What is the pseudonym used by Salam Abdulmunem, and what does it signify?

Salam Abdulmunem is known by the pseudonym Salam Pax. The pseudonym is a combination of the Arabic word for "peace," *salam*, and the Latin word for "peace," *pax*, signifying "peace be upon you."

Who is Salam Pax, and why did he gain prominence?

Salam Pax is the pseudonym of Salam Abdulmunem, an Iraqi blogger who became widely known as the "most famous blogger in the world" during and after the 2003 invasion of Iraq. His blog, "Where is Raed?", garnered a massive readership and significant media attention, marking one of the first instances of an individual blogger having a substantial global impact.

What were Salam Pax's birth details and family background?

Salam Abdulmunem was born in Baghdad, Iraq, in 1973. He came from a well-to-do, secular family. His father, Adnan al-Janabi, was Sunni and worked for OPEC, while his mother was Shi'ite. Salam himself later became skeptical of religion.

Describe Salam Pax's early education and experiences abroad.

At the age of five, Salam Pax moved to Vienna, Austria, with his parents, returning to Baghdad five years later. At sixteen, he went back to Austria alone to attend the Vienna International School, where he became fluent in English, in addition to German and his native Arabic. He later returned to Iraq in 1995 after depleting his allowance.

What academic field did Salam Pax pursue, and what was his experience like?

Salam Pax studied architecture at the University of Baghdad. He described the first two years of his studies as the most difficult period of his life, feeling a sense of displacement and uncertainty about where he belonged, caught between Eastern and Western influences.

What professional roles did Salam Pax hold after graduating from university?

After graduating, Salam Pax worked for an architectural consultancy based in Beirut, Lebanon. He also worked as an occasional interpreter for foreign journalists, a role that became particularly significant before and during the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

When did Salam Pax begin his blogging career, and what was the name of his initial blog?

Salam Pax began his career as an English-language blogger under the name Salam Pax during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. His initial blog was titled "Where is Raed?"

What was the inspiration behind the blog title "Where is Raed?"

The title "Where is Raed?" was inspired by Salam Pax's friend, Raed Jarrar, who was pursuing his master's degree in Jordan. Jarrar was not responding promptly to emails, so Salam created the weblog as a way to keep him updated and to allow him to read about events.

What kind of content did Salam Pax share on his "Where is Raed?" blog?

On his blog, Salam Pax discussed his friends, the disappearances of individuals under Saddam Hussein's regime, the events of the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and his experiences as an interpreter for journalist Peter Maass. He provided accounts of bombings and attacks from his Baghdad suburb.

How did Salam Pax manage his blog during periods of disrupted internet access?

During the war, when his internet access and the electrical grid were interrupted, Salam Pax continued to write his diary entries on paper. He intended to post these entries later once his connectivity was restored, ensuring his reporting continued despite technical challenges.

How was the authenticity of Salam Pax's blog confirmed?

The authenticity of Salam Pax's blog was confirmed in May 2003 when The Guardian newspaper tracked down the author. They published a story verifying that the person behind the pseudonym lived in Iraq, that Salam was his given first name, and that he was a 29-year-old architect at the time.

What topics did Salam Pax cover in his blog posts following the 2003 invasion?

Following the invasion, Salam Pax's blog entries discussed the chaotic postwar economy in Iraq. One post on June 1, 2003, mentioned an effort in Baghdad's Al-Adel Neighborhood to provide free internet access, which was reportedly initiated by Iraqis who previously ran internet cafes for the government ISP, Uruknet.

What book was published based on Salam Pax's blog entries?

Atlantic Books, in collaboration with The Guardian, published a book based on Salam Pax's "Where is Raed?" blog entries. Titled *The Baghdad Blog*, it was released in 2003 and included his blog posts from September 2002 to June 2003, supplemented with footnotes. Its ISBN is 1-84354-262-5.

When and why did Salam Pax start his second blog, and what was its title?

