Top Stories

Angelina Jolie Visits Iraq

Angelina Jolie Visits Iraq

UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador Angelina Jolie traveled to Iraq and Syria to see first-hand the humanitarian needs there — the plight of hundreds of thousands of families uprooted by the ongoing conflict in Iraq.

According to UNHCR, “Yesterday in Damascus (Syria), Jolie visited a UNHCR registration center and spent hours talking to Iraqi refugees in their homes. Today, she crossed into Iraq to visit 1,200 refugees trapped in a makeshift camp at the border, unable to flee Iraq, and later watched scores of Iraqis crossing into Syria at a border checkpoint.”

“I have come to Syria and Iraq to help draw attention to this humanitarian crisis and to urge governments to increase their support for UNHCR and its partners,” Angelina said. “My sole purpose in both countries is to highlight the plight of those uprooted by the war in Iraq.”

After talking with stranded refugees at Iraq’s Al Waleed camp on Tuesday, Angie said: “it is absolutely essential that the ongoing debate about Iraq’s future includes plans for addressing the enormous humanitarian consequences these people face.”

While in Iraq, Jolie also took the time to privately visit US troops and other Multi-National Forces based in the area.

JJ Links Around The Web

  • See who's apologizing to Fergie - LaineyGossip
  • Derek Jeter films a cameo for a movie - Dlisted
  • Zac Efron gets his head in the Lakers game - JustJaredJr
  • Victoria and Brooklyn Beckham visit Kentucky - PopSugar
  • Stephanie Pratt: My DUI was a blessing - PopEater
  • Britney Spears' Twitter was hacked - TheSuperficial
  • New music from Lady Gaga and Beyonce - Celebuzz
Photo: Brian Ach/Getty

451 Comments

Pages: « 12 3 4 [5] 6 7 819 » Show All

37 missouri girl : 08/28/2007 at 1:11 pm
one day at the park next day in a war torn country

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I think that is the problem for some people. They want to be able to put her in a nice little box. Mother, partner, actress, activist, humanitarian etc, they don’t get she is many things and lives a very full life that doesn’t include being put in a box.

A MUST READ FROM LAINEY : 08/28/2007 at 1:32 pm
Angelina in Th’Iraq
Were you one of the 3 million + who watched the video of that learning impaired pageant queen bungle up her answer during the Miss Teen USA pageant the other day? If you haven’t the pleasure, click here.

For some reason, she repeatedly refers to Iraq as “th’Iraq”… kills me every time. As does the strategic use of the phrase “such as”. Snort.

Needless to say, Miss Jolie is not Miss South Carolina. And Miss Jolie can not only find th’Iraq on a map, she has actually made the trip to visit. As part of her work with the UNHCR, Angelina flew first to Syria yesterday talking with Iraqi refugees. Then she “crossed into Iraq to meet with 1,200 refugees camped out in a makeshift outpost at the border, because they are unable to leave the country. She also witnessed dozens of Iraqis crossing into Syria.”

Said Angelina:

“I have come to Syria and Iraq to help draw attention to the humanitarian crisis and to urge governments to increase their support for UNHCR and its partners. My sole purpose in both countries is to highlight the plight of those uprooted by the war in Iraq. It is absolutely essential that the ongoing debate abut Iraq’s future includes plans for addressing the enormous humanitarian consequences these people face.”

Very cool. Because as much as it could be construed as publicity and image making, at the end of the day, she’s not flashing her cootie while getting out of a car, or waving from her beach house in Malibu. And if hanging out in a war torn country in the most unglamourous conditions ever guarantees a few headlines … so be it. I personally could never. I am a lesser person. I can’t even camp.

My friend Lara is somewhere in Africa right now on assignment with the kids from Degrassi. They are building a house there for those who cannot manage and shooting the process for an MTV documentary. She’s been living in a tent or some kind of hut for the last week, probably showering with only a litre of water a day, having the experience of a lifetime. If it were me, even if attended by a dozen assistants fanning me at night, hand feeding me grapes, still I couldn’t survive. And coming home to a life with Brad Pitt shuttling from private jet to million dollar residence is still not incentive enough.

I am Jennifer Aniston.

