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...
A Tenuous ‘Peace’ in Anbar
RAMADI, Iraq - A semblance of calm belies an undercurrent of violence, detentions and fear across Iraq's volatile Anbar province. The province – which occupies one-third of Iraq's geographic area – has been a bane to authorities since the beginning of the...
Detentions Escalate in Diwaniyah
DIWANIYAH, Iraq - Detentions have become commonplace in Iraq, but now more than ever before people are being detained after being accused of membership in "militias supported by Iran." "Hundreds of our men were detained and accused of being militiamen...
Executions Not Leading to Iraqi Reconciliation
BAGHDAD - The executions of former regime officials are creating greater division, rather than reconciliation, among Iraqis. Special courts formed by the American occupation authorities in Iraq are issuing death sentences – like that carried out on former Iraqi...
Shi’ite Infighting Increases Instability
BAGHDAD - Increasing conflict and finger pointing between leading Shi'ite political blocs are heightening instability in war-torn Iraq. "It is said in the Arab world that if thieves were not seen while stealing, they would be seen while dividing the loot,"...
Fallujah Now Under a Different Kind of Siege
FALLUJAH - Three years after a devastating U.S.-led siege of the city, residents of Fallujah continue to struggle with a shattered economy and infrastructure and a lack of mobility. The city that was routed in November 2004 is still suffering the worst humanitarian...
Baghdad: A Tale of One City, Now Two
BAGHDAD - The separation of religious groups in the face of sectarian violence has brought some semblance of relative calm to Baghdad. But many Iraqis see this as the uncertain consequence of a divide and rule policy. Claims are going the rounds that sectarian...
Fewer Deaths in Iraq Bring No Reassurance
BAGHDAD – Despite claims by Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and Bush administration officials that violence in Iraq is decreasing, residents in the capital tell a different story. Attacks by Iraqi resistance groups against the US military continue in...
When Blackwater Kills,
No Questions Asked
BAGHDAD - The recent attacks by Blackwater mercenaries in Baghdad are far from the first – and many believe they will not be the last. Seventeen Iraqis were killed Sept. 16, and another 27 were wounded at Nisoor square in western Baghdad when mercenaries from...
Assassination of Sheikh Shakes US Claims
BAGHDAD - Resistance to occupation seems to have risen after the assassination last month of Abdul Sattar Abu Risha, head of the al-Bu Risha tribe. Abu Risha had begun to cooperate actively with US forces. Abu Risha was killed Sep. 13 when a bomb exploded outside his...