — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 17:47:45 GMT

In reply to the comment from Eiba from Damascus Syria I add my voice to yours. What's funny that some of the readers criticise Islam, Arabs or Syrians in general as if we are cannibals ignoring the reality that USA led a bloody war on Iraq that led 10 million Iraqis to be refugees around the world and led some of the poor of them to “survival sex.”. However, Syrians in general are supporting Iraqi refugees in Syria as much as they can because Iraqis and Syrians are brothers. The Syrians are sharing Iraqis their bread, schools, hospitals… Finally, in every community in the world disregarding religions there are greedy people who take advantage of the need and the suffering of others.

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Shaheen Hasan,Columbia,Md — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 00:09:27 GMT

Dear Engel,do let me know of any relief organizations
that work there,so I can get in contact with them.A part of me has died, already ever since I saw your
segment.Thank-you.

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Michail. Damascus , Syria — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 09:09:50 GMT

this is the case in all the Araic world even without a war the market of the sex here is larger than any where els so don't get surprised to hear or to read about this for some people suffering from a war, but still very hard situation for those Iraqi people in the Arabic world only.

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Marsha, Florida — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 03:06:34 GMT

It is sad how the greed of our president Bush along with his bad politics have caused so much pain and suffering for so many people, including the girls of this article. The USA and other countries soldiers that have died or are injured mentally or physically over the war of greed. I feel horrible about the young girls having to sell their bodies for moeny.

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Val Doe Walnut Creek, CA — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 23:24:03 GMT

Rudy, I found your comment to be incredibly rude. I am not an arab, but they are my neighbors being of Iraqi descent. I don't find that child exploitation is "typical" of any region or culture. We have it right here in the US, as well as many countries in asia and europe. So please don't go mouthing off about middle easterners or arabs unless you are absolutely sure they are the only group for whom this is "typical".

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MANOHAR Bangalore,India — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 08:55:19 GMT

For heavens sake we have to oppose these stark human rights violations on the refugees especially the young girls.thanks to reporter like u who bring stories such as this for us to ponder over the future of our world.keep it up.

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Shaheen Hasan,Columbia,Md — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 17:33:11 GMT

Richard,iam still waiting for your response of any relief organisation with whom i can get in contact with to help these girls.Since you did this segmentI am sure that you must be having some knowledge.I did call the Red Cross they too are lookig into this matter.Or can you give me your email or address so i can contact you.A prompt reply will be appreciated.

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John Doe, US. — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 13:00:10 GMT

US its own society, most women’s is raped or prostatute. So therefore US wanst to create sociaity to similar to his own.

Look at US. Military women’s, in order to be survey in US. Military as a woman either you have to be prostitute, hor or dyke.

So, this is 21.st century of the west and they call this DEMOCRACY!!!!...

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Mohamad Barakat , Damascus , Syria — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 07:30:45 GMT

IRAQIS in Syria ruined every syrian's life !!
two of these cases : iraqis who stole money from iraq , and ranaway to damascus with millions of USD, they r so rich , NEVEUX RICH !! new rich , they just spent money the way they like , rentin houses , cars , villas , whatever , they make any fare of any syrian made so high , the word " HOUSE " became a dream for any syrian , to buy or rent a house .. houses fare become more expansive like 10x times at least
now let's talk about the other iraqis , who came with no money , they r so poor , they work by SEXING for money , as u said , survival sex , whatever , they r so cheap and DIRTY , they brough AIDS to Damascus , the city that never heard of this virus ..
they made syria like a -20 Star , cuz they have nothin to do but have sex which means have money..
dirty sex , dirty people , dirty hotels , dirty minds , just GET THE HELL OUT OF SYRIA !! WE DID REALLY GOT BORED !!
we're seekin for our jobs , just imagne that shops r gettin the iraqis to work, cuz black market , they pay 30% of what they pay for the syrians ..
that's it !!

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Norah, Amterdam, North-Holland — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 21:20:03 GMT

Damn this world is becoming so mad. This is the saddest story Ive ever heard. Wow, but you all got to remember, this is what war does we did this with our own hands, or lets say Bush's hands. anyways, the selfish pple that have commented(Rudy and M. Barakat from damas); stop talking and do something. How wud u feel if u were put in a situation like this? living the life without hope, not just iraq but every country that is being faced to war. its just extremely stupid and were all a bunch of morons for letting this happen..

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Carol San Diego , CA — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 06:44:29 GMT

My Message is to Richard Engel,
I admire the work you are doing in the Middle East. I come from a family that has ties to the military for my father was in the Marines and my mother is from Okinawa. They met because of the Vietnam War... How Ironic is that?? I often think that maybe i would not be here for it had not been because of that war...I read the comments of people who are so angry of this war.. me included, but you cannot judge people for what is enforced upon them or look down upon Americans as barbarians, for every person is trying to do what is right for all mankind.. I know that my father did not want nor wish to this day that any young man or woman ever have to go to war and he served his country and the military for over 20 years!
I wish you all the best.

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Lawrence Darwish — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 07:57:21 GMT

I hope all the sick people who supported the war are happy now. Syria has to bear the brunt of this problem every day