PAUL MORAN
22 March 2003, Iraq

Australian freelance cameraman Paul Moran was killed by a car bomb in Khurmal, northeastern Iraq on March 22 while on assignment for ABC Australia. Earlier that morning, the United States had fired cruise missiles on an area believed to be a base for the militant group Ansar al-Islam. Ansar al-Islam is said to linked to Al Qaeda. Paul knew the terrain, having covered the story for over a decade. Neither Paul nor his correspondent Eric Campbell wanted to take any chances and they believed the outskirts were now secured by the Kurds. They documented the refugees leaving the area. As he filmed his last shot, a suicide bomber drove up behind him and set off a powerful explosion. Paul never knew what hit him. Before setting out that day, Paul had told ABC's international editor that he felt great and was having the time of his life. But he had not been there since September 11, and his death is tangible evidence that the world landscape truly has changed.

At 39, Paul was at his peak. He had secured world exclusives, including a TV interview with an Iraqi defector which sold worldwide. Be it terrified asylum seekers who washed ashore in Cyprus or the walking wounded of war zones, Paul always gave voice to the underdog. He had tremendous energy and spirit and was always positive about any situation. He told wonderful stories. When his father was terminally ill not too long ago, he did whatever he could do to help comfort him. I really admired his courage. I think most of us who knew who Paul would agree that he was extremely compassionate, funny and resourceful. That was Paul. He taught us a great deal. Paul was many men. But the man I last saw packing his gear into a taxi was a very happy husband and proud father. Smiling broadly, he thrust a photo of his beautiful family towards me and waved goodbye.

Allison Havey

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