The threat of civil war in Iraq is being watched closely by Londoners with ties to that country.
Among them is a man who said he had hopes for a new and free Iraq, when he arrived here more than a decade ago.
Adnan Abed watched Saddam Hussein’s regime topple shortly after arriving in Canada.
In 2003, he hoped American intervention would lead to a free and peaceful Iraq.
Now, with the militant push to take over the country, Abed’s heart is breaking again.
He hasn’t slept in two days.
“I didn't think it would be worse like that, believe me,” he says.
In 2003, Abed’s children lived between Iraq and Canada.
Some lived through the U.S. bombing, but today, they are all in Canada.
However, many other family members and friends are in Iraq and they are worried.
“They are all sad. They do not know what to do," Abed says.
He is not so optimistic about Iraq’s future today. “Iraq is now weak and everyone can now do what they want with Iraq."
He says Iraq is collapsing because the U.S. left too soon.
“They should have stayed, at least another couple of years, until the army is strong and we govern ourselves."
As Abed worries about his old country, on Thursday he exercised his rights in his new one by voting.
He reminds Canadians how lucky they are to have the freedom to choose.
“I am Canadian and nobody forces me to go this or that place. It's my right"
