The Iraq Index [PDF] is a statistical compilation of economic and security data. This resource will provide updated information on various criteria, including crime, telephone and water service, troop fatalities, unemployment, Iraqi security forces, oil production, and coalition troop strength.
The index is designed to quantify the rebuilding efforts and offer an objective set of criteria for benchmarking performance. It is the first in-depth, non-partisan assessment of American efforts in Iraq, and is based primarily on U.S. government information. Although measurements of progress in any nation-building effort can never be reduced to purely quantitative data, a comprehensive compilation of such information can provide a clearer picture and contribute to a healthier and better informed debate.
The social safety net and protective housing laws that were in place before the war have crashed, leaving an ever greater number of families vulnerable.
In Baghdad alone, more than 54,000 people have been identified as homeless, and the numbers increase daily. Many more people remain in their homes but live there in dire poverty. Jobs have not materialized in post-war Iraq, resulting in an unemployment rate of more than 50 percent. The housing shortage stands at 1.4 million.
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As winter approaches, AFSC is bringing material aid to 840 Iraqi families—nearly 4,000 people—forced to live in abandoned lands and buildings at the squatters' camps of Al Salam, Al Gazalia, and Al Huda in Baghdad. In partnership with Mennonite Central Committee and CARE, AFSC distributed hygiene buckets to each family. In addition, AFSC has purchased canisters of much needed cooking fuel (propane), which will be distributed to the families over the next couple of weeks through a local implementing partnership with the Organization for Women's Freedom in Iraq (OWFI).
June 2003 July 2003 August 2003 September 2003 October 2003 November 2003 December 2003 January 2004 February 2004 March 2004 April 2004 May 2004 April 2007
Best New Blog finalist - 2003 Koufax Awards
A non-violent, counter-dominant, left-liberal, possibly charismatic, quasi anarcho-libertarian Quaker's take on politics, volleyball, and other esoterica.
Lo alecha ha-m'lacha ligmor, v'lo atah ben chorin l'hibateyl mimenah.
Cairo wonders when I'll be fair
and balanced and go throw sticks...