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Section International Review of the Red Cross, 2007 - No. 868 
The war in Iraq presents challenges to all those involved in it, including humanitarian actors. In this issue of the Review, various authors look at the socio-political and humanitarian environment in Iraq today and assess the impact of the conflict on humanitarian law and humanitarian action. The issue is divided into two parts: The first part (Iraq I, December 2007 edition) comprises all articles dealing with the socio-political and humanitarian environment, while the second one (Iraq II, March 2008 edition) is concerned with humanitarian law and action. It is hoped that the author's insights into these topics will contribute to a better understanding of the complexity of this conflict and point towards possible ways to alleviate the suffering of the Iraqi people. Texts published by the Review reflect the views of the author alone and not necessarily those of the ICRC or of the Review. Only texts bearing an ICRC signature may be ascribed to the institution.  EditorialSocio-political and humanitarian environment31-12-2007 Interview with His Royal Highness Prince Hassan of JordanIn the interview, His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal stressed the need for the application of humanitarian principles to the conflict in Iraq and evoked that justice and the respect of human rights must be ensured by all parties. One way to protect human rights is by establishing a common humanitarian order, a "law of peace", as the Prince calls it. International Review of the Red Cross Includes PDF 31-12-2007 A new sectarian threat in the Middle East?A Shiite resurgence in Iraq has generated a region-wide Sunni backlash. After discussing the schism’s origins, manifestations and implications, the author concludes that the primary battle in the region is between the United States and Iran. The most effective long-term response to sectarianism itself, however, will likely come from systemic restraints that exist in the form of countervailing loyalties that prevent any single allegiance, such as religious adherence, from becoming paramount. International Review of the Red Cross Includes PDF 31-12-2007 The Kurds as parties to and victims of conflicts in IraqAfter decades of fighting and suffering, the Kurds in Iraq have achieved far-reaching self-rule. Looking at the history of conflicts and alliances between the Kurds and their counterparts inside Iraq and beyond its borders, the authors find that the region faces an uncertain future. A federal and democratic Iraq however, could offer a rare opportunity for a peaceful settlement of the Kurdish question in Iraq - and for national reconciliation. International Review of the Red Cross Includes PDF 31-12-2007 Ethnicity, federalism and the idea of sectarian citizenship in Iraq: a critiqueThe article discusses the “ethnic paradigm” that currently prevails in analyses of Iraqi history and politics. While acknowledging the strong forces associated with ethnic and sectarian loyalties in the country, the article points to three important indicators of the surviving Iraqi nationalist sentiment that cuts across these ethno-sectarian categories. International Review of the Red Cross Includes PDF 31-12-2007 The strategic importance of the Internet for armed insurgent groups in modern warfareThis article shows that groups engaged in a jihad have made the Internet their main outlet to the world. With a particular focus on Iraq, the author argues that the Internet does not serve as a platform of recruitment for jihad but is rather the most effective way for armed insurgent groups to win the “hearts and minds” of Muslims worldwide. International Review of the Red Cross Includes PDF 31-12-2007 Islam as a point of reference for political and social groups in IraqIraq occupies a special position in the general context of re-islamization of Arab societies because of the US occupation and the absence of a viable State. The attempt to rebuild communities under the aegis of the United States led to a widespread withdrawal back into communities in which Islam plays a vital role. It looks as if a secularized form of Islam is likely to fuel the fighting, which is all the more inexpiable because each person believes he is fighting for survival as a member of his community. International Review of the Red Cross Includes PDF 31-12-2007 The media and Iraq: a blood bath for and gross dehumanization of IraqisWhile the end of the Saddam Hussein regime has reopened the way for vibrant media activity, the absence of security for members of the media has had a high human cost. The author further argues that there has been no serious attempt by the western or even Arab media to focus on the human side of Iraq. Iraqi civilian death tolls are treated as nothing more than statistics. International Review of the Red Cross Includes PDF 31-12-2007 The crisis of professional responsibility in Iraqi journalism: avoiding incitement to violence and armed conflictThe article promotes that the current journalistic challenges in Iraq necessitates a commitment by journalists to their professional responsibility. A code of principles could avoid the dangers of sliding into the implications that result from armed sectarian conflicts and could help journalists assist the victims and promote a spirit of tolerance and reconciliation in Iraq. International Review of the Red Cross Includes PDF 31-12-2007 Assessing the human tragedy in IraqBefore a framework can be set for efforts centred on human security to combat chaos, instability and insecurity in conflict areas must be understood and discussed. This article analyses the human tragedy in Iraq. It shows that it extends beyond our current perception of the situation and emphasises the need for reconciliation between the various groups in Iraq. International Review of the Red Cross Includes PDF 31-12-2007 Humanitarian implications of the wars in IraqThe current situation in Iraq could be described as a "war on civilians". Going beyond the direct victims of the conflict, this article deals with the daily problems faced by Iraqi society, such as the lack of security in terms of housing, education and health care. The forcible eviction of many Iraqis is, however, remains the main problem threatening the basic cohesion of Iraqi society. International Review of the Red Cross Includes PDF 31-12-2007 Wartime estimates of Iraqi civilian casualtiesChallenges exist when making reliable and valid estimates of civilian mortality due to war. This article discusses a framework used to examine war’s impact on civilian, considers challenges common to each statistical approach taken to estimate civilian casualties and proposes other approaches to estimating Iraqi civilian mortality after fighting has ceased. International Review of the Red Cross Includes PDF  |