File photo of Angelina attached.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

hahahahahahhahahahhaa

For those who think that this is not for real, why don’t you put your life in danger to help a cause that should concern all Americans. The plight of the refugees reflect on America and how well we take care of the people that have been affected by the war. Please stop you hating and think about the good that this will do. Do you really think that she would risk her life for publicity for herself. All she needs to do to get publicity is to walk out her front door. Love Angie and hope Brad is getting some sleep and not worrying too much.

Ace Tomato @ 08/28/2007 at 1:42 pm

Caring about what happens to ordinary people who lose everything in war is not unpatriotic. It’s just a human thing. I think Jolie does her best to stay focused on the people who need humanitarian attention.

Tabitha: that’s exactly what I think about her as well, but amazingly enough, I’ve heard people say that…I probably shouldn’t have used that analogy, but Slayer was asking why people think she hates America and I remembered the 9/11 comments and the closest celeb I could remember that got into so much trouble over something was Jane Fonda…Angie got death threats from her comments…I really didn’t mean to cause an Angie to Jane Fonda debate..sorry for that!

72 Slayer, The : 08/28/2007 at 1:26 pm

==============================================

Please ignore the troll. Angie votes, she just doesn’t publicly endorse a candidate. As she stated she has to work with both side Dems and Reps and doesn’t want to harm the very people she tries to help.

Francophile @ 08/28/2007 at 1:45 pm

That’s why i love her ! all around modern lady !

Fierce, intelligent and beautiful inside and out ! Some of my female friends younger than her, doctors were in Rwanda, Mozambique, Darfur and some even saw the killings and had to negotiate their life with rebels.

They have children too but it’s their job and they do it with pride and passion beacque fear is never an option when you have passion, courage and the urge to help others.

Women and men of honor and courage !

Haters prefer americans like M @ 08/28/2007 at 1:45 pm

That’s all.

Slayer, The @ 08/28/2007 at 1:46 pm

Angie is a great role model!!

Lady G is right…ignore the troll comments…a lot of celebs refuse to endorse certain candidates to avoid being labeled as influencing people to vote a certain way…they probably focus closer on issues at hand than disclosing who they will vote for…

Haters prefer americans like M @ 08/28/2007 at 1:46 pm

I see angelina voting for Guliani.

To those who say her visits to these countries doesn’t do any go are uninformed. She visited Sierre Leona at the height of their civil war, genocide. Very few people in the US knew what was going on there. Even she admits she didn’t know. Did she stop the slaughter? No. But she helped to bring what was happening there to the third page of a newspaper instead of the last page. Where ever she has gone she has brought the spot light to that area. She has never said she was the savior of the world. That pharse comes from the hating tabs, and trolls. Most Americans do not focus on what is happening in other parts of the world unless it affects them directly. But they do focus on the lives of celeberties. So, she leads the spot light to the places that don’t get spot lighted. Is that wrong? No, it isn’t. Unless you don’t want to be informed about what is going on. No, unless you don’t want to be made to feel guilty for doing nothing. She went to Syria and Iraq. She didn’t go into the war zone. This is the reason they keep her visits secert. Imagine the tabs would have boardcast it to the four corners of the world blasting her for what she she was doing. Someone of you really need to reassess why you dislike this woman so intensely. It is unnatural and unhealthy to hate a person you don’t know, have never met, yet continue to follow ever waking minute of your day. This is not about the X. This hate is almost pathological.

I am happy to be a fan of Brad, Angie and their family. Why? Because they try to do good and help others. Whatever their motives, they try to help other. Peace

Get Over It @ 08/28/2007 at 1:50 pm

“Ok while I admire her need to play mother theresa, I’m sorry but she’s not doing anything that other folks out there arn’t.”

Incorrect. She is there as an official representative of an organization that does NOT just take any celebrity who raises their hand - she had to earn her right through her complete understanding and/or ability to learn about world issues; her suitability to converse intelligently with world leaders while also bringing empathy to those in need; her willingness to travel all over the world as needed (often, to dangerous places); and most importantly, her ability to COMMUNICATE the real problems through her celebrity status and influence.

