Iraq: Ordinary Lives in Baghdad — or Under Siege?

Ordinary life hardly the norm in Baghdad

Leila Fadel (McClatchy Newspapers)

Bush “is speaking the opposite of what’s going on on the ground.”

Life in Baghdad is only normal if your idea of normalcy involves a daily routine of dodging bombs and bullets, and living in fear that each day will be your last.

President Bush says “Today, most of Baghdad’s neighborhoods are being patrolled by coalition and Iraqi forces who live among the people they protect. Many schools and markets are reopening. Citizens are coming forward with vital intelligence. Sectarian killings are down. And ordinary life is beginning to return.”

Out of touch with REALITY.

A related article from the NY Times:

Sectarian Toll Includes Scars to Iraq Psyche

Sabrina Tavernise (NY Times)

Iraqis have continued to flee their homes throughout the American troop increase, which began early this year, and despite assurances that it is becoming safe to return, uncrossable lines have been left in Iraqi minds and neighborhoods. Schools, hospitals and municipal buildings are quickly losing their diversity, and even moderate Iraqis … say they cannot imagine ever going back.