Osama bin Laden legacy continues to haunt 15-year-old boy in Iraq

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – Despite being killed by US forces nearly six years ago, the infamous al-Qaeda leader’s existence still has an overwhelming impact on the life of a young Iraqi boy.

A young 15-year-old boy, originally from the town of Iskandariya south of Baghdad, was named Osama bin Laden a year before the US forces toppled Saddam Hussein’s regime in 2003.

“My name has prevented me from moving freely outside my home,” said the boy while he appeared on local television in Baghdad. “I could not enroll in school because of this name.”

The boy recounted how tormented his life has been.

Baghdad security checkpoints were a constant fear for the teenager, as they would ask him for identification and would make him feel exposed in the Shia-majority capital of Iraq.

“I am being punished for my name; my life is like a prison,” the boy said.

He pointed out the name, known to the world because of the actions of the man accused of orchestrating the Sep. 11, 2001, attacks, has led to him being denied access to sports clubs.

The boy’s father’s reasons for naming him as such are unknown, though Iraqis at times are known to name their children after public figures.

“I objected to the name, but [his father] was adamant,” admitted the boy’s mother.

“Bin Laden is a terrorist, but I am not,” pleaded the boy who lives in Baghdad.

The boy’s family says all attempts by Osama to change his name failed, having an adverse effect on his psychological state.

The family, who once lived in Iskandariya, also known as Alexandria, near the city of Hilla south of Baghdad, had to leave their hometown after receiving death threats.

Hours after the report aired, Iraqi Interior Minister Qassim al-Araji agreed to change the boy’s name from “Osama bin Laden” to “Ahmed Hussein.” The boy also visited the Minister’s office in Baghdad.

Osama, who changed his name to Ahmed, said he just wants to live a normal life.

Many in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region name their children after controversial public figures, such as bin Laden, Hussein, and, as of late, US President Donald Trump.

For Iraqi citizens, the name changing process can be quite complicated, even for those whose names become associated with perpetrators of terrorism and tyranny or who face threats.

Should an Iraqi want to change their name legally, they first have to visit a civil court and explain to a judge why they are requesting an official change of name.

The court will then publish the changing of names in the newspaper, and advertise it for one month at the citizen’s cost.

Following the one month period, the name change comes into effect.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany