Dahr Jamail

BAGHDAD – With the U.S.-led occupation of Iraq in its fifth year, one leading study estimates that more than 655,000 Iraqis have been killed – with no end to the violence yet in sight. Left behind are loved ones who continue to mourn their loss, as well as what might have been. Iraq was once … Continue reading “In Iraq, Broken Lives and Broken Hearts”

FALLUJAH – The city that was mostly destroyed by the U.S. military operation Phantom Fury in November 2004 has been under curfew for over two weeks, with no signs of relief. Located 45 mi. west of Baghdad, the city made headlines when four Blackwater USA security mercenaries were killed and their bodies horrifically mutilated on … Continue reading “Anger Builds in Fallujah Over Security Crackdown”

BAGHDAD – Reports of the poor health among high-ranking Iraqi politicians are being seen as symbolic of the popular mood here about the US-backed government. In late February, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani was flown to neighboring Jordan for medical treatment amid conflicting reports about his health. Sources in Amman and from Talabani’s office in Baghdad … Continue reading “Sick of Iraq’s Government”

BAGHDAD – A massacre by members of Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr’s Mahdi army on Sunni worshippers earlier this month sparked clashes between patrolling Kurdish militiamen in southwest Baghdad and the Mahdi army, raising tensions that fighting between the groups could spread. Sadr, who emerged from hiding Friday, delivered a fiery anti-occupation sermon at a mosque … Continue reading “Kurds and Shia Fight for Power in Baghdad”

SAMARRA – At least 10 residents have died as the result of a curfew imposed by the U.S.-backed Iraqi government, local doctors say. Residents in this city of 300,000 located 125 km north of Baghdad have been struggling to find food, water, and medical supplies. Vehicles have been banned from entering or leaving the city … Continue reading “Curfew Begins to Choke Samarra”

BEIRUT – As reconstruction resumes in the heavily bombed southern Beirut district Dahiyeh, the signs are evident of a rebuilding of resistance against Israel and the U.S.-backed government, largely by way of increased support for Hezbollah. Hezbollah is leading much of the reconstruction. Dahiyeh was bombed by the Israelis last year because it was seen … Continue reading “In Beirut, Resistance Being Rebuilt Too”

BEIRUT – The influx of refugees from Palestinian areas and the inability of the government to do much for them has strengthened a unique NGO providing essential services. The Popular Aid for Relief and Development (PARD), which began working in the early 1980s before registering as an official NGO with the Lebanese government in 1990, … Continue reading “Lebanon’s Palestinian Refugees Learn to Substitute Government”

SRIFA, Southern Lebanon – Close to a million unexploded bombs are estimated to litter southern Lebanon, according to UN forces engaged in the hazardous task of removing them. The United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL) was created by the Security Council in 1978 to confirm an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon and restore international peace … Continue reading “In Southern Lebanon, One Unexploded Bomb Per Person”

BEIRUT – The killings of two pro-government Sunni Muslims has raised tensions across Lebanon. Rival political leaders have called for calm amidst fear that the killings could spark civil strife. The Lebanese police found the bodies Thursday of a pro-government supporter and a 12-year-old boy abducted earlier this week. The abduction was believed to be … Continue reading “Tensions Run High After Sunni Killings in Beirut”

AITA ECH CHAAB, Lebanon – People in this southern Lebanese village are rebuilding their destroyed houses with renewed vigor. And, with renewed loyalties to a combination of Hezbollah, Qatar and Iran. This village of about 3,000 less than a kilometer from the heavily guarded border with Israel was one of the first places bombed by … Continue reading “In Lebanon, Political Loyalties Being Rebuilt”