IRAQ: Shortage in food rations raises concern

[sabra]

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http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/IRIN/1103bcab2f50ecb7fff784ab858205dd.htm

IRAQ: Shortage in food rations raises concern


BAGHDAD, 25 July (IRIN) - A shortage of items in Iraq's monthly food rations is starting to worry government planners and the UN World Food Programme, particularly as most of the Iraqi population still depends on food aid.

"There is a shortage of oil, tea, sugar, rice and washing powder, across all governorates," said Ali Mazlon, deputy director of the state company for food stuff at the Ministry of Trade, which is responsible for the distribution of food items under the Public Distribution System .

...

"This situation has been exacerbated by the continuing shortages in water and electricity, and now increasingly in fuel such as gas, kerosene and petrol."

Mazlon said there were several reasons for the shortages. First of all there was insecurity, he said, with few trucking companies willing to operate in Iraq because of the kidnapping of some drivers and threats to others, particularly on the western border with Syria.
There has also been a slow response to Iraq's food and commodity needs by suppliers, he added.

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[donco6]

1. Can this possibly get any worse?

:shrug:

[sabra]

2. civil war?

or is that already happening?

[donco6]

3. I think if they had more guns it would be.

Whaddya wanna bet that this scenario will take place soon:

The US realizes it's lost control and has to step back to regroup. One of the warlords begins to gather more support than any others, and we decide to throw our lot in with him. We supply weapons to this guy, who consolidates power. Eventually, he takes Baghdad and becomes president. Ruling with an iron fist and squashing any dissent, he brings "peace" to the region.

I think that guy's name is Saddam . . . could swear I saw that somewhere.