R
rdean
Guest
Baghdad and the rest of Iraq are already highly segregated places. Running from bombs, death squads and their own neighbors at the height of violence in 2006 and 2007, Sunnis and Shiites fled neighborhoods that were once mixed.
That violence and the resulting migrations slowed in 2008, but tensions are again swirling as a power struggle worsens between Shiite Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and Sunni politicians who have been largely sidelined since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein. And many fear increased violence could result.
Hala Abdul-Rahman's 17-year-old son was kidnapped in 2004 by Shiite militiamen while he was walking through the Sunni neighborhood of Dora in southern Baghdad. His father found the boy's body in a field days later.
Fearful, Iraq's Sunnis leave mixed areas - World news - Mideast/N. Africa - Conflict in Iraq
Iraq celebrates US exit: 'Dawn of a new day'
"I declare this day, the 31st of December, on which the withdrawal of foreign forces from Iraq is complete, as a national day," said Maliki in a televised ceremony, surrounded by security officials in dress uniforms.
"It is Iraq's day. It is a feast for all Iraqis. It is the dawn of a new day in Mesopotamia ... Your country is free."
"All of us for Iraq ... Glory is for the people," the message said. "I congratulate you and our proud Iraqi people on this great day in history ... My love and respect to you and your families. Your brother Nuri al-Maliki."
Iraq celebrates US exit: 'Dawn of a new day' - World news - Mideast/N. Africa - Conflict in Iraq
The biggest disgrace is that he says they are free NOW with America leaving. Not free because Saddam is dead but because we are gone. I can't even think of a bigger disaster for America than this fiasco. Help me on this people. Can any of you?
That violence and the resulting migrations slowed in 2008, but tensions are again swirling as a power struggle worsens between Shiite Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and Sunni politicians who have been largely sidelined since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein. And many fear increased violence could result.
Hala Abdul-Rahman's 17-year-old son was kidnapped in 2004 by Shiite militiamen while he was walking through the Sunni neighborhood of Dora in southern Baghdad. His father found the boy's body in a field days later.
Fearful, Iraq's Sunnis leave mixed areas - World news - Mideast/N. Africa - Conflict in Iraq
Iraq celebrates US exit: 'Dawn of a new day'
"I declare this day, the 31st of December, on which the withdrawal of foreign forces from Iraq is complete, as a national day," said Maliki in a televised ceremony, surrounded by security officials in dress uniforms.
"It is Iraq's day. It is a feast for all Iraqis. It is the dawn of a new day in Mesopotamia ... Your country is free."
"All of us for Iraq ... Glory is for the people," the message said. "I congratulate you and our proud Iraqi people on this great day in history ... My love and respect to you and your families. Your brother Nuri al-Maliki."
Iraq celebrates US exit: 'Dawn of a new day' - World news - Mideast/N. Africa - Conflict in Iraq
The biggest disgrace is that he says they are free NOW with America leaving. Not free because Saddam is dead but because we are gone. I can't even think of a bigger disaster for America than this fiasco. Help me on this people. Can any of you?