By Lloyd Miller

Samir Basim-Ousis lives in a neighborhood of Baghdad where taxis don’t dare go. All over Iraq, suicide bombings and insurgent attacks have targeted ordinary Iraqis and have kept many Iraqis in their homes. But fear has not kept 20 year old Samir away from his passion. While he must walk two miles each day, carrying his double bass (one of the largest musical instruments), go through three checkpoints where his body and his instrument are searched each time for hidden weapons, he must show his ID and answer often the same questions at each stop, nothing could keep Samir Basim-Ousis away from his destination: the rehearsal hall of the Iraq National Symphony Orchestra.

Though it played under a number of international guest conductors in its early years, the Iraq National Symphony Orchestra has languished into obscurity over the last few years. With the rise of the Baath Party, led by Saddam Hussein, the orchestra kept a very low profile. “Saddam Hussein was not interested in classical music,” said Samir. “We didn’t have any contact with him and we were in a very bad situation under the embargo. We missed some instruments and a lot of other things.”

Under Hussein, there may have been no freedom, but it was a lot safer than Iraq is today. “There were so many army militia, people couldn’t do anything wrong,” said Samir. “But now we are free. There’s no big strong police force, so there are many thieves, many terrorists, also there’s a resistance. So you can imagine it’s a difficult situation. You must take care if you go out.”

Though unemployment is extremely high and money is scarce, Samir says that he appreciates the freedom America has delivered. “Freedom, it’s good. You can talk now,” he said. “Under Saddam Hussein, you couldn’t talk, you couldn’t say this was wrong – that wasn’t possible. The situation is less safe now, but if we get more police it will get better.”

Even with the almost daily terrorist attacks and other violence, things are looking up for Samir. “Ambassador Bremer got some [music] scores from other symphony orchestras and some new instruments were donated as well,” Samir said. A recent visit to The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. late last year enabled the Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra to play before an American audience. “It was a great experience,” said Samir. “You can transfer our culture and our melodies to the people in the United States. It’s a beautiful country and you have kind and lovely people.”

While the situation in Iraq remains pretty scary, Samir believes in time things will improve. His music plays a major role in comforting him during times of “sturm and drang,” during the bombings it gives him solace. This youngest member of the Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra whose favorite piece of music is Beethoven’s Concerto #1 understands too well the importance of persevering. “We can’t stop,” he said. “If we stop, we can’t rebuild our culture and our country again. If people die, may God bless their souls, but we must continue our life.”