Some celebrities would make it all about themselves, rather than keeping the focus on the issue at hand. Angie does not, and never has.

“We don’t need Angie to tell us something we all know since we watch the news and pay taxes, which helps kill more innocent people. ”

Again, incorrect. The focus on the news has been woefully inadequate about the plight of those who actually live there. The focus by our media is always about our troops, and whether or not they should even be there.

“And don’t misunderstand I am not hating but maybe the problem with this country is that we get our info about serious world issues through celebrities instead of policy makers.”

Oh by all means - LET’S get all our information from policy makers. Because certainly, they have all the RIGHT answers - after all, President Bush did nothing but give us correct information about weapons of mass destruction in that country … oops.

I would much rather get my info from journalists and educators rather than Angelina or anyone else trying to “bring attention to serious issues.”

The REALITY of the situation is that there NEVER can be ENOUGH attention brought to issues like these. And the fact is - a celebrity will often bring interest when Joe Q. Journalist can’t. Don’t like it? Too bad. That’s the way it is - and you’re free to ignore visits like Angie’s. The bottom line is, she’s reaching more people - and that’s a good thing, whether you like it or not.

HELP PERU @ 08/28/2007 at 1:50 pm

he is such a gr8 woman
she should do some work in Peru where da earth quake happened!!!

Deadly Earthquake Shakes Peru, Prompts Red Cross Response

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies sends assistance to Peruvian earthquake survivors.

By Katie Lawson , Staff Writer, Redcross.org

Thursday, August 16, 2007 — A 7.9 magnitude earthquake rocked the central coastal region of Peru early Wednesday evening, destroying buildings and leaving many people without power, water or communications. Immediately following the quake, the Peruvian Red Cross sent a relief team to the region to assess the damage and evaluate the needs of those affected.

The powerful quake struck around 6:40 p.m. local time and was centered 90 miles south of Lima, the country’s capital. Initial reports indicate that several hundred people were killed and more than 1,300 have been injured. The province of Ica was hardest-hit by the largest temblor to strike Peru in 30 years. Widespread damage was also reported in the area of Chincha.

Tsunami warnings were issued up and down the coast of Central and South America, but were later cancelled. Several aftershocks have continued to plague the region with more expected in the days ahead.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (International Federation), American Red Cross and other Red Cross national societies maintain a warehouse of relief supplies at the Pan American Disaster Response Unit (PADRU) in Panama. Two planes loaded with tents, plastic sheeting, blankets and jerrycans (for carrying water) are scheduled to land in the town of Pisco on Friday morning. The supplies will assist more than 2,000 families in the affected area.

On high alert following the quake, PADRU deployed three disaster management delegates to assist with emergency operations. Rescue workers have been struggling to reach the hardest-hit areas due to giant cracks and fallen power lines on the Pan American Highway, a major inter-coastal thoroughfare. Rockslides were reportedly blocking other roads in the area.

The International Federation has released $205,000 from its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund to support the Peruvian Red Cross relief operation.

While the American Red Cross does not accept individually donated goods, the Red Cross is accepting financial donations for this disaster. To donate, call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or for Spanish, 800-257-7575.

The American Red Cross, its partners in PADRU and the Peruvian Red Cross continue to monitor and assess the situation. Assistance by the American Red Cross may include mobilizing relief workers, supplies and financial resources.

I have to go to class…so good bye everyone!

But before I go, if anyone is questioning Angie’s visits and UN work, go to the UNHCR page, search for Angelina and pull up her fact sheet…it closely chronicles her visits along with her involvement in World Refugee Day and other chairites…it’s in a PDF file

Not sure why all the women are acting like what she is doing is a great thing? You hags believe in being barefoot and pregnant, give your life and dreams for a man and his dreams. He11 with women of 2007, lets go back to 1950.

110 Haters prefer americans like Miss South Carolina.

OMFG did you see that video on YouTube? I almost fell out of my chair laughing. That poor girl will never live that down. Imagine being exposed as a terminal idiot in front of the whole world.

82 A MUST READ FROM LAINEY : 08/28/2007 at 1:32 pm
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I have my issues with Lainey from time to time but that was a good read

Ok now, I really have to say this- she´s an IDIOT.