After a hiatus from updating his original blog for several months, Salam Pax launched a second blog in August 2004. This new blog was titled "shut up you fat whiner!"

What other journalistic work did Salam Pax undertake, and what was his focus in late 2004?

In addition to his blogging, Salam Pax worked as a journalist for The Guardian, writing columns and featured articles. In October 2004, The Guardian sent him to the United States to report on the American presidential race and the prevailing opinions regarding Iraq.

What award did Salam Pax receive in 2005, and for what work?

In February 2005, Salam Pax received the Royal Television Society Award for Innovation. This award recognized a series of filmed reports he produced for Guardian Films, which were broadcast by the BBC's television program *Newsnight*.

How did Salam Pax reveal his personal connection to Iraqi politics?

In an interview for BBC's *Newsnight* broadcast in October 2005, Salam Pax interviewed Iraqi Member of Parliament Adnan al-Janabi about the proposed Iraqi constitution. During the interview, he revealed that al-Janabi, a Sunni moderate serving as vice-chair of the constitutional committee, was his father. He also mentioned his mother was Shia and described his family as secular in their political orientation.

What was Salam Pax's career path after moving to London?

Salam Pax moved to London in 2007. There, he pursued journalism studies at City University London. He later lived in Beirut before returning to Baghdad in 2009.

What role did Salam Pax take on in Iraq in 2010?

In 2010, Salam Pax returned to Baghdad and began working as a Communications Officer for UNICEF in Iraq.

What insights did Salam Pax offer regarding the impact of bombings and the humanitarian situation during the Iraq invasion?

Salam Pax described the intense experience of anticipating bombings, noting how B52s took hours to reach Iraq and how attack patterns varied. He also mentioned the severe humanitarian impact, with the Red Crescent seeking volunteers to help collect and bury bodies, and hospital grounds being used for burials.

What was Salam Pax's perspective on the foreign intervention in Iraq and the removal of Saddam Hussein?

Salam Pax expressed that Saddam Hussein's removal was necessary and that foreign intervention was required to achieve it. However, he also conveyed a wish that the intervention had been better planned, reflecting on the subsequent chaos and difficulties.

What did Salam Pax observe about the influence of foreigners on local costs in Baghdad?

Salam Pax noted that one could track the presence and impact of foreigners in Baghdad by observing the cost of goods and services in specific districts, suggesting that their presence influenced local market prices.

What is the significance of Salam Pax's blogging in the history of the internet?

Salam Pax's blogging represented one of the earliest instances where an individual's blog achieved a wide audience and exerted significant influence, demonstrating the potential power of personal online narratives in global events.

What other Iraqi blogger is mentioned in the 'See also' section?

The 'See also' section mentions Riverbend, another Iraqi blogger.

What external links are provided for Salam Pax's blogs?

The provided external links include his original blog "Where is Raed?", his accompanying photoblog, his second blog "shut up you fat whiner!", a London news site called Mind the Globe, his WordPress blog "Salam Pax: the Baghdad Blogger", and Raed Jarrar's blog "Raed in the Middle."

Which media outlets featured interviews with Salam Pax?

Interviews with Salam Pax have been featured on BBC Radio 4 (Today program), ABC Television (Enough Rope), and NPR (Fresh Air). He was also featured in webchats and articles by CNN World's Untold Stories.

What articles have been written about or by Salam Pax?

Articles about or by Salam Pax have appeared in The Guardian, Slate, The New Yorker, and CNN World's Untold Stories. These articles cover his blogging experiences, his reporting from Iraq, and his move to Washington D.C. to cover the US presidential race.

What video is linked in the 'Videos' section related to Salam Pax?

The 'Videos' section links to Don Arbor's "Salam Pax (Peace): A Peace Anthem for our Time," released in February 2008.

What does the 'Authority control' section indicate about Salam Pax's recognition?

