Iraq's police overwhelmed by violence

[Barrett808]

Iraq's police overwhelmed by violence
By Dan Murphy, Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor
Fri Jul 21, 4:00 AM ET

BAGHDAD - At her home in central Baghdad, Niran al-Sammarai frets over the fate of her husband, kidnapped Saturday with 30 of his colleagues from a conference hall in one of the most heavily patrolled parts of Baghdad.

In Rasafah district, a police captain says he and colleagues are contemplating mass resignations in frustration over mistrust from US forces and orders from Iraqi politicians to release known criminals.

In the once fashionable Mansoor shopping district, metal grates are drawn over half of the businesses. And in Karada, one of Baghdad's safest neighborhoods, many of the businesses are shuttered too. The remaining shopkeepers complain that poor security is driving customers away.

In Baghdad and across much of the center and south of the country, the rhythms of normal life and commerce are rapidly breaking down in a sign that US and Iraqi government plans to build an effective security force are faltering. Reports of police standing aside as civilians get attacked are common, as are claims by survivors that government security forces, infiltrated by sectarian militias, took part in the killings.

(more)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/csm/20060721/wl_csm/oolympic

[wtmusic]

1. You can expect this Admin refrain to get louder:

"The Iraqis must take control of their government, or be prepared to accept the consequences. The Iraqis must step up to the plate and stop the violence."

It's not our fault!

[rodeodance]

3. yes. I believe the Iraqi PM is sceduled to be in the US in a few days.

[saigon68]

2. Lots of Pantywaist Quislings

Cowering in their holes

[Ka hrnt]

4. Lovely...

...what a freaking mess.

[RedEarth]

5. Freedom is on the march