Good heart and all, but the radical “peopl” there won´t be held at bay by a good heart.

I really can´t believe that she would risk her own life so carelessly.

This woman has SUBSTANCE. This woman has a LIFE! This woman lives her life to the FULLEST. Her life is MEANINGFUL! Wish her the best,way to go. I am a big fan, and every now and then at work I google her name to see what is happening, of course, I monitor this site a lot. The first time I saw this artcle was from Reuters, non of the other sites had it yet. I am sure she will be so happy to know that.
She is serious with her job at the UN. I love her.

95 Naima

you said you have relative in Iraq but I will say that I live in Iran and for your information I`m in the city near Iraq so I see millions of Iraqy people who came to my lands yes it is very bad situation in that country,but don`tyouthink If someone wants to do sth we shouldn`t puther works down.

yes she travel with jet and she is multi millionar and she has many things that other people just wish about it,but It is good things we saw that with all the things she has she care about other people too.she can sit in her home and enjoy her life without any concern but she prefer to go and see the fact.

you know I talked with many Iraqy refugees in my country.they want some people who listen to them and try to help them.and when i talked to them it seems it was nice for them that i care about them although i can`t do anything for them.

so yes maybe she can`t tell all the truth b/c they won`t let them but she can`ttell lie to herself to her family andto her friends so that her trip can change many people`s thought around her and it is good things it is something that makes her comment about Iraqy in other way and that can help Iraqy.

so see I`m not the person who talk about things without information I talked with many of them and I don`t think with damaging someone`s affair in this issue we will help people in Iraq.

Angie fan @ 08/28/2007 at 1:55 pm

Black

What do you care the other haters and we know you are one too have said they want her kidnapped or blown up.

Haters prefer americans like M @ 08/28/2007 at 1:55 pm

MUST READ FROM LAINEY : 08/28/2007 at 1:32 pm
Angelina in Th’Iraq
Were you one of the 3 million + who watched the video of that learning impaired pageant queen bungle up her answer during the Miss Teen USA pageant the other day? If you haven’t the pleasure, click here.

For some reason, she repeatedly refers to Iraq as “th’Iraq”… kills me every time. As does the strategic use of the phrase “such as”. Snort.

Needless to say, Miss Jolie is not Miss South Carolina. And Miss Jolie can not only find th’Iraq on a map, she has actually made the trip to visit. As part of her work with the UNHCR, Angelina flew first to Syria yesterday talking with Iraqi refugees. Then she “crossed into Iraq to meet with 1,200 refugees camped out in a makeshift outpost at the border, because they are unable to leave the country. She also witnessed dozens of Iraqis crossing into Syria.”

Said Angelina:

“I have come to Syria and Iraq to help draw attention to the humanitarian crisis and to urge governments to increase their support for UNHCR and its partners. My sole purpose in both countries is to highlight the plight of those uprooted by the war in Iraq. It is absolutely essential that the ongoing debate abut Iraq’s future includes plans for addressing the enormous humanitarian consequences these people face.”

Very cool. Because as much as it could be construed as publicity and image making, at the end of the day, she’s not flashing her cootie while getting out of a car, or waving from her beach house in Malibu. And if hanging out in a war torn country in the most unglamourous conditions ever guarantees a few headlines … so be it. I personally could never. I am a lesser person. I can’t even camp.

My friend Lara is somewhere in Africa right now on assignment with the kids from Degrassi. They are building a house there for those who cannot manage and shooting the process for an MTV documentary. She’s been living in a tent or some kind of hut for the last week, probably showering with only a litre of water a day, having the experience of a lifetime. If it were me, even if attended by a dozen assistants fanning me at night, hand feeding me grapes, still I couldn’t survive. And coming home to a life with Brad Pitt shuttling from private jet to million dollar residence is still not incentive enough.

I am Jennifer Aniston.

File photo of Angelina attached.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
That’s hilarious

Patmycrotch @ 08/28/2007 at 1:55 pm

People, she does not Vote she said it on JS. Can someone pull up your stalking file and find the link for everyone.

Pages: « 12 3 4 [5] 6 7 819 » Show All

Comment and Share!








You have of 5,000 characters left.