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Wed, 8 Oct 01:21:56 GMT17

 
Iraq in turmoil

Last reviewed: 04-07-2008

NATION TORN APART BY VIOLENCE


Tens of thousands of Iraqis have been killed since a U.S.-led invasion toppled the country's leader Saddam Hussein in 2003.

  • Millions displaced by violence
  • Basic services devastated by sanctions and war
  • Few international aid workers left

    Some have died in sectarian conflict, others in an insurgency aimed at ousting foreign troops and overthrowing the government.

    More than 4 million Iraqis are displaced - around half of them have fled abroad, mostly to Syria and Jordan.

    Kidnappings and suicide bombings have also driven out many international organisations and aid workers have been abducted and killed.

    Before the invasion, Iraqis had suffered decades of dictatorship, war and international sanctions. The economy was crippled and its infrastructure shattered.

    The invasion brought an end to sanctions and paved the way for elections and a new constitution. Billions of aid dollars have poured in to rebuild the country but the dire security situation and corruption have hampered reconstruction.

    KEY FACTS


    Deaths since invasion (estimates vary)
    Civilians killed by military intervention Civilians killed by military intervention: see Iraq Body Count*, a running tally based on media reports and morgue data
    600,000: estimate for violent deaths (Iraqi civilian and combatant) 2003-2006, according to U.S. researchers from Johns Hopkins University
    151,000: estimate for violent deaths (Iraqi civilian and combatant) 2003-2006, according to a U.N. World Health Organisation/Iraqi government survey
    1.03 million: estimate for violent deaths (Iraqi civilian and combatant) 2003-2007, according to a survey by British polling agency Opinion Research Business
    Displaced
    Internally displaced 2.8 million (IDMC estimate, March 2008)
    Displaced outside Iraq 2.2 million (UNHCR estimate, September 2007)
    Child mortality
    Under five mortality rate 1990 50 per 1,000 live births (UNICEF)
    Under five mortality rate 2005 125 per 1,000 live births (UNICEF State of the World's Children report)
    Infant mortality rate 1990 40 per 1,000 live births (UNICEF)
    Infant mortality rate 2005 102 per 1,000 live births (UNICEF State of the World's Children)


    * Iraq Body Count is run by academics and peace activists who keep track of deaths reported in the media. The IBC says the figure underestimates the true number.


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    Demonstrators hold pictures of their missing and killed relatives during a protest in Najaf, 160 km (99 miles) south of Baghdad, October 7, 2008. Thousands of demonstrators from all Iraq’s provinces ...


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