The 'Authority control' section lists various international and national databases where Salam Pax is cataloged, including ISNI, VIAF, FAST, WorldCat, Germany's GND, the US Library of Congress, Spain's BNE, Norway's BIBSYS, Poland's NUKAT, Israel's NLI, and Yale's LUX collections. This indicates his recognition and documentation across multiple global library and archival systems.

What was Salam Pax's role during the 2003 invasion of Iraq?

During the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Salam Pax served as an English-language blogger under the pseudonym Salam Pax, providing real-time accounts of events. He also worked as an interpreter for foreign journalists, notably Peter Maass, and contributed articles to The Guardian.

How did Salam Pax's background influence his perspective as a blogger?

His background, including his secular upbringing, education in Vienna, and studies in architecture, provided him with a unique perspective. This allowed him to articulate his experiences and observations in English, bridging cultural divides and offering insights into life in Iraq during a tumultuous period.

What challenges did Salam Pax face in maintaining his blog during the conflict?

Salam Pax faced significant challenges, including the interruption of internet access and the electrical grid in Baghdad. Despite these disruptions, he continued to document events by writing his diary entries on paper to post later, demonstrating his commitment to sharing his experiences.

What was the nature of the 'anarchist effort' mentioned in Salam Pax's blog post from June 1, 2003?

The blog post mentioned an effort in Baghdad's Al-Adel Neighborhood to provide free internet access to all of Iraq. While initially perceived as a political anarchist initiative, it was reportedly organized by Iraqis who had previously managed internet cafes for Uruknet, the former government ISP.

What specific award did Salam Pax's filmed reports win, and who broadcast them?

Salam Pax's filmed reports, produced by Guardian Films, won the Royal Television Society Award for Innovation in February 2005. These reports were broadcast by the BBC's television program *Newsnight*.

How did Salam Pax's reporting contribute to understanding the Iraqi constitution debate?

In an October 2005 *Newsnight* report, Salam Pax interviewed his father, Adnan al-Janabi, an MP and vice-chair of the constitutional committee. This interview provided insights into the discussions surrounding the proposed Iraqi constitution and highlighted the diverse religious and political backgrounds within Iraqi society.

What was Salam Pax's professional trajectory after his studies in London?

After completing his journalism studies at City University London, Salam Pax lived in Beirut for a period before returning to Baghdad in 2009. Subsequently, in 2010, he took on the role of Communications Officer for UNICEF in Iraq.

What sentiment did Salam Pax express about the media's attention to Iraq?

Salam Pax expressed that media attention often shifts, suggesting that journalists might eventually move on to cover other regions like Syria or Iran. He noted that Iraq could fall "off your media radar," a fate he contrasted with his own necessity to continue living through the situation.

What was Salam Pax's view on the planning of the intervention that removed Saddam Hussein?

While acknowledging that foreign intervention was necessary to remove Saddam Hussein and that it was ultimately worthwhile, Salam Pax expressed a desire for the intervention to have been "a bit better planned."

What is the significance of the quote regarding the Red Crescent and burial grounds?

The quote highlights the severe humanitarian crisis during the conflict, indicating that the Red Crescent was seeking volunteers to help manage the deceased. It also points to the breakdown of normal infrastructure, with hospital grounds being repurposed as burial sites.

How did Salam Pax's blog contribute to the verification of online information during a conflict?

By having his identity and location verified by a major newspaper like The Guardian, Salam Pax's blog provided a credible, firsthand account of events in Iraq. This helped establish the value of citizen journalism and personal blogging as sources of information during major geopolitical events.

What does the phrase "most famous web diarist in the world" refer to in relation to Salam Pax?

The phrase, attributed to Sarah Montague of BBC Radio 4's "Today" program, refers to the widespread recognition and large readership Salam Pax achieved for his blog "Where is Raed?" during the 2003 Iraq invasion, establishing him as a prominent online chronicler of the conflict.

What was the context of Salam Pax's reporting trip to the United States in October 2004?

