Syrian Kurds Flee to Northern Iraq - Slide Show - NYTimes.com

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2013/08/23/world/middleeast/20130823REFUGEE.html?emc=edit_tnt_20130824&tntemail0=y#1

Syria - Iraq squabble continues

Malaki continues to play the Syrian card to account for increasing levels of violence within Iraq. Truth is most of Iraq's neighbors are responsible for destabilising that country in their different ways - but Syria makes a convenient whipping boy.

Kuwait Times - 20 September, 2009
A meeting of Iraqi and Syrian officials over accusations Damascus shelters Iraqi insurgents yielded nothing and further talks were unlikely to do much better, Iraq's government said yesterday. Government spokesman Ali Al-Dabbagh said there was a lack of political will on the part of Syria.

Prostitution ordeal of Iraqi girls

Mialy emerged from the shadows to send this story in which the BBC's Lina Sinjab investigates the growing problem of sex trafficking and prostitution among Iraqi refugees in Syria. Mialy writes: "thought you might be interested in this article. Unfortunately it's pretty shocking and sad the difficulties and sexual exploitation of young women and girls caused by the mess that is Iraq but it's often overlooked ..."

TO VIEW STORY CLICK HERE

The Dems' Dirty Game in the Middle East

Farid sends a Syrian opposition perspective ON IRAQ:

Using proxies to wage war--against the Bush administration.
Washington DC, May 3, 2007/Lee Smith - The Weekly Standard/ -- WITH THE DEMOCRATS pushing so hard for withdrawal from Iraq, the party seems unaware that they may be making the job much harder for themselves should they get the chance to govern again someday. After all, the United States has many vital strategic interests in the region, and it is not obvious how a plan no more elaborate than bringing our troops home from Iraq will protect, for instance, the free flow of affordable Persian Gulf oil.
The Democrats are playing a dirty game in the Middle East, where, just like Arab regimes, they are using proxies to wage war--except their war is against the Bush administration. Iraq is one venue, and Syria another.

TO VIEW FULL ARTICLE CLICK HERE

The New Iraq

This has been sent to us by the RPS (we have edited it). We commented in return: DID YOU KNOW THAT ALL KIDNAPPINGS IN BAGHDAD ARE CARRIED OUT BY THE POLICE FORCE

Washington DC - April 2, 2007/RPS/ -- Iraq is developing into a powerhouse. But if you read or watch our media, you would think Iraq is on the brink of civil war. The truth is the New Iraq is stronger and more stable than many of us believe. The images we get are intended to undermine the world's perception of the United States thus minimizing consequent support. It is also intended to discourage American citizens. For example:

Did you know that 47 countries have reestablished their embassies in Iraq ?
Did you know that 3100 schools have been renovated, 364 schools are underrehabilitation, 263 new schools are now under construction and 38 newschools have been completed in Iraq ?
Did you know that Iraq 's higher educational structure consists of 20 Universities, 46 Institutes or colleges and 4 research centers, all currently operating?
Did you know that the Iraqi Navy is operational? They have 5 - 100-foot patrol craft, 34 smaller vessels and a navalinfantry regiment.
Did you know that Iraq 's Air Force consists of three operational squadrons, which includes 9 reconnaissance and 3 US C-130 transport aircraft (underIraqi operational control) which operate day and night, and will soon add 16UH-1 helicopters and 4 Bell Jet Rangers?
Did you know that the Iraqi Police Service has over 55,000 fully trained and equipped police officers?
Did you know that Iraq has an independent media that consists of 75 radio stations, 180 newspapers and 10 television stations?
Did you know that the Baghdad Stock Exchange opened in June of 2004?

US to talk toIran and Syria

What a difference a day makes - suddenly there is a possibility of a graceful exit from Iraq after all:

The news that President Bush is set to talk with Iran on the future of Iraq following the announcement of a shift by the US Secretary of Stateheadlines all papers. These anticipated talks will see America and Britain join Iraq and its neighbours, notably Syria.

Bush to talk with Iran on future of Iraq Toby Harnden

President George Bush signalled a dramatic shift in his Middle East policy last night by agreeing to discuss the future of Iraq with Iran and Syria.