Bloodshed and Bombs in Baghdad

Whilst the world turns it's gaze to the atrocities in Syria, Baghdad has been bracing itself against further sectarian attacks following the worst wave of bloodshed in nearly five years. In July alone, over 1000 Iraqis were killed, and, on Wednesday, a further 70 people were killed, with another 200 injured, as at least ten bombs exploded across the city. 

One of the worst hit neighbourhood was Kadhimyah in Northern Baghdad, home to a predominantly Shiite population, as two bombs exploded in a car park followed by a suicide bomber, reportedly resulting in  10 fatalities, whilst injuring almost 30 more. In the South-East of the city, Jisr-Diyala another two bombs exploded, killing 7 and injuring many more. Across the city many more bombs exploded and in predominantly Shiite areas which has led to speculation that the attacks were carried out by Sunni militia, or even by Iraqi al Qaeda, however, as yet, no group has claimed responsibility.

The Interior Ministry have opposed the figures being reported by the media and claim that only around 20 have been killed. With growing concerns the country could be hurtling back towards the brutal civil war which saw thousands killed and millions displaced between 2006-2007, it may be an attempt to minimise casualties to try to reduce the likelihood of retaliation attacks?

We have heard so much about Iraq over the last decade that in the West we are at risk of becoming desensitized to the Iraqi plight and we cannot allow ourselves to think of people's deaths as simply numbers. Instead think of them as your brother, friend, father or child, anything to humanise the statistics we see so often. 

As the last of the U.S. troops left Iraq about eighteen months ago, the country is still struggling to unite it's population. Whilst I do not think a Western military presence is necessary, I do think it is important that some kind of international body steps in simply as an arbitrator. Otherwise attempts to build and maintain a functioning society, with as little sectarian attacks as possible, will ultimately fail. Perhaps I am being naive, but look at Palestine-Israel, look at Egypt and Syria, see what a factious state accomplishes? Now look towards Northern Ireland, proof that even though it takes time, and flare ups still do occur, these are the minority and change can happen and tentative peace can prevail. 

We all have to believe in something, and I believe in that.

Lora.

P.S. Almost forgot to mention, if you like my blog, feel free to follow me on Twitter @LoraDeeC.