In October 2004, Salam Pax was sent to the United States by The Guardian newspaper. His assignment was to report on the American presidential race and to gauge the prevailing public opinion and discourse within the U.S. concerning the ongoing situation in Iraq.

What is the meaning of the Arabic phrase Salam Pax used in his blog title?

The Arabic word used in his blog title is 'salam', which means 'peace'. This word, combined with the Latin 'pax', forms his pseudonym, Salam Pax.

What was Salam Pax's connection to Peter Maass?

Salam Pax worked as an interpreter for the journalist Peter Maass before and during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. His experiences working with Maass were discussed on his blog, "Where is Raed?"

What does the reference to "Mind the Globe" signify?

"Mind the Globe" was a London-based news site launched by Salam Pax and other students from City University London (CUL) in May-June 2008, indicating his continued involvement in media and journalism after his studies.

What specific aspect of Salam Pax's work was recognized by the Royal Television Society Award?

The Royal Television Society Award for Innovation was given to Salam Pax for a series of filmed reports he produced for Guardian Films. These reports were broadcast by the BBC's *Newsnight* program.

How did Salam Pax's family background influence his identity and writing?

Born to a secular family with parents of different Islamic sects (Sunni father, Shi'ite mother), Salam Pax developed a skeptical view of religion. This diverse background likely contributed to his ability to connect with a global audience and articulate complex societal dynamics in his writing.

What does the mention of "Uruknet" relate to in the context of Salam Pax's blog?

Uruknet is mentioned in relation to the free internet access initiative in Baghdad. It was the former government Internet Service Provider (ISP) in Iraq, and the individuals organizing the initiative had previously worked with Uruknet.

What was the primary focus of Salam Pax's blog during the initial phase of the 2003 invasion?

During the initial phase of the 2003 invasion, Salam Pax's blog primarily focused on providing firsthand accounts of the bombings and attacks occurring in his suburb of Baghdad, offering a ground-level perspective of the conflict.

What is the significance of Salam Pax's work for UNICEF?

Salam Pax's role as a Communications Officer for UNICEF in Iraq, starting in 2010, signifies his transition into humanitarian work, applying his communication skills to support children's welfare in his home country.

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Biography

Salam Pax
"Peace be upon you" (Arabic)
Born	Salam al-Janabi 1973 (age 51–52) Baghdad, Iraq
Nationality	Iraqi
Other names	Salam Abdulmunem
Education	Vienna International School University of Baghdad (Architecture) City University London (Journalism)
Occupation	UNICEF
Years active	2003–2009
Notable credit(s)	Pre- and post-invasion blogs from Iraq (2003) RTS Television Journalism Award - Innovation (2004)
Title	Communications Officer
Family	Adnan al-Janabi (father)
Website	Salam Pax, the Baghdad Blogger

Salam Pax, born Salam Abdulmunem (also known as Salam al-Janabi), emerged as a globally recognized voice during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Operating under the pseudonym "Salam Pax," which combines the Latin and Arabic words for "peace," he gained significant international attention for his blog, "Where is Raed?".^[1]^[2] His personal narrative provided a unique, ground-level perspective on the conflict and its aftermath, marking one of the earliest instances of individual blogging having a substantial impact on public discourse.^[3]

Born in Baghdad in 1973 into a secular family with Sunni and Shi'ite heritage, Abdulmunem's early life involved periods in Vienna, Austria, where he attended the Vienna International School, becoming fluent in English and German. Upon returning to Baghdad, he pursued architecture at the University of Baghdad. His early career included work for an architectural consultancy and occasional interpretation for foreign journalists, roles that placed him at the intersection of international media and Iraqi society during a period of intense geopolitical focus.

