In footage released yesterday by US and Iraqi forces, children under the age of 11 are shown simulating terrorist actions. For the Americans and the Iraqis it is sign that al-Qaeda is in trouble. Iraqi experts explain the trend suggesting that children are used because they raise fewer suspicions; they express strong criticism at how easy children in Iraq can use guns.

Baghdad (AsiaNews) – Is it a “sign of desperation” by al-Qaeda in Iraq or a tool used by terrorists to “attract young recruits” and refill the ranks of bin Laden’s followers? The footage shown yesterday has led to various interpretations by US and Iraqi authorities. In the video images show boys under the age of 11 brandishing guns and rocket-propelled grenades, taking part in a mock kidnapping and storming a building.

Iraqi experts, who accept that Islamic terrorism is on the wane in Iraq, suggest instead that the use of women and children is not tied to recruitment problems among adult males but is rather a way to get around tighter controls and increase the chances of carrying out terrorist operations.

Psychological factors also play a role in this trend.

The US military released the al-Qaeda in Iraq propaganda video which it found with another that was shot during an operation against Sunni insurgents in early December. But is not known is when the children’s video was shot and how many minors are involved.

In one scene boys in facemasks are seen stopping a man on a bicycle, taking him hostage and forcing him into a car with a pistol at his head. In another they are seen storming some buildings with trainers shouting instructions.

“This is not the first time we've observed such material,” US military spokesman Admiral Smith said. “We believe this video was produced to be used as propaganda to convince youth to join al-Qaeda.”.

Iraqi child psychology experts told AsiaNews that the children were not likely forced into this kind of activity.

“Psychologically teenagers are extremists. For them things are either black or white, good or evil. For this reason it is much easier to attract them, especially if you consider the economic rewards they receive,” they said.

In addition, the amount of weapons present in their daily lives must be taken into account.

Many Baghdad residents have seen what that can do; indeed they noticed how much children become aggressive when they have toy-guns in an environment where so many people can be seen toting their guns, from the police to the army to the militias.

AFP reported in October of last year that the only psychological study carried out in Iraq since the US-led invasion in 2003 was on children by the Association of Psychologists of Iraq (API). It found that the violence was profoundly affecting them.

“The only things they have on their minds are guns, bullets, death and a fear of the US occupation,” said API spokesman Marwan Abdullah when he released the report.

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