The Long Shadow of American Wars on Iraq
The article explores the ongoing impact of American wars on Iraq, highlighting the struggles of its citizens amidst political turmoil. It details the violence involving Shia militias and foreign airstrikes, as well as the socio-economic challenges faced by the population. The narrative reflects on the deep-seated issues stemming from past conflicts and the current geopolitical landscape.
- ▪Iraq's oil sales contribute significantly to its economy, yet many citizens remain in precarious informal jobs with little protection.
- ▪Shia militias have been involved in retaliatory strikes against U.S. and Israeli targets following recent conflicts in the region.
- ▪The Popular Mobilization Forces claimed substantial losses due to airstrikes, highlighting the ongoing violence and instability in Iraq.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
On a recent afternoon, I was driving across Baghdad, resigned to the whims of my city’s traffic. An old woman in the backseat of the car beside mine sat with her lips sealed, her face catching the afternoon sun with the patient gravity of a pieta. Her gaze had settled on a child, lonesome and thin, working the edge of a roadside garbage dump. In a beige tracksuit, he was nearly invisible, almost dissolving into the place. He picked up a gunny sack, flipped it upside down, and mumbled something. He rummaged until his small hand landed on a pack of crisps—purple, apparently intact—and held it like a prize.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at TIME — Top.
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