Alive in Baghdad

The Electricity in Baghdad, and indeed all of Iraq, has been an ongoing problem. As the war and occupation nearly approach their 4th anniversary, these problems continue. Although the press generally more » The Electricity in Baghdad, and indeed all of Iraq, has been an ongoing problem. As the war and occupation nearly approach their 4th anniversary, these problems continue. Although the press generally doesn’t touch on such issues, even today in much of Baghdad, residents only receive a few hours of electricity per day from the grid. Those who could afford it have taken to using private generators for much of their electricity supply. The electricity problems have also been a huge rallying point for Anti-American, and sometimes even pro-Saddam sentiment. Iraqis are quick to remind foreigners that in Saddam’s time, after the utter destruction of the electrical grid during the Gulf War in 1991, the electricity had basic functionality within 3 months. Electricity is now just one of many issues that, if solved in even a small way, could go far in settling the intransigent resistance and putting Iraq back on the road to stability.« less

It’s nearly a daily occurrence that we read in the news of a half dozen or more insurgents or resistance fighters killed by US, Coalition, or Iraqi security forces. Rarely, however, do we hear the fu more » It’s nearly a daily occurrence that we read in the news of a half dozen or more insurgents or resistance fighters killed by US, Coalition, or Iraqi security forces. Rarely, however, do we hear the full story, rarely do we hear of the fighter, or martyr’s experience. Although the press generally refers to them as insurgents, Iraqis killed on all sides of the conflict are generally referred to in Iraq as martyrs. Ali was one fighter among many who have been killed during the war in Iraq. He was killed during one of many shootouts in the past year in Adhamiya. Correspondent Isam Rasheed met his mother by chance in a new cemetery that has been built for Martyrs, those killed by Coalition forces or in the rising sectarian violence. Iraqis, and Arabs generally, have vastly different opinions of the resistance movement. Please consider making a donation to support the work of Isam Rasheed and our other correspondents in Baghdad!« less