How has the Iraq War affected the safety and security of Iraqis?

"The conflict in Iraq is inflicting immense suffering on the entire population. Civilians bear the brunt of the relentless violence and the extremely poor security conditions that are disrupting the lives and livelihoods of millions. Every day, dozens of people are killed and many more wounded. The plight of Iraqi civilians is a daily reminder of the fact that there has long been a failure to respect their lives and dignity.

Shootings, bombings, abductions, murders, military operations and other forms of violence are forcing thousands of people to flee their homes and seek safety elsewhere in Iraq or in neighbouring countries."

"Since June 2003, the overall security conditions in Iraq have deteriorated and grown more complex, as evidenced by increased numbers of attacks and, more recently, the growing Sunni/Shi’a sectarian strife, which has grown since the February 2006 bombing of the Golden Mosque in Samarra. Enemy-initiated attacks generally have increased around major religious or political events, including Ramadan and elections. Attack levels also follow a seasonal pattern, increasing through the spring and summer and decreasing in the winter months.

According to MNF-I [Multinational Force in Iraq] data, attack levels in July 2006 were the highest to date. Despite coalition efforts and the efforts of the newly formed Iraqi government, insurgents continue to demonstrate the ability to recruit new fighters, supply themselves, and attack coalition and Iraqi security forces...Moreover, the Sunni insurgency and Shi’a militias have contributed to an increase in sectarian strife that has resulted in large numbers of Iraqi civilian deaths and displaced individuals."

10/06 Johns Hopkins University 
Al Mustansiriya University 

The Human Cost of War in Iraq: A Mortality Study, 2002-2006   603 KB

"Kidnapping has flourished here since the fall of Saddam Hussein, as insurgents, militias and criminal gangs have taken advantage of the breakdown in social order. Iraq has caught up with the traditional world leaders in kidnapping -- like Colombia, Mexico and Brazil -- and may have surpassed them. The vast majority of victims are Iraqis. Between 5 and 30 are abducted every day, according to figures maintained by the American Embassy in Baghdad, though Iraqi and American officials acknowledge that any estimate is merely guesswork, since most kidnappings go unreported."

Q: "Some observers notice a phenomenon of massive exodus of Iraqis; many Iraqis, especially Sunnis, are leaving -mainly to Jordan in addition to other countries. How do you comment on this, and how can this affect Iraq's future and Iraq's demographics?"

Nadhmi: "The exodus of Iraqi civilians is true because of the the utter absence of security. A lot of qualified people are leaving the country to Jordan, Syria, and whatever country. I am not sure if the Sunnis have the upper line in this exodus; a lot of Shiites and Kurds are also leaving the country, which tells you a lot about the lack of security and services (electricity, water, fuel, unemployment, etc.)."