Despite promises of democracy and safety, Iraq remains gripped by civil strife, death and terror three years after the American-led invasion of the country. A nation that was once united is now disintegrating. Security in Iraq under the occupation no longer exists. Going out to buy a newspaper could cost you your life. People are being killed as they are filling up their cars at petrol stations or as they simply shop for necessities.
"I buy a lot of food for my family so that I would not need to go so many times to the market, because you might be killed by a car bomb," said Hussam Kamel, 41, an engineer from Baghdad. "The last explosion in Sadr City blew shoppers and vendors to pieces," he added. Hussam also complained that the monthly food rations have not been distributed by the government for three months. During this period food prices have increased dramatically.
Like Hussam, many Iraqis have taken to locking themselves inside their houses, venturing out only for essentials. Even at home, however, many people do not feel safe, especially after the latest sectarian violence between Sunni and Shi'a militia. Mixed areas of Baghdad such as Al-Saydia have become a battlefield. It is not unusual under such circumstances to have one member of the family keep vigil throughout the night to guard the house from possible attacks.
"I have two Kalashnikovs in my house, one for me and one for my father," said Mahmoud Al-Rawi, 31, a storekeeper. "I guard the house for the first half of the night then my father takes over until morning. We need to defend ourselves."
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http://english.ohmynews.com/articleview/article_view.asp?at_code=322742
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