Is there a doctor in the house to help a burnt Iraqi boy?

By Mary MacElveen

August 22, 2007

I know that I have written extensively in the past two days, but please bear with me for this heartbreaking story that I just viewed.  It concerns a little Iraqi boy who was burnt with gasoline by unknown masked men. 

According to CNN, “They grabbed him on a January day outside his central Baghdad home, doused him with gas and set him ablaze.” His name is Youssif and he is five years-old and scarred for life.  Whoever those men were, they are truly abhorrent monsters if they can do this to an innocent child.

Upon watching this feed provided by CNN, I sat there horrified that a little innocent boy could be wounded so heinously.  Is this the world we created for these Iraqi children?

According to CNN’s report, his mother “Zainab said, her voice heavy with guilt.  "If only I hadn't let him go outside, if only I hadn't let him play." Please think of that as your own child wishes to go out and play.

Like most children this five-year-old boy spends his time in front of a computer and even wanted to be a doctor when he grew up.  He sounds much like many children here within the United States of America.

I would also love to know is there a doctor in the house that can help this little boy since CNN reported, “Doctors told the family there is little more they can do to help Youssif. The family can't afford care outside Iraq.” I do think that this is the least we can do to help this little boy considering what we have done to his country.  It disturbs me greatly to see such an innocent child scarred for life both physically as well as mentally.  What also bothers me is that according to CNN his mother said, "I'd prefer death than seeing my son like this,"

If you are a plastic surgeon who is reading this or has seen this report on CNN, I am urging you to do everything humanly and compassionately possible to get this boy to the United States for the care he deserves.  Of course free of charge.  We owe him that much.

Youssif before and after he was burned with gasoline provided by CNN.

Author’s email address is, xmjmac@optonline.net