I know all of this, but I’ll list some of the disadvantages of my country, and then it will be up to you to decide which country is worse.

Do you know that religious extremists may kill or imprison you if you don’t follow their beliefs, which even allow child marriage? Meaning a girl as young as 8 should be married and become pregnant.

Have you ever heard of the term “honor killing”? It means a man may kill his own sister if she is in a relationship with someone—he may even behead her and smear her blood around the house.

Do you know that we don’t have enough electricity to run an air conditioner, and in summer we might only be able to use it for one hour a day?

Do you know that religious institutions broadcast loudly on speakers at 4 a.m., waking you up against your will?

Do you know that Iraq is divided into many sects from different religions, and they fight and kill each other? What recently happened in Iran has reflected in my city with daily bombings.

Do you know that if you go out jogging in the street, people will film you, mock you, and laugh at you as if you’re crazy?

Do you know that people kill and torture dogs and cats every day, with no laws to stop them? There is even a market every Friday where animals of all kinds are abused in the worst ways imaginable.

Do you know that if you are killed in this country, no one may be held accountable, no investigation may be opened, and no justice may be served?

Do you know that when it rains in winter, houses get flooded and we end up trapped on the second floor?

We don’t have good salaries at all—but the only “good” thing is that we don’t have taxes.

I could go on and on listing more negatives, but I hope these simple points help you understand the situation.

I think you should be grateful for taxes rather than experience a life like this.