The "Where is Raed?" Blog

Origin and Purpose

The blog, titled "Where is Raed?", originated from Salam's concern for his friend Raed Jarrar, who was pursuing a master's degree in Jordan and was not promptly responding to emails. To keep track of Raed and share updates, Salam established the weblog. This platform evolved into a critical conduit for personal accounts of life in Baghdad, detailing the experiences of friends, the disappearances of individuals under Saddam Hussein's regime, and the unfolding events of the 2003 invasion of Iraq.^[4]

Documenting Conflict and Authenticity

Salam's posts provided vivid, immediate descriptions of bombings and daily life in Baghdad, even when facing disruptions to the internet and electrical grid. He meticulously documented events on paper for later posting, ensuring continuity. The authenticity of the blog was confirmed by The Guardian newspaper in May 2003, which identified Salam Abdulmunem, a 29-year-old architect, as the author behind the pseudonym.^[5]^[6]

Later entries also touched upon the post-war economic landscape and initiatives, such as the provision of free internet access in Baghdad, which, while initially attributed to political anarchists, were actually facilitated by former Internet cafe operators.^{[citation needed]}

Reporting and Media Recognition

Publications and Awards

Following the success of his blog, Salam Pax's work gained significant media traction. Atlantic Books published a compilation of his blog entries, titled The Baghdad Blog, in 2003, offering a curated narrative from September 2002 to June 2003 with added context.^[7] He continued his journalistic endeavors, writing columns and features for The Guardian, including a series of reports from the United States during the 2004 presidential election.^[8]

In recognition of his innovative approach to journalism, filmed reports by Salam Pax for BBC's Newsnight earned the Royal Television Society Award for Innovation in 2004.^[9] His reporting often provided personal insights, such as an interview with his father, Adnan al-Janabi, a prominent figure in Iraqi politics, which highlighted his family's secular orientation amidst the nation's complex social fabric.

Further Engagements

After his initial period of intense blogging and reporting, Salam Abdulmunem continued his career in communications. He pursued journalism studies at City University London and later worked for UNICEF as a Communications Officer in Iraq starting in 2010.^[10]^[11] His career trajectory reflects a transition from raw, personal blogging to more formal roles within international organizations, leveraging his unique perspective and communication skills.

Selected Links & Resources:

Where is Raed? (Original Blog Archive)
Salam Pax: the Baghdad Blogger (Later Blog)
The Guardian Articles by Salam Pax

Selected Quotes

"23/3 8:30pm (day4) we start counting the hours from the moment one of the news channels report that the B52s have left their airfield. It takes them around 6 hours to get to Iraq. On the first day of the bombing it worked precisely. Yesterday we were a bit surprised that after 6 hours bombs didn't fall. The attacks on Baghdad were much less than two days ago. We found out today in the news that the city of Tikrit got the hell bombed out of it. Today the B52s took off at 3pm, in half an hour we will know whether it is Baghdad tonight or another city."
"One day, like in Afghanistan, those journalists will get bored and go write about Syria or Iran; Iraq will be off your media radar. Out of sight, out of mind. Lucky you, you have that option. I have to live it."
"There were days when the Red Crescent was begging for volunteers to help in taking the bodies of dead people off the city street and bury them properly. The hospital grounds have been turned to burial grounds.."
"You can follow the trail of the foreigners by how much things cost in a certain district."
"Anyway, all that doesn't matter now. Saddam is gone, thanks to you. Was it worth it? Be assured it was. We all know that it got to a point where we would have never been rid of Saddam without foreign intervention; I just wish it would have been a bit better planned."

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References

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Authority control databases
International	ISNI VIAF FAST WorldCat
National	Germany United States Spain Norway Poland Israel

Baghdad's Digital Chronicle

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Biography ℹ️

The "Where is Raed?" Blog 💻

❓ Origin and Purpose

📰 Documenting Conflict and Authenticity

Reporting and Media Recognition 🎙️

📚 Publications and Awards

🔗 Further Engagements

Selected Quotes 💬

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Biography

The "Where is Raed?" Blog

Origin and Purpose

Documenting Conflict and Authenticity

Reporting and Media Recognition

Publications and Awards

Further Engagements

Selected Quotes

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice