WASHINGTON — The end of 2007 produced a telltale indication of what the New Year seems likely to bring to Iraq. “We the Iraqi members of parliament signing below demand a timetable for withdrawal of the occupation forces (MNF) from our beloved Iraq,” 144 members of the 275-member parliament, a clear majority, wrote in a
Saddam Provided More Food Than the U.S.
BAQUBA — The Iraqi government announcement that monthly food rations will be cut by half has left many Iraqis asking how they can survive. The government also wants to reduce the number of people depending on the rationing system by five million by June 2008.
‘Awakening’ Forces Arouse New Conflicts
FALLUJAH — The controversial move of the U.S. military to back Sunni “Awakening” forces has created another wedge between Sunni and Shia political groups. Following disputes between the tribal groups assembled into Awakening forces and the Iraqi government, the creation of these forces has become also a political issue.
Looking to Security from Paper Police
BAGHDAD — In a country with no security and no jobs, just about anyone can work as a policeman. “To survive in Iraq under U.S. occupation, there are only two jobs; police and garbage collection,” Baghdad journalist Mohammad al-Dulaymi told IPS. “Unemployment is leading many Iraqis to join the security forces despite the risk involved.”
“Bad” Women Raped and Killed
BAGHDAD — Women are being killed by militia groups in southern Iraq for not conforming to strict Islamic ways, the police say. And, increased threats from militia groups is driving many women away from their homes. Basra police chief Gen. Jalil Hannoon has told reporters and Arab TV channels that at least 40 women have
The Sydney Morning Herald Reviews Beyond the Green Zone
Beyond the Green Zone The Sydney Morning Herald Antony Loewenstein, reviewer December 14, 2007 A grim picture of young American soldiers acting violently against an often-invisible threat. Author: Dahr Jamail Genre: Society/Politics Publisher: Haymarket Books Pages: 313 RRP: $39.95 Nearly five years since the start of the Iraq war, we still know remarkably little about
Jamail Receives Callaway Award
The Eighteenth Annual Joe A. Callaway Award for Civic Courage Presented to Dahr Jamail Journalist, embedded in the truth In recognition of his courageous decision to report the real stories of the Iraqi people under United States invasion and then occupation; his unique ability to cover “sustained atrocities,” a reportage that leaves indelible marks on
Not Even the Hajj is Free of Corruption
RAMADI — Many Iraqis are angry that the government seems to be picking favourites for the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. Muslims are obliged to carry out the pilgrimage, as long as they are able-bodied and can afford to, at least once in their lifetime.
Education Becomes the New Casualty in Baquba
BAQUBA — The alarming security situation in Diyala province north of Baghdad has killed off much of the education system. The U.S.-led invasion of Iraq had at first brought hope. Salaries were increased; a newly appointed primary or secondary school teacher was given 200,000 Iraqi Dinars, about 150 dollars a month.
Refugees Caught Between Deportation and Death Threats
BAGHDAD — Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis driven out of their country by violence are now faced with detention abroad, or a homecoming to death threats. More than two million Iraqis, in a population of about 25 million, have taken refuge in many countries. Only a few have won official status as refugees. Most refugees