More than two million Iraqis, out of a population of about 25 million, have taken refuge in neighboring countries, but only a few have gained official refugee status.
The separation of religious groups in the face of sectarian violence has brought some semblance of relative calm to Baghdad. But many Iraqis see this as the uncertain consequence of a divide and rule policy.
The recent resignations of Iraq's Army Chief of Staff and several of his council military leaders underscore a continuing decomposition of Iraq's U.S.-backed government.
The Air Force has also been expanding its air bases in Iraq and adding entire squadrons -- is the escalation in air power a sign of defeat on the ground?
Two security plans drawn up by U.S. forces failed dramatically, with a series of bombings last week that killed more than 300 people in Baghdad. Iraqis blame the occupation for the bloodbath.
Even the food system in Iraq is plagued by insecurities. Once a large agricultural exporter, Iraq's food supply has fallen apart under the U.S.-led occupation.
The Iraqi government lied about the killing of hundreds of Shias in an attack on Sunday aided by American forces, with the possible motive of stifling growing Shia-Sunni unity in the area of Najaf.
Most Iraqi businesses have collapsed under the weight of U.S.-backed economic laws, the breakdown of security, lack of electricity and fuel, and soaring inflation.
