IRAQ: Baghdad residents take security into own hands

[ECH1969]

In response to increasing cases of kidnapping, robbery and theft in the capital, Baghdad, residents are joining forces to protect themselves and their families by taking security matters into their own hands.

"We had to choose between waiting for robbers to enter our houses and going out in the streets and protecting ourselves," said Ahmed Salam, a resident of the Hay al-Adel district. In recent weeks, groups of men from seven districts of the capital have formed informal security committees, organising eight-hour shifts and erecting roadblocks in central areas of the capital.

The move comes after a series of meetings between both Sunni and Shi'ite religous leaders, as well as representatives of the capital's Christian community.

"When you're protecting your loved ones, there are no religious differences," said Hassan Baduk, a committee leader in the Hay Jamia'a district of the capital. Committee members armed with pistols and Kalashnikov rifles, available on the black market for as little as US $100 apiece, alternate positions during the day at dozens of improvised check-points. At least 50 men from each district are involved in the operation.

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/IRIN/d08a4f0271fb4fd688d12ac60ea05d28.htm

[thebigidea]

1. until we disagree with them, when they become "radical militias"

[Rex]

2. See, see how democracy works?!?!

And all this time you thought it would fail. :sarcasm: