Dahr Jamail

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 President Saddam Hussein, on 30 December 2006 – on what many Iraqis are interpreting as a … Continue reading “Executions Not Leading to Iraqi Reconciliation”

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," Wayil Hikmet, an Iraqi historian in Baghdad told IPS. "That is what goes for … Continue reading “Shi’ite Infighting Increases Instability”

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 conditions under a siege that continues. Although military actions are down to … Continue reading “Fallujah Now Under a Different Kind of Siege”

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 violence in Iraq has fallen, and that the U.S. military "surge" … Continue reading “Baghdad: A Tale of One City, Now Two”

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 Baghdad and Iraq’s al-Anbar province, despite US military support for certain Sunni militias in the areas. … Continue reading “Fewer Deaths in Iraq Bring No Reassurance”

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 the company opened fire on them. Dozens of witnesses said … Continue reading “When Blackwater Kills,
No Questions Asked”

Iraq war veterans now stationed at a base here say that morale among US soldiers in the country is so poor, many are simply parking their Humvees and pretending to be on patrol, a practice dubbed "search and avoid" missions. Phil Aliff is an active duty soldier with the 10th Mountain Division stationed at Fort … Continue reading “Ill-Equipped Soldiers Opt for ‘Search and Avoid’”

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 house in the restive al-Anbar province to the … Continue reading “Assassination of Sheikh Shakes US Claims”

Reporting on Iraqi benchmarks in mid-September, Bush and his team of Gen. Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker sought to pin some of the blame on Iran. Eschewing diplomatic language during his testimony, Crocker boldly said, "Iran plays a harmful role in Iraq." Gen. David Petraeus added that Iran is fighting a "proxy war" in Iraq by … Continue reading “The Royal Treatment: Saudi Involvement in Iraq Overlooked”

BAGHDAD – As another school year begins in Iraq, parents approach it with dread, fearing for the safety of their children. With the security situation grimmer than ever all over the country, just stepping out of one’s house means a serious threat to life. "God knows how we could send our kids to school this … Continue reading “Back to School, Back to Horror”