Local view of Iraqi death toll

Baghdad, Sept 2, (VOI) – The number of victims of "terrorist" explosions during the month of August 2007 reached 1,011, said the Iraqi interior ministry's national command center, discrediting as "inaccurate and exaggerated" reports that spoke of 1,773 people.
(Aswat Aliraq)

This report, though sketchy on details, seems to underscore the odd nature of the "civil war." The insurgents primarily target civilians. The technique gains them some local control of the population through fear and helps foment continued unrest, but there is no faction making any serious grab for land or political power.


I've enjoyed getting a better look at Pakistan's politics and view on the world through The News, so I'm auditioning an Iraqi newspaper, now.

Here's the mission statement, in part, for Aswat Aliraq (the Voice of Iraq):

Aswat al-Iraq will strive to be a centre for training young Iraqi journalists and media technicians, as well as instilling professional skills, accuracy and impartiality in its own reporters and editors.

The agency is managed by a Board of Directors, all of them Iraqi, and an Editorial Committee composed of:

Editor in Chief: Zuhair al-Jezairy

Editorial Secretary: Husain Mohammed Ajeel

We open our doors to all the media, dedicating ourselves to the idea that criticism is the best way to develop.

(Aswat Aliraq)

May they pursue their mission safely and successfully.