Reviewing the news from Iraq on the mainstream sources the past two days, variations of one headline repeats over and over – let’s use the WaPo AP version for our text:

Deaths in Iraq plunge, but will it last?

Of course, when they say “Deaths” they really mean American deaths … we’ve come to expect that but they also go on to claim that Iraqi deaths are down too:

At least 532 Iraqi civilians and security troopers were killed during the month, according to figures compiled by The Associated Press from Iraqi police and military reports. That’s down sharply from April’s figure of 1,080 and the lowest monthly total this year, according to the AP count.

Cause for celebration? Well, aside from the absurd idea that 532 is good news, look closely at that statement. “Iraqi civilians and security troopers” “from Iraqi police and military reports” … as we’ve seen from repeated reports of civilian casualties caused by US forces, Iraqis killed while sleeping at home in the path of US air strikes or walking or driving or just scavenging food in the markets are considered “insurgents” and so do not count.

But let’s look further.

First I did a quick glance at the headlines at Aswat Al Iraq … as I do everyday. Not exactly peace and security …

Then I looked at the latest stories over at GorillasGuides. First:

Between 9 in the evening yesterday an midday today June 1st 2008 18 people were reported killed, 36 reported wounded and 84 detained.

and then an update:

This brings the total for today to 22 killed and 40 wounded. With 92 detentions (49 of them in Hit following the bombing.)

Also 9 unemployed civilians who were queuing for work in Mosul were shot by a policeman apparently by accident. From the report it sounds like he had his safety catch off. 

Mohammed Ibn Laith also points us to a story in The Guardian’s Observer coverage:

Five weeks ago Leila Hussein told The Observer the chilling story of how her husband had killed their 17-year-old daughter over her friendship with a British soldier in Basra. Now Leila, who had been in hiding, has been murdered – gunned down in cold blood.

And markfromireland was kind enough to translate the information in Fatima Jameel’s post – here’s the gist:

"But in recent decades the phenomenon of breast cancers among young and middle-aged women has increased markedly and [in a manner] unprecedented in Basrah or Irak in general"

It gives statistics from the hospital in Basrah:

137 women in 2003 including 40 under the age of 39.

126 women in 2004 of whom 41 were under 30.

145 women in 2005 including 11 women between 15 and 20.

262 women in 2007 including 14 girls (pre-teens)

Result of continuing to use Depleted Uranium munitions? While there’s no "proof" at the moment, the history of extensive DU bombing in the region during Gulf War I as well as the ongoing air strikes is at least grounds for strong suspicions.

Meanwhile, reports from Mosul continue to be horrifying – from the discovery of a mass grave to the ongoing siege.

And so, while the US press and likely all sorts of US “leaders” will now celebrate the “progress” in Iraq, once again the real story is that there is no cause for celebration for the Iraqi people.

With that in mind, we’ve talked over the past few weeks about ways we could provide some direct help and three ideas have been suggested:

1- a blogswarm to fundraise for Red Crescent
2- book shipments via A Star from Mosul for academic texts for the university
3- a web campaign – via Facebook, MySpace and more – to demand at minimum Red Crescent visitation privileges for the Iraqi youths detained in US camp prisons.

And we’re exploring ways to assist given the dangerous water conditions that are worsening with the drought. More on that as we get it.

If folks would like to help with any or all of these, please let us know in comments – and contribute your suggestions on the best ways to make these campaigns a success.

Video from "No Comment TV" – caption: Despite improved security in Iraq, families still worry about the safety of their children when stepping out of house for school. 

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