Images of Iraq

In this photograph, the eye immediately notices that the two figures in front are much darker than the figure in the background who seems to be surrounded by an aurora of light. This range of value implies emphasis on the figure in the background which is a Sunni militia. The focal point centered on the Sunni soldier is referring to the suffering of Sunni militias who are now being targeted in assassinations and bomb attacks. The depth in the picture which makes the two figures seem much larger and far more intimidating seems to suggest the innocence and smallness of the Sunni soldier. The Sunni soldier’s face is the only one in picture you can actually make out which stresses the sympathy of the audience toward the one figure. The photographer could just as easily zoomed in on the Sunni soldier instead of darkening the American soldiers but this would lose the effect. Thus suggesting the two dark figures on either side play a prominent role in the picture and hold certain valuable characteristics. The two American soldiers appear as some form of statues on either side of the focal point. They appear to be protecting the figure in the middle, valuing his innocence and what significance he has. This photo’s natural eeriness seems to draw together the current American perspective of the Iraq War and suggests the present and future importance of these Iraqi soldiers.