Iraq: over 3,700 civilians killed in October in new monthly high, UN reports

[ECH1969]

The number of Iraqi civilians killed in October reached a new high of 3,709, the influence of armed militias is growing, and torture continues to be rampant despite the Government’s commitment to address human rights abuses, according to the latest United Nations rights report on the strife-torn country.

The report paints a grim picture virtually across the board, from attacks on journalists, judges and lawyers and the worsening situation of women to displacement, violence against religious minorities and the targeting of schools.

The Mission called on the Government, the United States-led multinational force and the international community to increase efforts to reassert the State authority and respect for the rule of law by dismantling the growing influence of militias, fighting corruption and organized crime and maintaining discipline within the security and armed forces.

“The civilian population of Iraq continues to be victims of terrorist acts, roadside bombs, drive-by shootings, cross fire between rival gangs, or between police and insurgents, kidnappings, military operations, crime and police abuse,” the report says, noting that sectarian violence seems to be the main cause.

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=20676&Cr=iraq&Cr1=

[ProSense]

1. Very grim statistic!

This should be all over the media!

[Xenotime]

2. Shock and Awe

[AngryAmish]

3. Why are they killing each other?

Do we need to install a strongman a la Hussein? Do we need an India/Pakistan partition?

[ECH1969]

5. A nicer version of Saddam is really the only solution

The current government is beholden to the militias to stay in power so it can't stop them without collapsing the government.

Breaking up Iraq would just lead to 3 states warring with each other and outside powers carving up the weapon and divided little countries.

[theophilus]

4. This is Iraq's fault

for letting us invade them!!! :sarcasm:

This makes me want to :puke: (No sarcasm.)

[qwlauren35]

6. Does Iraq Need to Be Split?

Like Germany, Ireland, Vietnam, Korea, etc?

Could a Sunni state and Shiite state both be economically viable? Would it solve ANYTHING?

[ECH1969]

7. No

This isn't a two sided war for power. It is instead about a 7 sideded war for power.

Shia are killing each other by the dozens everyday as are Sunnis.